What Is a Changeover Switch and Why Should You Care?

Picture this: the power goes out. Your fridge stops humming, the lights flicker off, and suddenly your house is quieter than a busted extension lead.

You’ve got a generator ready. But now what? Do you run a maze of cords through windows? Flick breakers you don’t understand? Hope for the best?

This is where the changeover switch comes in. And yes, it’s worth caring about.

So, What Is a Changeover Switch?

A changeover switch is a device that lets your home or business safely switch between grid power and your generator. Think of it like traffic lights for electricity. It controls which direction the power flows and makes sure your generator and the grid never feed into the system at the same time. That sort of thing can get dangerous fast.

There are two main types:

  • Manual changeover switch – You flick the switch when the power goes out, and again when it returns.

  • Automatic changeover switch – It does the thinking for you. The moment mains power drops, the generator kicks in. No hands needed.

⚠️ Why You Should Care

Without a changeover switch, running a generator can feel like a dodgy workaround. You’re dragging cords through windows, only powering part of your home, and risking electrical hazards. One of the biggest risks is backfeeding. That’s when your generator accidentally sends power back into the grid, which can injure utility workers or fry your equipment when power returns.

With a changeover switch installed, everything is neat, safe, and connected properly. Your essential appliances run through the switchboard, just like normal.

Installed by Licensed Electricians (That’s Us)

A changeover switch isn’t a plug-and-play gadget. It needs to be installed by a licensed electrician and must meet AS/NZS 3000 standards. That’s exactly what we do.

We assess your needs, recommend the right switch, install it the right way, and test it thoroughly. Simple. No guesswork. Just power that works when you need it.

Final Word

A changeover switch might not sound exciting, but when the lights go out, it becomes the unsung hero.

No more extension leads. No more confusion. Just backup power that works.

Already have a generator but no switch?
We can help.
📞 Call us today for expert advice and proper setup.

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