--- title: "Automatic Changeover Switches (ATS) Explained | Qyvea Kenya" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/automatic-changeover-switches-kenya description: "Manual and automatic changeover switches explained: switching between KPLC, generator and inverter safely, why changeovers prevent back-feeding, and what to check." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/automatic-changeover-switches-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. We deliver products across Kenya · same-day dispatch · delivered within 24 hours[CCTV Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/cctv)[Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-systems-kenya)[Biometrics & Attendance](https://qyvea.co.ke/biometrics)[Electric Fencing](https://qyvea.co.ke/electric-fence)[Automatic Gates](https://qyvea.co.ke/automatic-gates)[Fire Alarm Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/fire-alarm-systems)[Security Guards & K9](https://qyvea.co.ke/security-guards)[Solar Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-installation)[Solar & Power Backup](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-solutions)[Electrical Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/electrical-installation)[Smart Home Automation](https://qyvea.co.ke/smart-home-automation)[Building Management (BMS)](https://qyvea.co.ke/bms)[Networking & Wi-Fi](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking)[IT Support](https://qyvea.co.ke/it-support)[Cyber Security](https://qyvea.co.ke/cybersecurity)[System Integration](https://qyvea.co.ke/system-integration)[Intercom Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/intercom)[PA Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pa-systems)[POS Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-systems)[Queue Management](https://qyvea.co.ke/queue-management-systems)[Business Supply (B2B)](https://qyvea.co.ke/business-supply-kenya)[Maintenance & Repairs](https://qyvea.co.ke/maintenance) Solar & Electrical · Technology Explained # Automatic Changeover Switches Explained How a changeover switches your building between the grid, a generator and backup power safely, and why it must never back-feed the grid. Is your wiring ready for everything you plan to add? Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - One source at a time: grid, generator or inverter. - Automatic (ATS) or manual versions. - Prevents back-feeding the grid. Quick answer A changeover switch connects your circuits to one power source at a time: the grid, a generator or an inverter. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detects a power failure and switches over by itself (starting the generator if configured). Crucially, it prevents two sources connecting together, which would be dangerous for your equipment and for line workers. [Photo: Raze Solar / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/GXLPLG3_Vf4) Why this matters now ## Adding equipment to weak wiring only moves the failure to a worse day. ### If you wait - Overloaded boards and loose joints - Equipment that dies on the first surge - No earthing means no protection ### What you get - Boards and breakers sized for the real load - Earthing and surge protection for costly equipment - A clean base for CCTV, solar and networks [TRONIC 6 way consumer](/products/tronic-6-way-consumer-unit-36684 "TRONIC 6 way consumer unit")[Tronic MCB 1 Pole](/products/tronic-mcb-1-pole-6a-mc1006-6k-46712 "Tronic MCB 1 Pole 6A – MC1006-6K")[MK Twin Socket](/products/mk-twin-socket-65795 "MK Twin Socket") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20Automatic%20Changeover%20Switches%20Explained.%20I%20want%20electrical%20installation%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - One source at a time: grid, generator or inverter. - Automatic (ATS) or manual versions. - Prevents back-feeding the grid. - Must be installed by a qualified electrician. ## How it works Changeover KPLC grid Generator Changeover switch / ATSonly one source connected Distribution boardyour circuits ## Manual vs automatic #### Manual Someone flips the switch Cheaper No power until someone acts #### Automatic (ATS) Detects failure and switches Can start the generator Restores power without anyone on site ## Safety **Warning**: Connecting a generator without a proper changeover can back-feed the grid and endanger line workers, and damage equipment when the grid returns. Changeovers must be installed by a qualified electrician. For security systems, a UPS or inverter still bridges the gap while an ATS and generator take over. See [solar backup for security systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-backup-for-security-systems-kenya) and [electrical installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/electrical-installation). ## Frequently asked questions What is an ATS? An automatic transfer switch: it switches your supply from the grid to a generator (or other source) automatically when the grid fails. Can I connect a generator to a socket? No. That's dangerous. A proper changeover must be installed. Will my CCTV reboot when the changeover switches? Unless it's on a UPS or inverter, there's usually a short gap. A UPS prevents the reboot. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Solar & Electrical · Guide Battery & Inverter Sizing for Backup Power Watts, hours and depth of discharge: the simple maths behind how big your batteries and inverter need to be. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/battery-and-inverter-sizing-kenya)[Solar & Electrical · Technology Explained Surge Protection & Earthing for Security Systems Why storms and power returns kill cameras, gate controllers and recorders, and how surge protection and earthing prevent it. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/surge-protection-and-earthing-kenya)[Solar & Electrical · Guide Solar Backup for Security Systems Keeping CCTV, fences, gates, access control and the router running when the power goes, and why it's cheaper than backing up a whole building. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-backup-for-security-systems-kenya) ### Related services [Electrical Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/electrical-installation)[Security Backup Power](https://qyvea.co.ke/security-system-backup-power-kenya) ### Related products [Best solar backup systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/best-solar-backup-system-kenya) ### Related projects [Real Qyvea case studies](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#case-studies) [Next →**Battery & Inverter Sizing for Backup Power**](https://qyvea.co.ke/battery-and-inverter-sizing-kenya) ## Need this system installed? 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