- ECOserver servers for IP security and Datacenters
- Bespoke PDUs
- PDU and Environmental Overview
- Basic PDUs
- Local Metered PDUs
- Current Monitored PDUs
- Power Monitored PDUs
- Switched PDUs
- Satellite PDUs
- Environmental Monitoring Units
- Environmental Control
- Variable Speed fan Controller
- Multiple Device Management
- Network Management
- ATS – Automatic Transfer Switch
- Plugs, Sockets and Power Cables
What is an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch)
Visit our Product Selector guide to find the best transfer switch for your needs.
It is common in many Computer installations, Server rooms, Data centres etc. for mains power to be backed up by a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) system. There are many reasons for this, some to do with convenience (it’s nice to be able to carry on working if there is a power cut) and some because the function of the equipment backed up by UPS power is regarded as critical. Obvious critical applications are emergency services call centres, Military and Government installations, Hospitals and care facilities – any situation where people might be in danger owing to electrical equipment not functioning.
For some equipment (lighting perhaps) it doesn’t matter too much if there is a momentary loss of power – building regulations stipulate that emergency (battery backed up) lighting systems are in place in all publicly accessible areas which will come on automatically and provide enough light for people to leave the building safely – so it’s fine if the emergency power (whether it is provided by UPS or by Generator) has to be physically switched on when a problem occurs.
16 amp ATS - Suitable for power ranges from 3Amps up to 16Amps
32 amp ATS - Suitable for power ranges from 5Amps up to 32Amps
The situation in critical installations however is different, if key computer equipment goes down owing to a power failure, real damage can result to people and to businesses.
An Automatic Transfer Switch sits in line between the supply side of an electrical installation (the mains input) and the equipment side. It has two inputs, one of which is typically mains fed, and one of which is typically UPS fed, but can be Generator fed. The ATS constantly monitors the condition of the incoming mains power, and if it detects degrading power (which often indicates an impending power cut) and/or if it detects a power cut, it transfers the input feed immediately (in a matter of milliseconds) from mains to the back-up source (UPS or generator). A good ATS makes this switch fast enough that connected equipment does not see the “glitch” upon switching, and computers will carry on running without interruption.
ATS’s are available in various electrical capacities, the most common being,16Amp ATS or 32Amp ATS.
ATS systems can also be used to bridge hybridised (UPS/generator) back-up systems – the UPS life (the length of time for which the batteries are able to support the operation) of a large Data centre or any installation with a high electrical current draw is limited - so sometimes the ATS will switch to UPS power, and at the same time a signal will be sent to the back-up generator, which will start up and replace the mains supply. Once the ATS detects that the Generator power is good enough to carry the load, it will switch away from the UPS, allowing the batteries to recharge. Once mains power is restored, the ATS will seamlessly switch to UPS power again until the Generator has been detached and mains supply is restored.
In short an Automatic Transfer Switch can be used in any situation where there are two potential sources of electrical supply, and the best available source has to be used to ensure the best operating supply is maintained to the connected equipment.
Visit our Product Selector guide to find the best transfer switch for your needs.
