What is an Automatic Transfer Switch? Why Your Business Needs It

Introduction

We get power supply from different sources. It could be a generator, the national grid, or solar power. Whichever the option, sometimes due to issues, the power supply is cut and you are left with a power outage. That is why many people often invest in having two sources of power.

How do you make sure that the two can work in harmony so that when one is not working, the power supply is not interrupted? That is where an automatic transfer switch comes in.

Well, what is an automatic transfer switch or ATS?

An automatic transfer switch is a device that automatically switches from the primary power source to the backup power source in case of a failure or outage.

For example, you can have the grid as the primary source, but if there is an outage, the ATS automatically switches to battery backup power so that you do not experience power outage like other people.

Why Do You Need an ATS

Getting a generator automatic transfer switch comes with so many benefits. The most obvious is that you have continuous power. You can expect to find an ATS in facilities where continuous or near-continuous power is necessary for operation. Examples include factories, data centers, and hospitals.

An automatic transfer switch for generator or battery backup automates the whole process of switching from one power source to the other. It detects power failures and automatically switches you to the secondary power source without manual intervention.

You can also consider a Generac automatic transfer switch as a safety device. Since all the switching is automatic, there is no need to manually switch the power cables, which could otherwise be a hazard for those not conversant with manual changeovers.

ATS devices are often built with durability in mind. Expect them to deliver on durability while in use for a long time. This is key in ensuring the device will always work when you need it.

Companies or businesses that use automatic transfer switches often have increased productivity. Depending on the secondary power source, sometimes you may not even notice the primary source is off. Workers would continue working on projects without any delays.

How Does an Automatic Transfer Switch Work

How a genset automatic transfer switch works is simple. It continuously monitors the voltage and frequency of the primary power source. If the ATS detects an anomaly or power outage in the primary source, a transfer sequence is initiated.

The automatic transfer switch will now switch the electrical load to the secondary or backup power source. It is usually fast, so you may not notice the interruption. However, a generator might take a few seconds to start and deliver power to the circuit.

The ATS monitors the primary power and switches back to it if it is stable or restored. After transferring the electrical load to the main power supply, the ATS also turns off the secondary source, such as the generator.

Types of Automatic Transfer Switches

When seeking an RV automatic transfer switch, you will come across several options as types of automatic transfer switches. The difference lies in how they operate. The main types of ATS include:

– Open Transition ATS

This type of ATS has a brief break between transitions from one power source to another. This is for applications where they can afford a delay between transitions. The delay is usually less than two seconds for most applications, but knowing if your need for an ATS can bear such a delay is vital.

Such a unit would be common for residential applications where a delay in the switch would not be a big deal.

– Closed Transition ATS

This one is different from the open transition ATS because delays in power transition cannot be tolerated. The ATS has a mechanism that allows for both power sources to be on and quickly switches over depending on the outage or stability of one of the power source. As expected, these are complicated systems and would be more expensive than the open transition system.

– Soft Loading Transfer Switch

This ATS operates similarly to a closed transition ATS, except that it can adjust the electrical load depending on the situation. This allows companies more flexibility in directing the backup power to where it is needed the most.

– Bypass Isolation ATS

This is another complicated ATS you can buy today. For this type, it includes two systems running in parallel together. As such, you can inspect, maintain, and perform tests on one system while the other is in use. You should expect to encounter such units in businesses with sensitive operations that cannot allow downtime.

Applications of Automatic Transfer Switches

Whether it is an automatic transfer switch for solar power or a generator, they are going to have many applications.

First, we find them common in critical infrastructure such as hospitals, data centers, telecommunication facilities, or emergency service departments. The aim is to ensure certain critical services can remain rendered by the facility. Downtime is not an option for them.

Other applications include industrial and commercial use. Let us say it is a manufacturing plant; then, it will need an ATS to prevent production disruptions and possible equipment damage. It is the same case for commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and factories.

An ATS is still a vital device for residential applications. Installing one can be a preference, as it will automatically switch from the utility grid to your backup power without your intervention.

Also, if you live in an area with frequent outages, having an ATS will save you a lot of time manually switching from one power source to another.

