A new changeover switch product range allows users to manually changeover between two power supplies or circuits, such as grid supply to generator or photovoltaic system.

The Resi9 changeover switch from Schneider Electric South Africa is compact in size and can be rail-mounted to fit directly onto distribution boards.

“The key purpose of the Resi9 changeover switch is to provide a solution for low-voltage distribution systems that require a continuous power supply. The changeover switch facilitates this by allowing users to switch between different power sources,” explains, Schneider Electric offer marketing senior manager: home and distribution division John Raptakis.

The switch is available in a 40 A and a 63 A version, with three variants available on the local market, namely two-pole 40 A, two-pole 63 A and four-pole 63 A models.

“The Resi9 Changeover Switch is easy to operate and easy to install. It can simply be clipped into the distribution board and is held in place by pin springs on both the line side and load side. This prevents the unit from being dislodged when operating the on/off switch,” says Raptakis.

The product is suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications. It is available in 40 A and 63 A single-phase versions and complies with IEC 60947-3 standards for safety. The switch includes a three-position handle to indicate grid, generator, or off-position and includes a QR code for access to technical documentation.

“The product has found a place in the market due to the need for solutions during load shedding. The manual changeover switch allows users to isolate one supply (grid, generator or photovoltaic) from the other, enabling them to work on a specific supply,” says Raptakis.

He notes that the two-pole Resi9 changeover switch is designed for single-phase installations, while the four-pole version is suited to three-phase installations. The four-pole product is available in a 63 A rating only, as most three-phase installations in South Africa are greater than 40 A.