Whether residential, commercial, or industrial, every automatic transfer switch application has its benefits. This post will examine these applications and the benefit they each have. The information will help you decide if your particular electrical system requires an auto transfer switch.

Automatic Transfer Switch Basics

An ATS switch automatically transfers an electrical load between two or three power sources. It does so by continually monitoring the voltage of the primary power source. If the primary power source fails, the automatic transfer switch will quickly switch to the backup power source.

There are many types of automatic transfer switches, but they all have one thing in common: they provide a reliable way to keep the power flowing, even when one of the power sources is not working properly.

You will usually find automated transfer switches installed in the power systems of homes, large residential complexes, commercial buildings, offices, institutions, and factories.

They are also common in the backup systems of data centers and hospitals where power is mission-critical. Read more about the uses of this switch below.

Automatic Transfer Switch Application

Automatic transfer switch application involves using the switch in different electrical systems. These include using it in a generator backup power source, solar system, in a UPS, and even in an RV. Here are the applications explained, including the requirements for each.

1. Automatic Transfer Switch for Solar

A solar automatic transfer switch is often used to connect a PV system to the grid. When the sun is shining and the batteries are charged, the ATS powers loads from the solar system. The grid is then used as a backup power source, only supplying power when the battery gets depleted.

You can also use an automatic transfer switch for solar power with your electrical system off-grid. When the PV system is generating power, the ATS will use that, only switching to a secondary power source when there’s not enough solar power.

A solar transfer switch is a good option for those who want to use renewable energy, or those who want to be prepared for a power outage. You can use it in many different settings, including home and commercial power systems.

2. Automatic Transfer Switch for Generator

Using generators with automatic transfer switches is a common practice in homes, businesses; and industrial facilities. In this application, the switch allows a backup generator to power a load in the event of a grid anomaly or outage.

In some cases, the generator ATS is used to connect load between two generators. This mostly happens when a utility grid is not available or when two generators must share runtime.

If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, or if looking to be prepared for a power outage, an automatic transfer switch for generator is a good option. The generator transfer switch may be a low voltage or high voltage switch depending on the application.

A low voltage automatic transfer switch will typically be used for residential applications, while high voltage automatic transfer switches are used for industrial applications.

3. Automatic Transfer Switch for UPS

A UPS system, or uninterruptible power supply system, provides a fast backup power. In this automatic transfer switch application, the device links the load to the UPS in an outage. That happens before another power source (such as a generator) can start, stabilize, and come online.

A UPS automatic transfer switch will usually switch between the UPS and the grid. When the power goes out, the automatic transfer switch senses the loss of power and switches to the backup source. The UPS will then provide power to the connected devices.

An automatic transfer switch for UPS allows for a seamless transition between the power sources by supplying power almost instantaneously. This ensures that the connected loads will not experience any downtime during a power outage.

4. Automatic Transfer Switch for RV

This automatic transfer switch application involves mounting the ATS in an RV power system. The switch then detects when the primary power source has failed and seamlessly transfers to the backup power source.

This is a great solution for anyone who travels with an RV, as it gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your backup power system will automatically take over in the event of an outage.

The RV automatic transfer switch is often used to connect power back and forth between solar power and shore power, sometimes also the RV’s generator. This ensures that you are never without power, even if one of your power sources fails.

Automatic Transfer switch Application Methods

Automatic transfer switches are used in a variety of applications, such as home backup power systems, emergency power sources for businesses, and the electrical systems of industrial facilities. In these ATS applications, the device is used in one of these arrangements.

Solar to Grid Transfer Switch

The solar automatic transfer switch serves to switch between the two power sources. When the batteries are low in charge, the ATS will switch to utility power (and the other way round). AS a result, the user will never have to manually switch between the two power sources while also ensuring that the solar power is used when it is available.

Generator to Generator Transfer Switch

In this arrangement, the ATS switches between two generators. This is common in remote areas where two generators must be used to ensure an uninterrupted supply of power. The generator-to-generator transfer switch arrangement is also common in high voltage systems where generators require some cooling time.

Utility-Generator Transfer Switch

The utility-generator transfer switch arrangement is the most common automatic transfer switch application. As the name suggests, the ATS is used to switch between utility power and generator power. This type of system is typically used in backup power systems for homes and commercial or industrial facilities.

Utility to Utility transfer Switch

In a utility to utility transfer switch system, the switch connects two utility sources. This is often applied in situations where there are two different power grids, such as in a hospital with multiple buildings on one campus. The ATS is used to switch between the two utility sources.

3 Power Source Transfer Switch

In some cases, the ATS connects to more than two power sources. For example, the switch may transfer power from the utility grid to a backup generator as well as a solar battery. Another example is when it transfers the load to a UPS for some time before connecting it to a standby generator.

This type of automatic transfer switch application is crucial in mission-critical situations, such as in hospitals and data centers. In these facilities, a sudden loss of power, even for a few seconds, must be avoided.

Conclusion

Automatic transfer switches provide a safe and convenient means to switch between two or more power sources. The switch finds application in home backup power systems, emergency power sources for businesses, and the electrical systems of industrial facilities. In these ATS applications, the device is used in one of these arrangements depending on the need and type of backup source.