Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

What Is an Automatic Transfer Switch?

An automatic transfer switch, commonly abbreviated as ATS, is an electrical switching device that transfers a connected load between two available power sources.

The ATS continuously monitors the available power source. If the primary source fails or falls outside the configured operating conditions, the ATS transfers the load to the alternate source when that source is available and suitable. When the preferred source returns to acceptable conditions, the system can transfer the load back.

ATS systems are commonly used where maintaining power availability is important, including data centres, telecommunications, healthcare, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Automatic Transfer Switch Benefits

An ATS can provide several operational benefits when incorporated into an appropriately designed power system.

Automatic power-source switching

The ATS can automatically transfer the load when the configured primary source becomes unavailable.

Reduced manual intervention

Automatic transfer reduces the need for an operator to physically switch the load between power sources.

Power-source redundancy

Using separate power sources can provide additional redundancy for appropriately designed systems.

Support for critical equipment

ATS solutions can be incorporated into power architectures supporting servers, networking equipment and other critical loads.

Remote monitoring

Some ATS/PDU models provide network-based monitoring and control capabilities. Source22’s Tripp Lite ATS/PDU products include remote management features on applicable models.

Automatic Transfer Switch Australia

Source22 provides automatic transfer switch and ATS/PDU solutions for Australian customers requiring redundant or automatically switched power for critical equipment.

Our available ATS products are particularly suited to server rooms, network environments, data-centre equipment and other applications requiring dual power sources.

If you are unsure which automatic transfer switch is suitable for your equipment, contact Source22 with your voltage, current, phase, equipment type and power-source requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does an Automatic Transfer Switch do?

An Automatic Transfer Switch monitors your incoming utility power and automatically switches the electrical load to a backup generator when a power outage occurs. Once utility power returns, it safely transfers the load back.

2. What is the difference between an ATS and a manual transfer switch?

A manual transfer switch requires someone to physically change the power source, whereas an ATS performs the transfer automatically, reducing downtime and improving safety.

3. Can an Automatic Transfer Switch work with a UPS?

Yes. An automatic transfer switch for UPS installations is commonly used to provide uninterrupted power. The UPS supplies immediate backup power while the ATS transfers the load to a standby generator.

4. Which industries benefit from an ATS Switch?

Automatic Transfer Switches are widely used in healthcare, data centres, telecommunications, manufacturing, commercial buildings, government facilities, and any environment where continuous power is critical.

5. What is the difference between an ATS and a manual transfer switch?

An automatic transfer switch performs the transfer automatically according to its configured operating conditions. A manual transfer switch requires an operator to initiate the changeover.

6. Where are automatic transfer switches used?

ATS systems can be used in data centres, server rooms, telecommunications, healthcare, industrial and commercial environments where reliable power availability is important.