What is an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), and Where Do You Use It?

December 16, 2024

In today’s world, ensuring uninterrupted power is critical for businesses, industries, and even residential setups. This is where an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) comes into play, offering a reliable solution for seamless power management.

What is an ATS?

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is a device designed to automatically switch the power source from a primary supply, like a UPS or mains power, to a backup source in case of a failure. This ensures continuous power delivery, protecting critical systems from downtime or data loss.

For example, when used with a UPS, the ATS monitors power from the UPS and automatically transfers to mains power if the UPS experiences a fault or loses input. This transition happens seamlessly, ensuring your equipment remains operational.

Key Features of ATS

Seamless Switching: Transfers power sources without manual intervention, minimizing downtime.
Safety and Reliability: Ensures protection for connected devices by eliminating power interruptions.
Versatility: Compatible with various setups, from small-scale operations to high-capacity installations.
Wall-Mounted or Rack-Mounted Options: Suitable for any setup requirements.
PDU and DB (Distribution Board) in One Product: Simplifies power management with a single solution.
Inbuilt RCD on Output Circuits and GPOs: Ensures safety and compliance with power regulations.

Where Can You Use an ATS?

Data Centres: Ensure continuous power to servers and IT equipment.
Industrial Applications: Maintain critical operations during maintenance or power failures.
Residential Systems: Keep essential systems like medical equipment or home offices running.
Retail and Commercial Spaces: Prevent disruptions to point-of-sale systems and lighting.
Medical Facilities: Protect vital medical equipment, such as refrigerators for life-support systems, scanners, and CT machines, ensuring patient safety and compliance with healthcare standards.
Generators: Automatically switch equipment (up to 40A) over to a compatible generator, ensuring continuous operation during power outages.

ATS Solutions from PSS Distributors

EMBP-PDU

The EMBP-PDU is a compact, ATS designed for UPS systems 1-3kVA, available in 10A or 15A. Ideal for smaller setups, it ensures uninterrupted power with its seamless transfer capabilities.

Key Features:

Wall-mounted or rack-mounted options
Integrated PDU and DB
Inbuilt RCD on output circuits and GPO

EMBP-DIS-40A-1

For larger applications, the EMBP-DIS-40A-1 offers a higher capacity, supporting up to 40A with single-phase input. This wall-mounted unit features a full wiring input and output distribution on a 40A RCD, 6 Australian Standard 10A GPOs, and up to 5 output circuits. Its combination of manual maintenance bypass and ATS functionality makes it perfect for critical power applications.