Power Transfer Switches
What are power transfer switches?
*This Page was Updated on 2/25/2021.
Power transfer switches are a type of switch that has been specifically designed for use in the marine industry. They are built to transfer power input from the generator onboard your boat to the shore power box you can connect to at the dock. What that means is that you can save unneeded usage of your generator and save it for when you are out on the water. Power transfer switches are designed to handle the toughest marine environments out there and are built from rugged, non-corrosive nylon and melamine materials. These materials are chosen to extend the life of the power transfer switch and ensure that when you need it, it is ready to go.
"Power transfer switches are designed to handle the toughest marine environments out there and are built from rugged, non-corrosive nylon and melamine materials."
What is the difference between these switches?
Each of the power transfer switches that we offer is vastly different from any of the others for a few specific reasons. For starters, the number of poles can vary. This means that you can get the switch you need based on the number of circuits you need to connect. Additionally, you can select the amperages available as well. Different power requirements may call for different amperages and as such, we make sure to carry a wide range of amperages to ensure that you can get exactly what you need.
Ship Shore PTS
The ship shore power transfer switch is your basic power transfer switch. Consisting of three positions; Shore / Off / Generator, this switch allows you to easily change between shore power or generator power. Ship shore switches are available in 2, 3, or 4 pole options and a whole range of amperages. The different amperages are available to meet the specific needs of varying vessels. Amperages including 10-amp, 15-amp, 20-amp, 25-amp, 35-amp, 50-amp, 65-amp, 100-amp, and 150-amp. With all the possible combinations, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for.
Multi-Step PTS
The multi-step power transfer switch is designed to allow you to combine multiple shore power sources in order to power your vessel. The three positions; Shore 1 / Shore 1 & 2 / Generator, give you more options than you’ll get with the ship shore power transfer switches. In this way, you can still draw power from one source if needed however, you’ll have the option to draw from two sources when possible. One factor that separates all power transfer switches from other styles is the level of safety that these switches have built-in.
What safety features do these switches offer?
All power transfer switch has been designed with safety in mind and as such is made with a non-conductive switch body and handle. This prevent accidental shocks and shorts. The multistep power transfer switch also carries “break-before-make” technology meaning that a circuit is disconnected before another is connected. This can help to prevent the momentary connection between the old signal path and the new signal path. So not only are power transfer switches safe for human operation, some of them offer a safer connection and disconnection method protecting your electrical system over time. Whereas some switches are built to get a job done and that is it, power transfer switches are built with safety in mind. The best part is that this is only one of the advantages that these switches offer.
Non-Conductive Body
Break-before-make
Rugged Durability
How are power transfer switches advantageous?
Power transfer switches are advantageous in that they allow you to extend the life of your generator by not relying solely on the generator’s power. To only use your generator, especially when docked, wears down its internal parts faster and means you will have to replace it sooner. Power transfer switches alleviate this issue by allowing you to draw power from shore rather than the generator. This fact alone makes them a solid and safe investment.
Why should I use the cover plate?
The cover plate is for use with the EPTS-MS-65A multi-step power transfer switch. This cover plate identifies the position of the switch so that you can easily select the exact position that you need. With three positions, Shore 1 / Shore 1 & 2 / Generator, you will need to be able to know which position is which. This is why using a cover plate is essential with the EPTS-MS-65A. The multi-step power transfer switch is the only one that requires an additional cover plate as the other types of power transfer switches do not need the additional cover plate.
Why choose Pacer Group?
Pacer Group has over forty years in the marine industry and has used that time to build a reputation as an industry leader and an expert in marine parts. If you see it on our site, we have put that part through a battery of tests and ensured it meets our high standards. In this way, we cultivate a catalog of high-quality products. You can trust that when you see Pacer Group on your products, you know that you have quality.
