SUGGESTED SPECIFICATION

for
Automatic Transfer Switches

Division 16 - Electrical
Standby Power Generator Systems

PART 1 GENERAL

1.01 Scope

Furnish and install automatic transfer switches (ATS) with number of poles, amperage,
voltage, withstand and close-on ratings as shown on the plans. Each automatic transfer
shall consist of an inherently double throw power transfer switch mechanism and a
microprocessor controller to provide automatic operation. All transfer switches and
controllers shall be the products of the same manufacturer.

1.02 Codes and Standards

The automatic transfer switches and controls shall conform to the requirements of:

A. UL 1008 - Standard for Transfer Switch Equipment

B. IEC 947-6-1 Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear; Multifunction equipment;

Automatic Transfer Switching Equipment

C. NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code

D. NFPA 99 - Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities

E. NFPA 110 - Emergency and Standby Power Systems

F. IEEE Standard 446 - IEEE Recommended Practice for Emergency and Standby
Power Systems for Commercial and Industrial Applications

G. NEMA Standard ICS10-1993 (formerly ICS2-447) - AC Automatic Transfer

Switches

H. UL 508 Industrial Control Equipment

1.03 Acceptable Manufacturers

Automatic transfer switches shall be ASCO 4000 Series. Any alternate shall be
submitted for approval to the consulting engineer at least 10 days prior to bid.
Alternate bids must list any deviations from this specification.

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10-2006 1 Publication 3163
PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.01 Mechanically Held Transfer Switch

A. The transfer switch shall be electrically operated and mechanically held. The
electrical operator shall be a momentarily energized, single-solenoid mechanism.
Main operators utilizing overcurrent disconnect devices, or linear motors shall not be
acceptable. The switch shall be mechanically interlocked to ensure only two
possible positions, normal or emergency.

B. All transfer switch sizes shall use only one type of main operator for ease of
maintenance and commonality of parts.

C. The switch shall be positively locked and unaffected by momentary outages, so that
contact pressure is maintained at a constant value and contact temperature rise is
minimized for maximum reliability and operating life.

D. All main contacts shall be silver composition. Switches rated 800 amperes and
above shall have segmented, blow-on construction for high withstand and close-on
capability and be protected by separate arcing contacts.

E. Inspection of all contacts shall be possible from the front of the switch without
disassembly of operating linkages and without disconnection of power conductors.
Switches rated 800 amps and higher shall have front removable and replaceable
contacts. All stationary and moveable contacts shall be replaceable without
removing power conductors and/or bus bars.

F. Designs utilizing components of molded-case circuit breakers, contactors, or parts

thereof, which are not intended for continuous duty, repetitive switching or transfer
between two active power sources are not acceptable.

G. Where neutral conductors are to be solidly connected as shown on the plans, a

neutral conductor plate with fully rated AL-CU pressure connectors shall be
provided.

2.02 Microprocessor Controller

A. The controller's sensing and logic shall be provided by a single built-in

microprocessor for maximum reliability, minimum maintenance, and the ability to
communicate serially through an optional serial communication module or Ethernet
connectivity module.

B. A single controller shall provide twelve selectable nominal voltages for maximum
application flexibility and minimal spare part requirements. Voltage sensing shall be
true RMS type and shall be accurate to ± 1% of nominal voltage. Frequency
sensing shall be accurate to ± 0.2%. The panel shall be capable of operating over a
temperature range of -20 to +60 degrees C and storage from -55 to +85 degrees C.

C. The controller shall be connected to the transfer switch by an interconnecting wiring

harness. The harness shall include a keyed disconnect plug to enable the controller
to be disconnected from the transfer switch for routine maintenance. Sensing and
control logic shall be provided on multi-layer printed circuit boards. Interfacing relays
shall be industrial grade plug-in type with dust covers. The panel shall be enclosed
with a protective cover and be mounted separately from the transfer switch unit for
safety and ease of maintenance. The protective cover shall include a built-in pocket
for storage of the operator’s manuals.

