Power cuts are no longer rare in Ireland. In fact, storms, grid upgrades, and increased electrical demand mean outages are happening more often and lasting longer. Because of this, more homeowners and businesses are turning to generators.
However, a generator is only safe when installed with a changeover switch.
At Peter Burke Electrical Ltd, we install compliant, future-proof changeover switch systems that keep properties powered safely, legally, and reliably. Below, we explain exactly how a changeover switch works, why it’s required under Irish regulations, and how it protects your property.
What Is a Changeover Switch?
Put simply, a changeover switch allows your electrical installation to select one power source at a time:
- ESB Networks mains electricity, or
- A backup generator
Most importantly, it physically isolates the ESB supply before the generator can energise the system. As a result, electricity can never feed back into the national grid.
This is not optional. Under Irish electrical regulations (NSAI I.S. 10101), any generator connection must be installed with a compliant changeover arrangement.
Why a Changeover Switch Is Mandatory in Ireland
Many people ask, “Why can’t I just plug the generator in?”
The answer is simple: it’s extremely dangerous and illegal.
Without a changeover switch:
- Generator power can back-feed into ESB lines
- ESB engineers are put at serious risk of electrocution
- Your fuse board and appliances can be destroyed
- Fire risk increases dramatically
- Insurance cover may be invalidated
In contrast, a correctly installed changeover switch eliminates all of these risks instantly.
How a Manual Changeover Switch Works (Step by Step)
A manual changeover switch is the most common solution for Irish homes and farms because it is simple, robust, and cost-effective.
Here’s how it works in real life:
1. Normal Operation
Under normal conditions, your property runs entirely on ESB mains power.
2. Power Cut Occurs
When the ESB supply fails, your installation shuts down safely.
3. Generator Is Started
You start your generator outdoors and connect it to a dedicated generator inlet socket.
4. Switch to Generator Supply
You physically move the changeover switch from Mains to Generator.
At this point:
- The ESB supply is fully isolated
- Generator power feeds selected circuits only
5. Power Returns
Once ESB power is restored, you switch back to Mains and shut down the generator.
Because the system is mechanical and interlocked, both supplies can never be connected at the same time.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Power Without Lifting a Finger
For customers who need instant, uninterrupted power, we install Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) systems.
An ATS:
- Detects ESB failure immediately
- Starts the generator automatically
- Transfers the load safely
- Switches back to mains when power returns
- Shuts the generator down automatically
As a result, ATS systems are ideal for:
- Businesses and offices
- Medical or mobility equipment
- Farms and milking parlours
- Servers, alarms, and communications
What Can a Changeover Switch Power?
During installation, we carefully design the system so your generator supplies essential circuits only. This keeps the generator stable and efficient.
Common circuits include:
- Lighting
- Heating and boiler controls
- Fridges and freezers
- Internet and TV
- Water pumps and wells
- Electric gates and alarm systems
By doing this, we:
- Prevent generator overload
- Extend runtime during outages
- Reduce fuel consumption
- Improve reliability
Safe Electric & Irish Regulation Compliance
Every changeover switch installed by Peter Burke Electrical Ltd is:
- Installed by Safe Electric Registered Electricians
- Fully compliant with NSAI I.S. 10101
- Correctly isolated, earthed, and labelled
- Tested before commissioning
- Certified on completion
In other words, the installation is safe, legal, and insurance-approved.
Key Benefits of Installing a Changeover Switch
✔ Safe generator operation
✔ Legal compliance in Ireland
✔ Protection for ESB engineers
✔ No risk of back-feeding
✔ Reliable power during outages
✔ Increased property resilience
Given Ireland’s changing climate, a changeover switch is no longer a luxury — it’s a practical necessity.
Professional Changeover Switch Installers in Ireland
At Peter Burke Electrical Ltd, we specialise in:
- Manual changeover switch installations
- Automatic transfer switch (ATS) systems
- Generator supply and hookup packages
- Hybrid solar, battery, and generator solutions
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 087-6789596
🌐 Website: www.pbe.ie
📧 Email: [email protected]
📧 Email: [email protected]