An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is an intelligent electrical device that acts as a bridge between your main power source (the utility grid) and your backup power source (typically a standby generator).
Its primary purpose is to automatically detect power outages and shift your electrical load to the backup source without requiring any manual intervention.
How It Works
The ATS acts as the “main control” of your backup power system through a continuous monitoring process:
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Monitoring: The switch constantly senses the voltage and frequency of your main utility power.
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Detection: If it detects a blackout, voltage drop, or power fluctuation beyond safe limits, it triggers the emergency process.
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Generator Activation: It sends a signal to your standby generator to start up.
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Transfer: Once the generator reaches the correct voltage and frequency, the ATS disconnects your home or facility from the grid and connects it to the generator.
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Restoration: When utility power returns and stabilizes, the ATS automatically switches the load back to the grid and signals the generator to shut down after a brief cool-down period.
Key Benefits
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Seamless Convenience: You don't have to be home, go outside, or manually plug anything in during a storm or blackout.
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Safety: It prevents "back-feeding," which occurs when a generator sends power back into the utility lines. This is a critical safety feature that protects utility workers repairing downed lines.
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Continuous Protection: By maintaining power, it prevents data loss in servers, keeps medical equipment running, and protects commercial operations from costly downtime.
Important Note
An ATS is designed to be hardwired into your electrical system and is specifically intended for use with generators equipped with an Auto Start Feature, commonly known as a “2 Wire Auto Start”
If you are planning to install a standby generator for your home or business, an ATS is a mandatory component to ensure the system functions safely and automatically.