anybody knows??

Hi Dear doni_petrucci,

the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is used in controlling the power systems(the utility power system & emergency generator), anyhow, this system prevents the former power systems from working at the same time.

hope this helps!

Hi Dear doni_petrucci,

the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is used in controlling the power systems(the utility power system & emergency generator), anyhow, this system prevents the former power systems from working at the same time.

hope this helps!

thanx mr. Ali for your response

<this coz the disadvantages of ATS or what?? (actually, in the steam power plant)> confusing in respect to .... are there good reasons? or is this a certain question you have about safety regulations... or an economic question? Ali's answer is a GA. (ATS)Transfer switches can be set up to provide power to only critical circuits or entire electrical (sub)panels.Transfer switches allow for load shedding or prioritization of important optional circuits, such as safety circuits. To safely transfer loads on a generator; you have to kill one source (interlocked). If this where an old plant (not?) they had timing lights to parallel generators, when light or dark.You didn't indicate is it a diesel or gas fired emergency unit? Please provide more detail about what has you confused and I/ we(and i mean that is a hopeful way) try to help.

thanx a lot klearzen for your response,,

<confusing in respect to .... are there good reasons? or is this a certain question you have about safety regulations... or an economic question?>

i think both of that,, coz.. i'm thinking about " what makes them not using the ATS" ??

<You didn't indicate is it a diesel or gas fired emergency unit?>

emergency diesel generator for essential load..

Automatic transfer switch predominently used automated transfer and distribution system. Even though there is no difference between ATS and Circuit breakers, ATS provides lesser transfer time, with protection and programmable.

ATS aslo comes with overlapping neutral where neutral is major concern.

ATS can be used as first line of defence against power issues from utility company. It can be programmed and we can even use them for other purposes. It is maintenenace free almost and defintly maintenance free compared to ciruit breakers.

But ATS is expensive than Circuit breaker distribution.

Automatic Transfer Switch is usually low voltage (<600V), and most manufacturers use two air circuit breaker mechanisms connected by a common operating linkage, whereby when one opens, the other closes. The ATS also includes sensing and control devices (self-contained) that do the following:

1.) Determine that there has been loss of utility power and a need to transfer to emergency source;

2.) Start the emergency source, if it is powered by a prime mover that takes time to get to proper operating condition;

3.) Verifies that the emergency electrical source is at proper voltage, frequency, etc.;

4.) Transfers to the emergency source when it is ready;

5.) Senses the return of the normal source, and after a preset delay to assure that it is stable, switches back to it;

6.) Controls proper cool-down and shut-off of the emergency generator if required;

7.) Provides alarms if there are any unusual conditions during the above.

The same can be done with individual circuit breakers and separate controls. If the size of the load drives the ATS requirements to higher amp ratings (3000, 4000, 5000 amps), you are probably better off with separate breakers and controls, and I think that is what you will more often find.

In actuality, you really don't have any functional difference between an ATS or separate breakers - it's only an implementation variation.

Dear Peter, that is a GA.... it covers at lot of detail. Posts like yours keep me coming back. I hope it answers Don (0p) questions. Like many, I'm come here to learn.