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10-2006 2 Publication 3163
 D. The controller shall meet or exceed the requirements for Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) as follows:

1. EN 55011:1991 Emission standard - Group 1, Class A

2. EN 50082-2:1995 Generic immunity standard, from which:
EN 61000-4-2:1995 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity
ENV 50140:1993 Radiated Electro-Magnetic field immunity
EN 61000-4-4:1995 Electrical fast transient (EFT) immunity
EN 61000-4-5:1995 Surge transient immunity
EN 61000-4-6:1996 Conducted Radio-Frequency field immunity
3. IEEE472 (ANSI C37.90A) Ring Wave Test.

2.03 Enclosure

A. The ATS shall be furnished in a Type 1 enclosure unless otherwise shown on the
plans.

B. All standard door mounted switches and indicating lights described in section 3 shall
be integrated into a flush-mounted, interface membrane or equivalent in the
enclosure door for easy viewing & replacement. The panel shall include a manual
locking feature to allow the user to lockout all membrane mounted control switches
to prevent unauthorized tampering. The membrane panel shall be suitable for
mounting by others when furnished on open type units.

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10-2006 3 Publication 3163
PART 3 OPERATION

3.01 Controller Display and Keypad

A. A four line, 20 character LCD display and keypad shall be an integral part of the
controller for viewing all available data and setting desired operational parameters.
Operational parameters shall also be available for viewing and limited control
through the communications interface port. The following parameters shall only be
adjustable via DIP switches on the controller:

1. Nominal line voltage and frequency

2. Single or three phase sensing
3. Operating parameter protection
4. Transfer operating mode configuration
(Open transition, Closed transition, or Delayed transition)
All instructions and controller settings shall be easily accessible, readable and
accomplished without the use of codes, calculations, or instruction manuals.

3.02 Voltage, Frequency and Phase Rotation Sensing

A. Voltage and frequency on both the normal and emergency sources (as noted below)
shall be continuously monitored, with the following pickup, dropout, and trip setting
capabilities (values shown as % of nominal unless otherwise specified):
Parameter Sources Dropout / Trip Pickup / Reset
Undervoltage N&E,3φ 70 to 98% 85 to 100%
Overvoltage N&E,3φ 102 to 115% 2% below trip
Underfrequency N&E 85 to 98% 90 to 100%
Overfrequency N&E 102 to 110% 2% below trip
Voltage unbalance N&E 5 to 20% 1% below dropout

B. Repetitive accuracy of all settings shall be within ± 0.5% over an operating

temperature range of -20°C to 60°C.

C. Voltage and frequency settings shall be field adjustable in 1% increments either locally
with the display and keypad or remotely via the communications interface port.

D. The controller shall be capable (when activated by the keypad or the

communications interface port) of sensing the phase rotation of both the normal and
emergency sources. The source shall be considered unacceptable if the phase
rotation is not the preferred rotation selected (ABC or CBA).

E. Source status screens shall be provided for both normal & emergency to provide
digital readout of voltage on all 3 phases, frequency, and phase rotation.

3.03 Time Delays

A. An adjustable time delay of 0 to 6 seconds shall be provided to override momentary

normal source outages and delay all transfer and engine starting signals. Capability
shall be provided to extend this time delay to 60 minutes by providing an external 24
VDC power supply.

B. A time delay shall be provided on transfer to emergency, adjustable from 0 to 60

minutes, for controlled timing of transfer of loads to emergency.

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10-2006 4 Publication 3163
 C. Two time delay modes (which are independently adjustable) shall be provided on re-
transfer to normal. One time delay shall be for actual normal power failures and the
other for the test mode function. The time delays shall be adjustable from 0 to 60
minutes. Time delay shall be automatically bypassed if the emergency source fails
and the normal source is acceptable.

