30 October 2026Electrical
Changeover switches, explained
In Enugu most homes run on the grid, a generator and sometimes solar. The changeover switch is the small box that decides which one feeds the house. Get it right and it is the safest thing in the building.
From the Mainstay counter team
The short version
- It stops generator and grid power meeting
- Manual is simple; automatic is convenient
- Match the size to your main breaker
- Fit near the meter, labelled and earthed
What it does
A changeover switch connects the house to either the grid or the generator, never both. Without one, power from your generator can travel back up the line and injure someone working on it, and grid power returning can destroy your generator.
Manual or automatic
A manual changeover is a lever you move by hand when the power goes. It is simple, cheap and lasts for years. An automatic switch senses the outage and switches for you, usually with a short delay for the generator to warm up. It costs more and needs a trained installer.
If an electrician offers to connect your generator straight into a socket, find another electrician.
Which size
Match the switch to your main breaker. Most flats and bungalows need 63A. Larger houses with several air conditioners may need 100A. If in doubt, bring a photo of your meter and main breaker to the counter.
What to ask your electrician
Ask them to fit it near the meter, label grid and generator sides clearly, earth it properly, and use cable thick enough for the load. Linecore 10mm or 16mm is typical between the generator and the switch.
Our 63A Linecore changeover is an example price of ₦28,000 on the counter page.