Blog
2025-12-16
What is a Changeover Switch? LVMA’s 20-Year Expertise in Industrial-Grade Solutions

1. Definition & Core Functions of a Changeover Switch
A changeover switch (often called a transfer switch) is a must-have component in industrial electrical setups—its job is to switch power between two or more sources. For businesses relying on continuous operations, this switch does three critical things: keeps key equipment running when power cuts hit, cuts down on costly downtime, and stops power source clashes that could cause safety hazards. You’ll find it everywhere in low-voltage distribution systems, industrial control gear, and building electrical projects—especially in power, communication, and new energy sectors where reliability can’t be compromised.
2. How Does a 3 Phase Changeover Switch Work?
Three phase changeover switches are built for three-phase power systems—think industrial machinery, large equipment, and commercial buildings. Here’s how they operate: a mechanical switching mechanism connects your load to one of two three-phase sources (like mains power and a backup generator) while completely isolating the other to prevent short circuits. When the main power drops out, the switch picks up on the voltage dip and kicks off the transfer—either you flip it manually or it happens automatically. The end result? Your equipment gets steady three-phase power, no interruptions. At LVMA, we’ve spent 20 years refining these switches. With 800+ patents in electrical control, our 3 phase models boast precise switching and tough, long-lasting contacts—we’ve tested them in hundreds of industrial sites to make sure they hold up.
3. What Are the Different Types of Generator Changeover Switches?
Generator changeover switches are made specifically for switching between grid power and generator power. We categorize them based on how they’re used and how much power they handle—here’s the breakdown for wholesale buyers:
- Standard Generator Changeover Switch: Fits small to medium generators (5-50kW). We see these in small factories, retail stores, and office buildings all the time—they’re reliable and cost-effective for daily use.
- Heavy-Duty Generator Changeover Switch: Built for industrial generators over 50kW. These have thick, high-current contacts and flame-retardant casings—perfect for power plants, large manufacturing workshops, and data centers where downtime is catastrophic.
- Smart Generator Changeover Switch: We’ve added IoT tech here—so you can monitor the switch remotely and get alerts if something goes wrong. It’s a big hit with clients who manage multiple sites or need to keep an eye on equipment from afar.
4. What Are the Different Types of Automatic and Manual Changeover Switches?
When it comes to operation, changeover switches are divided into to two main types—each with its own advantage:
- Manual Changeover Switch (MTS): They’re cheap, easy to fix, and great for places where power outages are rare—like small workshops or rural facilities. We’ve designed our Manual Changeover Switch with comfortable, easy-to-grip levers and corrosion-resistant parts—they’ll last for years even in dusty or humid environments.
- Automatic Changeover Switch (ATS): Equipped with sensors and a control module, they detect power failures in seconds and switch automatically—no human input needed. Data centers, hospitals, and telecom base stations can’t run without them. LVMA electric has developed and produced several ATS models, with rated currents ranging from 63A to 6300A, meeting the customers’ demands for Automatic Changeover Switch in various application scenarios.

5. LVMA’s 20-Year Focus on Changeover Switch R&D
LVMA Electric got its start in 2004, and for 20 years, we’ve stuck to what we do best: designing and building high-quality changeover switches. With 800+ patents under our belt and a team of 100+ dedicated R&D engineers, we’ve avoided the race to the bottom on price by focusing on what matters—unique features that solve real problems, durability that stands up to industrial use, and value that keeps clients coming back. We don’t just make switches—we make products that work day in and day out for our wholesale partners.
6. Tailored Solutions for Global Industrial Partners
Our changeover switches are built for real industrial scenarios—not just specs on paper. We offer standard models that work for most applications, but we also love tackling custom projects. Whether you need a switch for a power plant’s emergency backup system or a communication base station’s daily power switch,we’ve got you covered. Clients in power, communication, and new energy sectors across the globe rely on our products, and our after-sales team is always on hand to help with installation, maintenance, or trouble shooting.

