Guidelines to Choose The Most Suitable auto Transfer Switch

For every household, workplace, business sites go anywhere in between, proper flow of electricity is one most important factor. A load transfer switch plays a very important role in the entire electrical system under every circumstance. Transfer switches and generators are used together to ensure the continuity of fundamental electric power. They help to minimise losses for a variety of business sectors right from restaurants and data centres to every other place where electricity is the main element. A transfer switch is mainly of two types- manual and automatic. However, in the present day, an automatic transfer switch is much preferred for it ensures that critical systems will stay online in case of e electricity failure.

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a significant component of the emergency power supply for any facility. The working mechanism of an auto transfer switch is automatic and it selects a power source, either emergency generator power or standard utility company—provided and demeanour that power to critical loads. An ATS should be tested regularly at least once in a month to ensure its smooth functioning. There are four basic varieties of automatic transfer switches. Open transition closed transition, centre off and solid state switches.

Types of Automatic Transfer Switches

Open transition:

This category of ATS is also known as a break before make transfer switch and one of the most common type. After using this type of switch the electrical load will be interrupted during the shift from the normal source of electricity to the emergency source.

Closed Transition:

This type of ATS is also known as a make-before-break switch and it allows a 'hot-to-hot' transfer without causing any loss to the critical load.

Centre Off:

Centre off loads is also regarded as the delayed transition ATS. It is most commonly used for large inductive loads. It allows magnetic fields to collapse before reconnection.

Solid State:

This category of transfer switch depends on transistor technology and sub-cycle transfers. As there is technically a break in the load current, the units work at a moderate rate of speed that in turn does not cause any damage to sensitive equipment.

Choosing the Right Automatic Transfer Switch

There are many factors to consider when choosing to buy which type of automatic transfer switch in a given system in the UK. Users must, however, ensure that a given ATS must be able to perform the tasks as listed below. Let's have a look.

Close against high inrush currents:

The secondary source of power i.e. a generator must not always be in sync with the primary source. If the required load has a high current draw initially, for example, a motor load, The ATS must be in a position to close on up to 13-20 times the normal operational current (amperes) of the motor.

Disrupt Current:

When the contacts within a transfer switch change from the generator to the primary power source or vice versa, there may be a small arc that is drawn from the source the contacts are leaving. This arc must be put out before the contact switch over to the generator load; if not there may be a high possibility of a short circuit. There is also another way to disrupt the arc and this is possible with the arc splitters within the transfer switch.

Carry out current continuously:

Whether the power is from an emergency source or from a utility source, ATS can continuously carry an electric load. The lifespan of such transfer switches is minimum 20 to 40 years yet needs regular maintenance and testing.

Endure against fault currents:

An ATS must have the ability to withstand fault current, an abnormal electrical situation that occurs in an electrical system. The ATS you choose must possess the ability to withstand and close the fault current until an over current protection devices such as a fuse or circuit breaker clears the fault.

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