What Does an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) do?

Introduction of ATS
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) for generator sets is a device that automatically transfers power from the utility source to a standby generator when an outage is detected, to ensure a seamless transition of power supply to critical loads, greatly reducing manual intervention and expense.

Functions of Automatic Transfer Switch
Automatic Switchover: The ATS can continuously monitor the utility power supply. When an outage or voltage drop above a specified threshold is detected, the ATS triggers a switch to transfer the load to the standby generator to guarantee continuous power to critical equipment.
Isolation: The ATS isolates utility power from standby generator set power to prevent any backfeeding that could damage the generator set or pose a risk to utility workers.
Synchronization: In advanced settings, the ATS can synchronize the generator set output with the utility power before transferring the load, ensuring a smooth and seamless switchover without disruption to sensitive equipment.
Return to Utility Power: When the utility power is restored and stable, the ATS automatically switches the load back to the utility power and stops the generator set at the same time.
Overall, automatic transfer switch (ATS) plays a vital role in providing a continuous and reliable supply of power to essential loads in the event of a power outage, and is a key component of a standby power system. If you are selecting a power solution, to decide whether your solution needs an ATS, you can refer to the following factors.