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Types of ATS’s and Application in Generator Set Systems

Information Sheet # 26

1.0 Introduction
There are four principal configurations of Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS). Most manufacturers of commercially available ATS are virtually identical
in their basic functions and operation, no matter which type is considered.
This information sheet discusses the four types and where the different designs are frequently found in the US systems.
2.0 Overview of the ATS Function
The principal function of an Automatic Transfer Switch is to automatically transfer a power source from one (principal) to another (secondary), while
maintaining total isolation of each power source. It also serves to monitor the incoming utility or principal power for anomalies such as voltage droop,
failure (due to brownouts, etc.), spikes or surges. With an ATS, no manual intervention is required to iniate the transfer.
An ATS is an important component of a generator set system and is normally specified by system designers. Even a small loss of electrical power
can result in major major negative issues within the system that is normally being powered by the utility supply, or should incoming voltage and/or
frequency fall outside the required limits or parameters.
Typically a standby or emergency generator set is used to provide temporary electrical power to cover such occasions and this important and often
vital service needs to operate immediately, without any loss of time or delay. Many applications and installations require the standby set to be running
“on-line” and producing its full power rating within 10 seconds or less of sensing failure or voltage or frequency fluctuations.
Once the utility or mains supply has been reestablished and proper voltage and frequency attained, the ATS transfers the load back to this source and
shuts down the standby unit, often after a cooling-down period with no load on the generator. It then is ready start-up automatically to meet any
future emergency or power outage without any human assistance or action.
3.0 Contactor Design
Switches can be supplied as ‘contactor type’, whose actuation is by individual solenoids included in each contactor. These contactors are electrically
held, unless furnished with optional mechanical latches. These contactors may drop out if the voltage dips and contacts may ‘chatter’ at lower than
rated voltages and frequencies. NFPA standards require mechanical latching in use for emergency systems. Because contactors have relatively short
circuit ratings, a contactor type transfer switch will require external upstream overcurrent protection and current limiting fuses, or special circuit
breakers to achieve higher withstand and closing ratings.
4.0 Circuit Breaker Design
Circuit breaker-type transfer switches typically employ a pair of electrically and mechanically interlocked molded case switches (MCS) or circuit
breakers (CB). Mechanical interlocking can be omitted for closed transition operation, which then requires electrical controls to prevent out of phase
paralleling. These circuit breakers and molded case switches have quick make and break contacts and over-center mechanisms. However, transfer
time for CB type transfer switches can be relatively slow, particularly in larger equipment. If MCS’s are used, an external upstream overcurrent device
for short circuit protection is required.
5.0 Definite Purpose Design
The definite purpose-type has a switching mechanism construction which is designed specifically for switching between two power sources, which
may be 180o out of phase with twice rated potential across the contacts. These mechanisms can be either single or double throw. Single throw
mechanisms are inherently interlocked to prevent source-to-source interconnection, and also provide fast, open transition contact transfer time only.
Double throw mechanisms can provide fast or slow contact transfer time, open or closed transition, and load shedding capability. Integral overcurrent
protection is not included and so external upstream overcurrent is required. The contact transfer time from one source to another can be fast – six
cycles or less, depending on the size of the equipment.
6.0 Solid State Design
Solid state switches are available in several configurations and sizes and use Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) or transistors as the switching means.
These are used in solid state UPS equipment and are available as dedicated and listed transfer switches. They are considerably more expensive (up to
4 times higher) than equivalently sized mechanical switches.
7.0 Four Types of the Transfer Switch and Applications
The transfer switch can be set up to provide standby electrical power to feed only certain critical circuits or the entire switchgear panel. Some transfer
switches can allow for load shedding or prioritization of optional circuits, such as heating or cooling equipment.
• Open Transition ATS. The open transition transfer switch is also often called a “break before make” transfer switch. A break before make switch breaks contact
with one source of power before it makes contact with another with a momentary interruption (called Contact Transfer Time) of power. This prevents any
possibility of back-feeding from the emergency source to the utility line which could damage utility equipment or hurt/kill any utility workers. During the split
second of the power transfer process, the flow of electricity is interrupted. A good example of this would be a 3-position manual circuit breaker where the
utility power is on one side and the generator on the other – with “off” in the middle. This requires the operator to switch through the full disconnect or “off”
position before making the next connection. Most automatic transfer switches have a pair of electrically and mechanically interlocked contactors to simulate
such practice. (Continued over)