D. A time delay shall be provided on shut down of engine generator for cool down,
adjustable from 0 to 60 minutes.

E. A time delay activated output signal shall also be provided to drive an external
relay(s) for selective load disconnect control. The controller shall have the ability to
activate an adjustable 0 to 5 minute time delay in any of the following modes:

1. Prior to transfer only.

2. Prior to and after transfer.
3. Normal to emergency only.
4. Emergency to normal only.
5. Normal to emergency and emergency to normal.
6. All transfer conditions or only when both sources are available.

F. The controller shall also include the following built-in time delays for optional Closed
Transition and Delayed Transition operation:

1. 1 to 5 minute time delay on failure to synchronize normal and emergency

sources prior to closed transition transfer.
2. 0.1 to 9.99 second time delay on an extended parallel condition of both
power sources during closed transition operation.
3. 0 to 5 minute time delay for the load disconnect position for delayed
transition operation.

G. All time delays shall be adjustable in 1 second increments, except the extended
parallel time, which shall be adjustable in .01 second increments.

H. All time delays shall be adjustable by using the LCD display and keypad or with a
remote device connected to the communications interface port.

3.04 Additional Features

A. Membrane-type switches shall be provided for the test and retransfer to normal
functions. The test position will simulate a normal source failure. The retransfer to
normal position shall bypass the time delays on retransfer to normal.

B. A SPDT contact, rated 5 amps at 30 VDC, shall be provided for a low-voltage engine
start signal. The start signal shall prevent dry cranking of the engine by requiring the
generator set to reach proper output, and run for the duration of the cool down
setting, regardless of whether the normal source restores before the load is
transferred.

C. Auxiliary contacts, rated 10 amps, 250 VAC shall be provided consisting of two
contacts, closed when the ATS is connected to the normal source and two contacts
closed, when the ATS is connected to the emergency source.

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10-2006 5 Publication 3163
 D. LED indicating lights shall be provided; one to indicate when the ATS is connected
to the normal source (green) and one to indicate when the ATS is connected to the
emergency source (red).

E. LED indicating lights shall be provided and energized by controller outputs. The
lights shall provide true source availability of the normal and emergency sources, as
determined by the voltage sensing trip and reset settings for each source.

F. A membrane switch shall be provided on the membrane panel to test all indicating
lights when pressed.

The following features shall be built-in to the controller, but capable of being
activated through keypad programming or the communications interface port
only when required by the user:

G. Provide the ability to select “commit/no commit to transfer” to determine whether the
load should be transferred to the emergency generator if the normal source restores
before the generator is ready to accept the load.

H. Terminals shall be provided for a remote contact which opens to signal the ATS to
transfer to emergency and for remote contacts which open to inhibit transfer to
emergency and/or retransfer to normal. Both of these inhibit signals can be
activated through the keypad or the communications interface port.

I. An Inphase monitor shall be provided in the controller. The monitor shall control
transfer so that motor load inrush currents do not exceed normal starting currents,
and shall not require external control of power sources. The inphase monitor shall be
specifically designed for and be the product of the ATS manufacturer. The inphase
monitor shall be equal to ASCO Feature 27.

J. The controller shall be capable of accepting a normally open contact that will allow
the transfer switch to function in a non-automatic mode when a non-automatic
version of the user interface membrane is furnished.

K. Engine Exerciser – The controller shall provide an internal engine exerciser. The
engine exerciser shall allow the user to program up to seven different exercise
routines. For each routine, the user shall be able to:

1. Enable or disable the routine.

2. Enable or disable transfer of the load during routine.
3. Set the start time, .
- time of day
- day of week
- week of month (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, alternate or every)
4. Set the duration of the run.

At the end of the specified duration the switch shall transfer the load back to normal
and run the generator for the specified cool down period. A 10-year life battery that
supplies power to the real time clock in the event of a power loss will maintain all
time and date information.

