Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Installations
Automatic Transfer Switch Installation That Keeps Your Power On and Your Family Safe
Get a Reno provides professional automatic transfer switch installation for residential and commercial properties. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) monitors utility power continuously and transfers load automatically to your backup generator when the grid fails. It then returns your electrical system to utility power when service stabilizes. Without a properly installed ATS, connecting a standby generator to your home's electrical system risks backfeeding electricity into utility lines, which endangers utility workers and can damage electrical equipment on the grid.
ATS ensures automatic power transfer during outages. ATS prevents backfeeding, protecting utility workers and equipment. Whether you need backup power for a few essential circuits or full coverage for a commercial facility, Get a Reno's licensed electricians handle the complete installation process from load calculation through final inspection.
Why You'll Love Working With Get a Reno
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Licensed & Certified Professionals – A suitable contractor must have a valid electrical license for high-voltage work. Every Get a Reno electrician carries valid licensing for high-voltage electrical work and carries full insurance. Contractors need a strong safety record and positive references for comparable ATS installations, and Get a Reno maintains both.
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Code Compliance Guaranteed – Contractors must have knowledge of the National Electrical Code for ATS installations. Every Get a Reno ATS installation meets NEC Articles 700, 701, and 702 along with local electrical code requirements. ATS must comply with local electrical codes and safety standards. ATS complies with NFPA 110 standards for emergency power systems.
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Complete System Testing – ATS installation must include a documented commissioning procedure and testing to ensure functionality. Get a Reno tests every installation under simulated utility loss to confirm the system transfers load automatically within the manufacturer's specified time window.
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Transparent Pricing – Your quote includes the ATS unit, wiring, conduit, permits, inspection fees, and labor. No hidden line items appear after the job starts.
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Local Emergency Support – Call Get a Reno at (929) 294-7360 for urgent installation needs or questions about your existing power system.
What Makes Get a Reno Different
Most electrical contractors treat ATS installation as a side task within broader plumbing and electrical services. Get a Reno treats it as a specialized discipline requiring specific technical expertise and change management skills.
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Generator Integration Expertise – ATS can integrate with generator controls and fuel systems. Get a Reno installs generator automatic transfer switch systems that connect your standby generator, portable generators, or whole-home backup systems to your main electrical panel. Installing ATS requires handling high-amperage cables and coordinating with utility services; Get a Reno manages both. Contractors should verify their capability to integrate ATS with existing tech stacks, and Get a Reno's electricians assess your full electrical system before specifying equipment.
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Safety-First Approach – Every installation follows lockout/tagout protocols. Electricians use a voltage tester to confirm power is off before installation and wear appropriate PPE throughout. ATS monitors utility power for fluctuations and failures, and Get a Reno verifies that monitoring circuitry functions correctly before leaving the job site.
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Custom Circuit Selection – Not every circuit needs backup power. Get a Reno works with you to identify critical circuits, whether that's your sump pump, refrigerator, medical equipment, or HVAC system, and sizes your transfer switch to match. Select an ATS with a current rating equal to or higher than your load; Get a Reno calculates this precisely.
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Future-Proof Design – Load calculations include margin above current peak demand so your system accommodates additional electrical loads without requiring a new ATS unit. Contractors should be factory-authorized or certified by the ATS manufacturer, and Get a Reno maintains those certifications.
How Our ATS Installation Process Works
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Site Assessment & Planning Get a Reno's electrician calculates your total electrical load and identifies which essential circuits receive backup power. The ATS should be mounted near the main electrical panel for efficiency, and the assessment determines the optimal mounting location to minimize conductor length between the ATS, main panel, utility input, and generator connection. Choose ATS based on the type of backup power source available; your electrician matches the right automatic transfer switch to your standby generator or portable generator setup. For a 400A three-pole ATS, conductor sizing runs from #4 to 600 MCM copper per phase depending on configuration. A 200A residential system uses lower gauge wire, sized per NEC tables.
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Permits & Safety Preparation Contractors must handle the permitting process and ensure compliance with inspections. Get a Reno pulls all required permits and schedules inspections with your local authority having jurisdiction. ATS is essential for compliance in regulated environments, and your installation meets UL 1008 listing requirements along with applicable NEC articles. Contractors need to have a documented process for data migration during ATS installation, and Get a Reno maintains records of your existing panel configuration before any modifications begin.
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Professional Installation Installation typically takes 4-6 hours for a straightforward setup. The electrician mounts the ATS enclosure on a rigid support, level and secure. Outdoor installations may require a concrete pad elevated at least 6 inches above grade with the appropriate NEMA-rated enclosure. Wiring connects three sides: the utility power source, the generator power source, and the load side feeding your main panel or sub panel. Control wiring connects generator start/stop signals and voltage/frequency monitoring. NEC Article 110.26 requires a minimum of 3 feet of clearance in front of the enclosure. Proper neutral and grounding connections prevent shock hazards; neutral switching configuration depends on whether you have a 2-pole or 3-pole mechanism.
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System Testing & Certification Get a Reno tests your system by simulating a utility power loss and verifying that the ATS initiates the generator start signal within the manufacturer's specified window (typically 5-10 seconds for voltage detection, with an additional 20-50 seconds of warm-up delay for cold starts before the transfer process completes). ATS protects appliances from damage during power surges. Contractors should provide as-built documentation and testing reports after completion of ATS installation. Get a Reno delivers this documentation for your records, your warranty, and the local inspector.
