Automatic transfer switches are self-acting power switching devices that have been a reliable source of transferring load connections when an emergency occurs. This ensures the continuous delivery of electrical power from one of two power sources which are the public utility power or the generator supply to a connected load. When power fails, the automatic transfer switch commands the generator to start. When the generator is ready to supply power, the automatic transfer switch switches emergency power to the load. Once utility power is restored, the transfer switch switches back to utility power and the command generator to shut down.
Automatic transfer switches have been designed in wide ranges according to the uses and applications in the industry. Close transition and Open transition are the most common and widely used switching method.
- A closed transition automatic transfer switch performs a similar but slightly different function, using “make before break” features that the connection with the generator will be made before break the connection between utility power.
- An Open transition switch conveys a “break before make” switch function. This illustrates that the connection between utility power will break before establishing the connection with the generator. Then the exchange is made quickly once the connection has been securely established. Open transition transfer switches are often regarded as the most cost-effective and widely used systems as they are compatible and feasible for most commercial operations and requirements.
Manual transfer switches are commonly used transfer switches in industries and mostly in residential applications. The operating system would be a manual process where the user will have to turn over the handle to make the connection to the secondary supply or to break the connection between the utility supply. Automatic transfer switches made the operation easy as the handling had become easier since the total operation is self-acting. Power transition from utility power to the generator or from the generator to the utility power would automatically generate when a power outage occurs.
ABB has introduced exclusive ranges of transfer switches which are manual, motorized and compact ranges which are advanced smart solutions for various applications. The Compact transfer switches by ABB is an economical and innovative all-in-one device that delivers all the safety and performance which consists of a transfer switch. Compact, the name itself implies that both the operation manual and automatic would integrate into the device. The Compact ATS is an ideal device for ensuring the accessibility of stand-by power in a broad range of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications.
Manual operation of compact ATS
The manual option can be selected using the switch on the ATS when the user needs to operate the transferswitch manually.
And the handle needs to be mounted on the ATS and turned into the supply option to position number one or position number two according to the situation.
Automatic operation of compact ATS
 A simple controller has embedded in the Compact ATS in order to operate the transfer switch automatically. This operation makes the task easier since there is no human interaction of operating the device in an occurrence of a power outage. The user will have to change the operation initially to an automatic position when the operation needs to be done automatically. Moreover, the manually operated handle could be mounted and stored on the side of the switch itself when it is not needed in automatic operation.
ABB offers a wide range of ATS which complies with different current ratings according to the application. Also, all Compact ATS products by ABB are provided as a ready-to-use solution in which the controller is pre-mounted at the workshop before distribution. Moreover, all the switches will be provided equipped with various other safety elements such as the possibility to prevent unnecessary operations to ensure the safety of the user.
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