L. Key Locking Feature – The control switches on the interface membrane shall be
capable of being locked via password protected screens on the controller LCD
display to prevent unauthorized tampering. A red LED indicator shall be illuminated
on the interface membrane when the membrane controls are locked.
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10-2006 6 Publication 3163
 M. System Status – The controller LCD display shall include a “System Status” screen
which shall be readily accessible from any point in the menu by depressing the
“ESC” key a maximum of two times. This screen shall display a clear description of
the active operating sequence and switch position. For example,

Normal Failed
Load on Normal
TD Normal to Emerg
2min15s

N. Controllers that require multiple screens to determine system status or display

“coded” system status messages, which must be explained by references in the
operator’s manual, are not permissible.

O. Self Diagnostics – The controller shall contain a diagnostic screen for the purpose
of detecting system errors. This screen shall provide information on the status input
signals to the controller which may be preventing load transfer commands from
being completed.

P. Communications Interface – The controller shall be capable of interfacing, through

an optional communications interface module, with a network of transfer switches. It
shall be able to connect via an RS-485 Serial communication module (up to 4000 ft.
direct connect or multi-drop configuration), an Ethernet connectivity module (over
standard 10baseT Ethernet networks) or remotely through PSTN dial-up modem
communications. This module shall allow for seamless integration of existing or new
communication transfer devices. Standard software specific for transfer switch
applications shall be available by the transfer switch manufacturer. This software
shall allow for the monitoring, control and setup of parameters. The transfer switch
shall also be able to interface to 3rd party applications using ModbusRTU and
ModbusTCP open standard protocols. The communication interface module shall
be equal to ASCO Accessory 72A (RS-485 Serial), ASCO Accessory 72E (10BaseT
Ethernet), or ASCO Accessory 92A (PSTN dial-up modem).

Q. Data Logging – The controller shall have the ability to log data and to maintain the
last 99 events, even in the event of total power loss. The following events shall be
time and date stamped and maintained in a non-volatile memory:

1. Event Logging
1. Data and time and reason for transfer normal to emergency.
2. Data and time and reason for transfer emergency to normal.
3. Data and time and reason for engine start.
4. Data and time engine stopped.
5. Data and time emergency source available.
6. Data and time emergency source not available.

2. Statistical Data
1. Total number of transfers.
2. Total number of transfers due to source failure.
3. Total number of days controller is energized.
4. Total number of hours both normal and emergency sources are available.

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10-2006 7 Publication 3163
PART 4 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

4.01 Withstand and Closing Ratings

A. The ATS shall be rated to close on and withstand the available RMS symmetrical
short circuit current at the ATS terminals with the type of overcurrent protection
shown on the plans.

B. The ATS shall be UL listed in accordance with UL 1008 and be labeled in

accordance with that standard's 1½ and 3 cycle, long-time ratings. ATSs which are
not tested and labeled with 1½ and 3 cycle (any breaker) ratings and have series, or
specific breaker ratings only, are not acceptable.

4.02 Tests and Certification

A. The complete ATS shall be factory tested to ensure proper operation of the
individual components and correct overall sequence of operation and to ensure that
the operating transfer time, voltage, frequency and time delay settings are in
compliance with the specification requirements.

B. Upon request, the manufacturer shall provide a notarized letter certifying compliance
with all of the requirements of this specification including compliance with the above
codes and standards, and withstand and closing ratings. The certification shall
identify, by serial number(s), the equipment involved. No exceptions to the
specifications, other than those stipulated at the time of the submittal, shall be
included in the certification.

C. The ATS manufacturer shall be certified to ISO 9001 International Quality Standard
and the manufacturer shall have third party certification verifying quality assurance in
design/development, production, installation and servicing in accordance with ISO
9001.

4.03 Service Representation

A. The ATS manufacturer shall maintain a national service organization of company-

employed personnel located throughout the contiguous United States. The service
center's personnel must be factory trained and must be on call 24 hours a day, 365
days a year.