Service Details
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Installation Types: Manual transfer switch and automatic transfer switch systems for residential and commercial properties. A manual transfer switch requires a person to physically start the generator and switch the load. An automatic transfer switch ATS handles the entire transfer process without manual operation. This electrical device switches between utility and generator power safely. Standard ATS is common in commercial buildings for automatic load transfer. Bypass-isolation ATS allows maintenance without power interruption.
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Generator Compatibility: Works with portable generators, standby generator systems, and whole-home backup power setups. The recommended ATS depends on the primary power source and backup source configuration. Solar ATS manages transitions between solar power systems and the grid. Smart ATS units offer remote monitoring and diagnostics capabilities.
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Transition Types: Open transition (break before make transfer) for most residential applications and for confirming proper operation in utility mode; closed transition for data centers, medical facilities, and other environments where consider transfer time sensitivity for critical environments like hospitals. Open transition is simpler and costs less. Closed transition adds mechanical complexity and coordination requirements with the utility grid but prevents any interruption during the transfer.
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Service Areas: Professional installation throughout the Get a Reno service territory. Contact (929) 294-7360 for availability.
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Timeline: Most installations completed within 1-2 business days. Complex commercial installations or those requiring concrete pads or extensive conduit runs may take longer. Service checks help verify the system can restore power safely when utility power returns.
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Warranty: Full warranty on installation workmanship and electrical connections. Contractors should adhere to data privacy standards relevant to their region and industry.
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Ongoing Support:Property management clients and homeowners receive access to maintenance scheduling and emergency service. Perform visual inspections monthly. Get a Reno recommends semiannual mechanical checks (terminal tightening, insulation testing, interior cleaning) and annual full-load testing of at least one hour.
Who Needs Professional ATS Installation
Ideal for:
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Homeowners with backup generators requiring safe generator connection to their home's electrical system. A licensed electrician should perform ATS installations due to safety risks. DIY generator cord connections bypass the safety interlocks that prevent backfeeding into utility lines.
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Businesses needing uninterrupted power for critical operations. ATS minimizes downtime for businesses during power failures. An ATS automatically transfers load during power outages, protecting revenue and operations from power disruptions.
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Medical equipment users who cannot afford power interruptions. Hospitals and home medical equipment rely on continuous power, and even brief voltage sags during a break before make transfer can reset sensitive devices.
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Property owners in storm-prone areas where frequent power outage events threaten food storage, heating, cooling, and security systems.
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Anyone prioritizing electrical safety over the risks of improper wiring. ATS prevents backfeeding, protecting utility workers and equipment. Contractors should have experience deploying ATS platforms for similar sized companies, and Get a Reno brings that experience to every installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a transfer switch myself? No. A licensed electrician should perform ATS installations due to safety risks. This kind of unit is a generator transfer switch, so correct installation is critical. Improper wiring creates fire hazards, shock risks, and the potential for backfeeding the utility grid. ATS must comply with local safety codes and regulations, and most jurisdictions require permits and inspections that only licensed contractors can obtain. Manufacturer warranties are typically void unless a licensed professional completes the work. Installation contractors for ATS require technical expertise and change management skills that come from training and field experience.
How long does installation take? Installation typically takes 4-6 hours for a straightforward setup. Factors that extend the timeline include outdoor mounting requiring a concrete pad, long conduit runs between the ATS and main electrical panel, or complex electrical circuits requiring reconfiguration. Most residential installations are completed within a single business day.
What size transfer switch do I need? Get a Reno calculates your total electrical loads during the site assessment. Select an ATS with a current rating equal to or higher than your load. A home running a few critical loads (sump pump, refrigerator, lights) may need a 100A or 200A unit. Larger homes or commercial properties with higher demand require 400A or larger ATS switches.
Do you handle permits and inspections? Yes. Contractors must handle the permitting process and ensure compliance with inspections. Get a Reno files all permit applications, coordinates inspection scheduling, and ensures the final installation passes review by the local authority having jurisdiction.
What if my ATS needs maintenance later? Get a Reno provides ongoing maintenance services matching industry standards: monthly visual inspections for overheating or moisture ingress, semiannual mechanical checks including terminal tightening and insulation resistance testing, and annual full-load testing. These checks help prevent system failure and confirm automatic operation remains reliable over time. ATS ensures reliable operation over its lifespan when maintained on this schedule. Smart ATS offers remote monitoring and control capabilities, and Get a Reno can install network-enabled ATS units that integrate with building management systems for early detection of abnormalities.
Can an ATS work with solar power systems? Yes. Solar ATS manages transitions between solar power and the grid. Even in these setups, the controls monitor electrical parameters before switching between sources. As solar, energy storage, and microgrid configurations become more common, ATS functionality expands to handle more complex switching logic between multiple power sources. Get a Reno installs ATS systems compatible with solar and battery backup power source configurations.
Ready to Secure Your Home's Power Supply?
Improvised generator connections using extension cords or direct wiring without an ATS create backfeeding risk, fire hazards, and equipment damage. A successful ATS installation eliminates those dangers, keeps the transition back to main power safe after an outage, and delivers reliable backup power every time the grid goes down.
Choose Get a Reno for professional ATS installation that protects your family, your property, and utility workers in your neighborhood. A properly installed automatic transfer switch is just the beginning; Get a Reno supports standby systems with ongoing maintenance, emergency service, and code-compliant workmanship, so generator connects only through the correctly installed ATS pathway rather than improvised wiring.
Call (929) 294-7360 or email support@getareno.com to schedule your site assessment.
Visit www.getareno.com for additional electrical and renovation services.
Licensed. Insured. Code-compliant. Every installation.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Installations
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