When a utility outage occurs, most people think first about lights going out or businesses shutting their doors. For water and wastewater utilities, however, the stakes are far higher. Pumps must stay online to protect public health, prevent environmental damage, and maintain regulatory compliance.
That’s why resilient backup power systems, and the ability to test and deploy them reliably, are essential for mission-critical infrastructure.
The Hidden Risk: Untested Backup Generators
Many water utilities rely on permanent standby generators paired with automatic transfer switches. But after major storms, utilities have repeatedly discovered that backup generators failed simply because they were never properly tested under load.
As generator testing requirements have become more stringent, utilities need safer and more efficient ways to perform routine load-bank testing without disrupting operations or increasing risk to personnel.
Simplifying Generator Load Bank Testing for Critical Infrastructure
ESL Power Systems developed the TripleSwitch® specifically to address this challenge in water and wastewater facilities.
Designed as a manual load-bank testing and portable generator docking station, the TripleSwitch integrates seamlessly with permanent standby generators and existing automatic transfer switches. This allows utilities to perform required load-bank testing (often on a monthly basis) without stripping cables, re-terminating connections, or exposing personnel to unnecessary risk.
At its core, the TripleSwitch is a three-way transfer switch that uses three interlocked disconnects to safely isolate standby generator circuits during Critical Operation Power Systems (COPS) load-bank testing. Cam-type connections allow operators to quickly connect a load bank and run tests efficiently, eliminating repetitive and error-prone manual reconnections.
Beyond testing, the TripleSwitch also doubles as a manual transfer switch, providing a safe and rapid method for connecting a portable generator if redundant backup power is ever required. The result is higher confidence that generators will perform as intended during an emergency—because they’ve been proven under real load conditions.
Why Regular Testing Matters More Than Ever
Codes and regulations vary by jurisdiction, but the intent is universal: if a facility depends on a backup generator, there must be a reasonable expectation that it will work during an emergency. Increasingly, authorities are requiring documented testing to validate that expectation.
Routine load-bank testing doesn’t just satisfy regulatory requirements, it protects communities. When utilities can verify generator performance in advance, they avoid discovering failures in the middle of a crisis.
Extending Resilience to Remote Pump Stations
While central treatment plants are a top priority, many utilities also operate remote pump stations, lift stations, and bypass locations that are just as critical to system reliability. These sites often don’t justify permanent standby generators, yet they still need a fast, safe way to restore power during an outage.
For these applications, ESL Power Systems offers the StormSwitch®, a manual transfer switch designed to make portable generator connection simple and economical.
StormSwitch units are commonly installed at remote locations where pumps are essential to operations but permanent generators are not in place. When an outage occurs, utilities can rely on a pre-arranged generator vendor to deliver portable generators directly to the site. Because the StormSwitch is already installed, the generator can be connected and started quickly—often without requiring utility personnel to be dispatched.
This approach reduces response time, labor demands, and operational risk, while still ensuring continuity of service.
Built for Critical Infrastructure Reliability
Unexpected events are no longer rare—and power outages remain one of the biggest threats to water and wastewater operations. Effective contingency plans for unexpected events give utilities the ability to respond quickly and confidently.
By pairing reliable generator systems with purpose-built connection and testing solutions, utilities can reduce risk, protect public health, and maintain service continuity when it matters most.
Be Ready Before the Next Outage
Contingency plans for unexpected events start with reliable power connections. Talk with with an ESL Power Systems representative about generator testing and emergency power solutions designed for mission-critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
Source:
Adapted from “Keeping the Pumps Running When the Lights Go Out” by William Atkinson, Water Efficiency, June 2015.