To fulfill our commitment to be the leading supplier and preferred service provider in the Power Generation Industry, the
Central Power Systems & Services team maintains up-to-date technology and information standards on Power Industry
changes, regulations and trends. As a service, our Information Sheets are circulated on a regular basis, to existing
and potential Power Customers to maintain awareness of changes and developments in engineering standards, electrical
codes, and technology impacting the Power Generation Industry.
The installation information provided in this information sheet is informational in nature only, and should not be considered the advice of a properly licensed and qualified electrician or used in place of a detailed review of the applicable National
Electric Codes and local codes. Specific questions about how this information may affect any particular situation should be addressed to a licensed and qualified electrician.
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Liberty - Corporate Office

9200 Liberty Drive • Closed Transition Transfer Switch. The closed transition transfer switch is also called a “make before break” transfer switch. In typical
Liberty, MO 64068 emergency systems, there is an inherent momentary interruption of power to the load when it is transferred from one source to
816.781.8070 Ph another. In most cases this outage is inconsequential, particularly if less than 1/6 of a second. Some loads however, are affected by even
816.781.2207 Fax the slightest loss of power. There are also operational conditions where is may be desirable to transfer loads with zero interruption
of power when conditions permit. For such applications, closed transition transfer switches can be provided. When transferring loads
in this manner – during a test or when re-transferring to normal after the primary power has stabilized, the switch will operate in the
make-before-break mode, providing both sources are acceptable and synchronized. Typical parameters determining synchronization
Liberty, MO Branch could be: voltage difference less than 5%, frequency difference less than 0.2HZ, and relative phase angle between sources of 5
1900 Plumbers Way electrical degrees. As the maximum frequency difference is 0.2HZ, the engine will certainly be controlled by an isochronous governor.
Liberty, MO 64038 The closed transition or overlap time is generally required to be less than 100 milliseconds. If either source is not present or not
816.415.6700 Ph acceptable, the switch must operate in a make-to-break mode to ensure no back-feeding occurs. This type of switch may also be referred
816.415.6767 Fax to as a Static Transfer Switch, as opposed to an Automatic Switch. In this system, the generator runs in parallel with the utility power
supply for a certain period of time. This enables the generator to take up the load while the power supply remains uninterrupted.
Soft Loading Transfer Switch. This a version of the Closed Transition Switch (CTS). The only difference is that the amount of load accepted
Springfield, MO Branch by the generator is actively changed with this method, offering a more dynamic version of the CTS method of transfer of the electrical
3100 E. Kearney power source.
MO 65803 • Bypass Isolation ATS. This switch is designed for applications where maintenance, inspection and testing must be performed while
417.865.0505 Ph
417.865.4304 Fax maintaining continuous power to the load without interruption. Typically, this is required in such cases as critical life support systems, and
where electrically-powered essential services are needed e. g. air traffic control, telecommunications, etc. Normally it comprises of two
transfer switches - bussed in parallel – one automatic with the other for manual operation, with two redundant paths from each source to
the load. These are mechanically and electrically interlocked to prevent accidental closure of both sources. In isolation mode, the ATS can
be withdrawn from all power sources for inspection, testing and maintenance. The load is served by the bypass Manual Transfer Switch.
Wichita, KS Branch
4501 W. Irving • Service Entrance Rated ATS. This category of transfer switch was covered in a prior Information Sheet.
KS 67209 8.0 Standards and Certifications
316.943.1231 Ph
316.943.4560 Fax The principal industry standard in the US for automatic transfer switches is Underwriters Laboratories standards UL 1008 and 1066.
In Canada, the relative standard is CSA Spec 178.
For emergency systems and in accordance with Articles 517,700 and 702 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), American National
Salina, KS Branch Standards Institute (ANSI) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cover such applications with Standards 70 and 76A
1944B N. 9th St. respectively.
KS 67401
785.825.8291 Ph In legally required standby systems, such as hospitals and large buildings with numerous personnel, NFPA 110 covers emergency and
785.825.8282 Fax standby power systems, while in health care facilities, NFPA 99 applies. Periodic field testing is required both under NFPA 99 and 110
standards.

Great Bend, KS Branch

625 E. 10th St.
KS 67530
620.792.1361 Ph
620.792.1364 Fax

Colby, KS Branch
1920 Thielen Ave.
KS 67701
785.462.8211 Ph
785.462.8286 Fax

Liberal, KS Branch
1150 E. Hwy. 54
KS 67901
620.624.7274 Ph
620.624.7277 Fax

Woodward, OK Branch
127 NW Hwy. 270
OK 73801
580.256.6014 Ph
580.256.0314 Fax

CPSS-INFO#26 2013 PLC Enterprises, LLC