B. The manufacturer shall maintain records of each switch, by serial number, for a
minimum of 20 years.

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10-2006 8 Publication 3163
*Note Spec Writer: The following section is optional and should be deleted if not used.

PART 5 OPTIONAL FEATURES

5.01 Power Manager

A. Furnish Power Managers at locations shown to monitor all functions specified below.

B. The Power Manager shall be listed to UL 3111-1, CSA, CE Mark, and industrially
rated for an operating temperature range of -20°C to 60°C.

C. The Power Manager shall be accurate to 0.25% of measured and computed values
and display resolution to 0.25%. Voltage and current for all phases shall be sampled
simultaneously to assure high accuracy in conditions of low power factor or large
waveform distortions (harmonics).

D. The Power Manager shall be capable of operating without modification at nominal

frequencies of 45 to 66 Hz and over a control power input range of 20 – 32 VDC.

E. The Power Manager shall accept inputs from industry standard instrument
transformers (120 VAC secondary PT’s and 5A secondary CT's.) Direct phase
voltage connections, 600 VAC and under, shall be possible without the use of PT’s.

F. The Power Manager shall be applied in single, 3-phase, or three & four wire circuits.
A fourth CT input shall be available to measure neutral or ground current.

G. All setup parameters required by the Power Manager shall be stored in non-volatile
memory and retained in the event of a control power interruption.

H. Each Power Manager shall be capable of interfacing to a communications network to

permit information to be sent and received by a central location for display, analysis,
logging, and control.

I. The Power Manager shall have an embedded 4-wire RS-485 serial interface for
stand alone applications. Additionally, 4-wire RS-485, 2-wire RS-485, and Ethernet
communications shall also be available via an optional communications interface
module. One communications module shall allow for connections from both a
Transfer Switch and Power Manager simultaneously to the communications network

J. The Power Manager shall be able to interface to 3rd party applications using the
ModbusRTU and ModbusTCP open standard protocols. Communications interface
modules shall be used as needed to provide the RS-485 or Ethernet Connection.
This connection shall allow for monitoring of metered readings, event logs, and
status inputs, as well as control of status outputs and setpoint acknowledgements.

K. The following metered readings shall be communicated by the Power Manager over
the communications network interface. All readings shall provide indication of which
source is being measured.

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10-2006 9 Publication 3163
 1. Current, per phase RMS and neutral (if applicable)
2. Current Unbalance %
3. Voltage, phase-to-phase and phase-to-neutral (if applicable)
4. Voltage Unbalance %
5. Real power (KW), per phase and 3-phase total
6. Apparent power (KVA), per phase and 3-phase total
7. Reactive power (KVAR), per phase and 3-phase total
8. Power factor, 3-phase total & per phase
9. Frequency
10. Accumulated Energy, (MWH, MVAH, and MVARH)

L. The following energy readings shall be communicated by the Power Manager:

1. Accumulated real energy KWH
2. Accumulated reactive energy KVAH
3. Accumulated apparent energy KVARH

NOTE: For real and reactive energy reported values, separate total for energy flow from each
source shall be stored, including the arithmetic sum.

M. Power Managers shall be equipped with the following hardwire Input/Output Options:
1. Provide one dedicated solid state status input to indicate transfer switch
position if used to monitor a transfer switch.
2. Provide eight solid state status inputs.
3. Provide four relay output contacts. Relay outputs shall be Form C dry
contacts, UL/CSA rated 1A@30Vdc, 0.5A@125Vac resistive load.

N. Power Manager shall be equipped with protective programmable setpoints. These

setpoints shall be able to be used to annunciate an alarm or trigger an output relay
on the following conditions.
1. KW overload pre-alarm
2. KW overload alarm
3. Over voltage
4. Under voltage
5. Over frequency
6. Under frequency
7. Reverse/Under power
8. Reverse VARS
9. Reverse over current
10. Negative sequence over current
11. Negative sequence voltage
12. Digital Inputs(1:8)

O. Each programmable setpoint shall allow the user to select:

1. The parameter
2. The trip level
3. The reset level
4. The trip time delay
5. The reset time delay
6. The alarm type or digital output
7. Whether acknowledgement of the alarm is required
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10-2006 10 Publication 3163
 P. The Power Manager shall have a Device 86 feature that can latch an output relay
closed whenever a setpoint configured to that relay is tripped. The relay shall only
open when the reset conditions have been met, and the alarm is acknowledged by
an operator.

