Blog posts tagged with 'buy new generator in the uk'

When there is a power cut, a large number of people go to a generator. The next thing to consider is how to safely connect the generator to the building. At Blades Power Generation, we design and provide the switches which solve this problem, and a manual changeover switch is usually the best starting point. 

Why Backfeeding Is the Risk to Avoid

Backfeeding occurs when the power produced by the generator is fed back into the electrical supply network. Repairmen working on damaged lines could then come into contact with live cables. In order to prevent this, an interlocked switch shuts off that route, so that the only thing the generator supplies is your building.

That is why we recommend switching to proper connections instead of using improvised ones.

The Benefits of a Manual Changeover Switch

A well-built changeover panel gives you several practical advantages:

·        When switching over, you make the transition from utility power to generator power in a clear and deliberate manner.

·        There is an interlock protection feature which prevents the main supply and the generator supply from being connected simultaneously.

·        The design is cost-effective for sites that have a planned maintenance schedule.

A manual changeover switch is suitable in the case where someone is available on site to operate it and when a brief delay in power supply can be tolerated; a workshop having staff on site is an example of this. An automatic transfer switch, on the other hand, picks up a failure of the main power supply and switches your load over to the generator within a few seconds without any need for manual action. That option suits sites where nobody may be there when the power drops.

We supply both types, and we pair either one with generators from our range, including new generators for sale in the UK.

Quick Answers

What size switch do I need?

The right rating depends on your generator output and your site load. Our engineers can help you specify it.

Can I add an automatic switch later?

You can choose an automatic transfer switch at the start or review your options as your needs change. We can talk you through both routes.

If you search for new generators for sale in the UK, look at the switch as closely as the engine. 

Your backup power works best when the generator and switch suit each other. Browse our manual transfer switches by amp rating, or configure a full generator system with Blades Power Generation today. Pick your rating, choose your generator and secure your supply before the next outage arrives.

 

When unpredictable UK weather strikes, your emergency standby system is only as good as the box protecting its switchgear. Whether it is driving rain during an autumn gale, high atmospheric humidity in a summer workshop, or freezing winter condensation, moisture and dust ingress can quickly cause corroded contacts, short circuits, or total switching failure when you need power most.

Blades Power Generation commonly checks facilities that have had their basic indoor switchgear installed in damp buildings or exposed to the elements. Knowledge of the Ingress Protection (IP) rating is key to ensuring your emergency power remains protected and functional year-round.

Decoding IP Ratings: What Do the Digits Mean?

IP ratings consist of two numbers that define how effectively an enclosure seals out foreign bodies:

●      First Digit (Solids): Indicates protection against dust, dirt, and airborne debris (scale of 0 to 6).

●      Second Digit (Liquids): Indicates protection against water, high humidity, driving rain, and spray (scale of 0 to 9).

For UK backup power setups, the debate usually comes down to IP55 versus IP65.

IP55 vs IP65: Which One Do You Need?

Installing a robust manual changeover switch inside a correctly rated enclosure ensures your site stays fully protected against year-round British weather conditions.

●      IP55 Enclosures (Covered or Semi-Protected Sites): IP55 units offer partial dust protection and resist low-pressure water splashes from any angle. They are ideal for covered outbuildings, dry agricultural sheds, or interior plant rooms where airborne dust or summer humidity is present.

●      IP65 Enclosures (Fully Exposed Outdoor Walls): IP65 units are completely dust-tight and resist direct, low-pressure water jets. If your switch is mounted on an exposed exterior wall or directly alongside an outdoor generator inlet, IP65 is the minimum standard required to stop torrential downpours seeping past the door seals.

Managing Internal Condensation Year-Round

Even when you have a complete steel box that is completely sealed to IP65 standards, there will be internal sweating due to temperature differences in the UK. Moisture is created internally due to the rapid cooling of the air inside during the night after being warmed during the day. To prevent shorting and rust, ensure outdoor enclosures feature anti-condensation breather drains or internal warming elements.

Ensure Your Switchgear is Weather-Ready

No matter whether you are equipping a farm, modernising an industrial unit or matching your switchgear with new generators for sale in the UK, having the right enclosure specification avoids costly interruptions due to sudden power failures.

At Blades Power Generation, every manual switch we supply is housed in a minimum IP55-rated sheet steel enclosure with padlockable door interlocks built to BS EN standards. Contact our Gloucestershire engineering team on 01453 799655 to discuss your site requirements today.

 

Time and again, customers call us at Blades Power Generation, thrilled at snagging a bargain on a pre-owned Perkins or Cummins. They’ve done the hard part, or so they think, after weeks of hunting for a used workhorse that hasn't been run into the ground.

But then we ask the golden question: How do you actually plan on getting that power into your building safely?

Silence. Usually followed by, "Well, I thought I’d just use some heavy-duty leads?"

The Missing Link

The component everyone forgets isn't inside the engine. It’s the bridge between the machine and the consumer unit. If you don’t have a proper manual transfer switch generator in the UK setup, that expensive bargain is nothing more than a very heavy paperweight sitting on your driveway.

You can’t just wire it in and hope for the best. Without a dedicated changeover switch, you risk back-feeding the grid. That’s a fancy way of saying you might accidentally electrocute a poor utility engineer working on the lines down the road.

Not exactly the good neighbour vibe you were going for, is it?

Why Manual Beats Fancy?

For most of the used units we sell at Blades Power Generation, we usually point people toward a manual setup. Why? Because it’s bulletproof. There are no sensitive control boards to fry when the national grid decides to have a wobble. It’s a physical, mechanical lever.

When the lights go out, you walk to the panel, flip the handle, and you’re back in business. It’s honest engineering that doesn't talk back.

What is the True Cost of Used?

We are big fans of giving a second life to a solid machine, but you have to be realistic. By the time you’ve paid for the transport, a full service, and the proper switchgear, sometimes the cheap route starts looking a bit pricey.

If you’re running a business where tinkering isn't an option, it often makes more sense to buy new generator in the UK instead. You get the warranty, the latest emissions tech, and the peace of mind that it hasn't been abused by a previous owner who ignored the oil changes.

Get it Right the First Time With Blades Power Generation

Whether you go for a used gem or a shiny new model, don't let the switchgear be an afterthought. At Blades Power Generation, we always tell our clients: get the panel sorted at the same time as the generator. It saves you a second delivery fee and a lot of swearing in the dark.

Browse our selection and find the best fit for your business.