How to Install an Automatic Transfer Switch

Let us say you have bought an APC automatic transfer switch, and you would like to install it. The installation process is usually not hard, but if you are unsure about your skills with electrical connections, have a professional electrician do it.

Here are a few quick steps to follow to install the automatic transfer switch.

• Start by mounting the ATS if necessary, but just make sure it is close to the house’s electrical panel.
• Turn off the electricity supply to the electrical panel and open it to connect the ATS.
• Look at the ports at the back of the ATS. They will clearly indicate where to connect the primary and secondary power sources.
• Connect the cables respectively in the ports, making sure they are tight. You can still label these connections for future use, but all should be good.
• Now connect the wires from the ATS for the electrical panel main breaker and do the same for the backup power source.
• Turn on the electrical power supply to the panel and the ATS as well. Normally, an ATS would have a standby mode which means it continually monitors the primary power source and switches to backup if necessary.
• Test the ATS by turning off the mains power supply. If you have wired it right, it should switch to the secondary power source. For a generator, you will hear it kick in and supply power after a second or two.

How To Buy the Right Automatic Transfer Switch

An automatic power transfer switch is vital for running your business or your home as well. This shows just how important it is to pick the right one. Following these tips, you can now pick the right automatic transfer switch for inverter.

Amperage

This is the amount of amperage rating for your ATS. Some models have as low as 50amps for rating while others go as high as 2000amps. It all depends on your electrical load. As such, make sure that your ATS can handle the electrical load in the system.

For example, if the load is 200 amps, then the ATS must also be at least 200 amps. This ensures you can operate more efficiently and safely.

The Construction

How the ATS is built can also determine where best to use it. For an automatic transfer switch that will be used at home, does not always need to be rugged. However, it should still be built for durability and protection against dust and water splashing.

It is a different story for those to be used in industries. They must be rugged and robust for such environments. That is why you may get them to have additional protection against ice, rain, dust, and so much more. This ensures the ATS keeps working regardless of the environment.

Voltage

Yes, the voltage is also important. The choice of an ATS should be that it can be connected to two unsynchronized power sources. This means the automatic transfer switch should easily handle the increase in voltage stress as the two power sources might be operating at different voltage levels and frequencies.

Transfer Speed and Sensitivity

When choosing a Cummins automatic transfer switch, you hope for a good transfer speed. The more sensitive an ATS is, the better and faster the switch. You would always want to get a model that makes the transition smooth because you do not need any interruption. Also, it depends on the type of application. Some might need faster transfers, while others can do with a slight delay.

Consider the Future

Scalability is vital as well when buying an ATS. Can it keep up with your increasing demand for power over the years? That is why it is okay to have an ATS with more capacity knowing it can handle more electrical load as time goes by.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting an ATS

Maintaining your ATS will help a lot in keeping it in good condition to ensure that it always works when you need it. What can you do for maintenance?

• Visual inspection from time to time can help identify physical damage and take steps to replace it if necessary. You can also identify loose connections and have them wired correctly.
• Of course, cleaning is highly recommended. You are advised to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the ATS enclosure. This is key to maintaining a clean and dry environment.
• Regular testing of the ATS is also recommended to check if it is working properly and to test for voltage and insulation.
• Inspect the contacts to see if they have any corrosion or wear. You can replace them where necessary.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the maintenance procedures and testing to ensure the ATS always works as expected.

How about troubleshooting an ATS? It is possible the ATS might not transfer as expected. What should you do?

Failed transfers from the primary power to the backup power are usually caused by many things, such as loose connections, incorrect voltage levels, or an issue with the ATS control panel. Have the ATS properly checked by an electrician to identify the issue and have it fixed.

Sometimes there can be false transfers. Check your voltage or time delay mechanisms. These are the common reasons for false transfers. Also, your control panel settings can lead to such issues.

Conclusion

You can choose a Zenith automatic transfer switch or any other top brand, knowing that it will help you keep your devices powered regardless of whether the utility grid is off or not. With so many applications for an ATS, it is easy to see why it remains a good device to own. Make sure you have it sized correctly so that it can work correctly with your system. If you have a commercial setup, pick the right one depending on your electrical load for the best performance.