*Note Spec Writer: The following section is optional and should be deleted if not used.

A. The Power Manager shall flush mount to an enclosure.

B. The Power Managers shall be equipped with an optional continuous duty, long-
life, 4 line x 20 character LCD backlit display to provide local access to the
following metered quantities:
1. Current, per phase RMS and neutral (if applicable)
2. Current Unbalance %
3. Voltage, phase-to-phase and phase-to-neutral (if applicable)
4. Voltage Unbalance %
5. Real power (KW), per phase and 3-phase total
6. Apparent power (KVA), per phase and 3-phase total
7. Reactive power (KVAR), per phase and 3-phase total
8. Power factor, 3-phase total & per phase
9. Frequency
10. Accumulated Energy, (MWH, MVAH, and MVARH)

C. Displaying each of the Power Manager quantities shall be accomplished through

the use of menu scroll buttons.

D. For ease in operator viewing, the display shall remain on continuously, with no
detrimental effect on the life of the Power Manager.

E. Setup for system requirements shall be allowed from the front of the Power
Manager. Setup provisions shall include:
1. CT rating (xxxxx:5)
2. PT rating (xxxxxxx:120) (if applicable; 24000V maximum)
3. System type (single; three phase; 3 and 4 wire)
4. Source to be monitored (Normal, Emergency, Load, Other)
5. Nominal Values (kW capacity, voltage, current, frequency)
6. Communication parameters

F. Reset of the following electrical parameters shall also be allowed from the front of
the Power Manager:
1. Accumulated real energy KWH
2. Accumulated reactive energy KVAH
3. Accumulated apparent energy KVARH

G. The Power Manager shall have the ability to display entries from the Setup log on
the LCD display. It shall also have the ability to clear the Setup log database from
the display.

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10-2006 11 Publication 3163
 H. The Power Manager shall have the ability to display entries from the Event log
both locally on the LCD display and remotely over the communications interface.
It shall also have the ability to clear the Event log database from the display.

I. All reset and setup functions shall have a means for protection against
unauthorized/accidental changes.

5.02 Control Relay Interface Board

A. An optional plug-in relay board shall be furnished which mounts on the back of the
membrane interface board. The relay board shall contain four relays with form C
contacts rated 2A @ 30Vdc, 0.5A@125Vac.

B. The function of relays RL1 through RL3 is as follows:

1. RL1 energized if emergency source acceptable output is active.

2. RL2 energized if normal source acceptable output is active.
3. RL3 energized if load disconnect signal output is active.

C. The function of RL4 shall be capable of being configured via DIP switches on the
control relay board, as shown:

4. position 1 on relay energized if normal source acceptable output is

active
5. position 2 on relay energized if emergency source acceptable
output is active
6. position 3 on relay energized if extended parallel output is active
(for Closed Transition Switches only).
7. position 4 on relay energized if ATS locked out output is active (for
Closed Transition Switches only).
8. position 5 on relay energized if fail to sync / load disconnect output
is active (for Closed or Delayed Transition Switches only).

D. Multiple conditions can be used to energize RL4 by activating more than one switch.
For example, if both positions 1 and 2 are on, the relay will be energized if either the
normal or emergency source is acceptable.

5.03 Provisions for External DC Power Supply – An optional provision shall be available to
connect an external 24 VDC power supply to allow the LCD and the door mounted control
indicators to remain functional when both power sources are dead. The option shall be
equivalent to ASCO accessory 1G.

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10-2006 12 Publication 3163