SPECIFYING THE RIGHT

TRANSFER SWITCH
Author: Hassan Obeid, Global Technical Advisor

Transfer switch equipment is available in a variety of types, with a wide array of features. Selecting the
appropriate transfer switch for a specific application requires a clear understanding of site needs and switch
options. This paper discusses the key elements that must be considered when specifying a transfer switch, so
that a more informed selection can be made.

Transfer switches are vital! They are 3rd party certified and at the heart of an emergency power system,
providing a dependable power transfer between two power sources (a utility and an emergency standby
generator, for example) and facility loads. When the normal power source fails, transfer switches detect the
loss of power, send a start signal to the standby generator and then connect the generator to facility loads
when the generator has reached proper voltage and frequency. When utility power is restored, the transfer
switch returns the load from the emergency power source to the normal one.

In cases of utility failure when the emergency power source is not operating, power to facility loads will be lost
for a period of approximately 10 seconds while the generator set starts — unless there is an Uninterruptible
Power Supply (UPS) serving loads in the system to bridge the power gap while the generator set starts,
reaches the proper voltage and frequency, and the automatic transfer switch transfers.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 2

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING

A TRANSFER SWITCH
When specifying a transfer switch for a power system, several factors impact the selection of the switch.
Some of these factors are (along with some examples):
ƒ Codes and standards (UL, CSA, NFPA, NEMA, IBC, OSHPD)
ƒ Application (utility-to-generator, generator-to- generator, utility-to-utility)
ƒ Transition type (open, closed, non-automatic)
ƒ Switch positions (2-positions, 3-positions)
ƒ Number of poles (3-pole, 4-pole)
ƒ Separately derived or non-separately derived
ƒ Service-entrance or non-service-entrance
ƒ Switch type (transfer switch, bypass isolation switch)
ƒ Voltage and frequency (600VAC, 480VAC / 50Hz, 60Hz)
ƒ Current rating
ƒ Fault current capability (WCR*)
ƒ Short-time fault current capability (WCR*)
ƒ Selective coordination (WCR & listed OCPD**)
ƒ Cable lugs and entry requirements (compression/mechanical, top/bottom entry)
ƒ Enclosures (NEMA Type 1, 3R, 4, 4x, 12)

CODES AND STANDARDS

Transfer switches are designed to meet the leading testing requirements specified by UL 1008 “Standard for
Safety - Transfer Switch Equipment.” UL 1008 specifies robust and rigorous testing requirements for verifying
manufacturer ratings and ensure reliability and durability. UL 1008 is harmonized with the Canadian standard
CSA C22.2 No.178.1.Any transfer switch product listed as such is suitable for use in any application in
North America. Transfer switch products without these listing can be challenged in some marketplaces and
applications.

Transfer switches are applied in a variety of applications that typically fall into one of four categories defined
by the National Electrical Code® (NFPA 70®): emergency systems, legally required systems, optional standby
systems, and critical operations power systems. Understanding those categories is important, as they play a
critical role in determining what kind of transfer switch you require.
ƒ Emergency Systems (Article 700):
Automatically supply, distribute, and control electricity used by systems essential to life safety during fires
and other disasters. They include fire detectors, alarms, emergency lights, elevators, fire pumps, public
safety communication systems
ƒ Legally Required Systems (Article 701):
Automatically supply power to a selected set of regulated loads not classified as emergency systems when
normal power is unavailable. They serve critical heating, refrigeration, communication, ventilation, and
smoke removal
ƒ Optional Standby Systems (Article 702)
Supply power to loads with no direct bearing on health or life safety, and are not required to function
automatically during power failures

*WCR: Withstand and Closing Rating

**OCPD: Overcurrent Protection Device
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 3

ƒ Critical Operations Power Systems (Article 708):

Supply, distribute, and control electricity in designated critical areas when a normal power source fails.
They include HVAC, fire alarm, security, communication, signaling, and other services in facilities that a
government agency has deemed important to national security, the economy, or public health and safety

Another standard that impacts the selection of the transfer switch is NFPA 110® Standard for Emergency
and Standby Power Systems. The intent of NFPA 110® is to achieve maximum system reliability. It covers
installation, maintenance, operation, and testing requirements as they pertain to the performance of the
Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS). The requirements cover the performance of emergency and
standby power systems providing an alternate source of electrical power to loads in buildings and facilities if
the primary power source fails. The standard differentiates systems by Class, Type, and Level as follows:
ƒ Class: The class defines the minimum time, in hours, for which the EPSS is designed to operate at its rated
load without being refueled or recharged.
ƒ Type: The type defines the maximum time, in seconds, that the EPSS will permit the load terminals of the
transfer switch to be without acceptable electrical power
ƒ Level: Level 1 and Level 2:
ƒ Level 1 systems are installed where a failure of backup power could result in loss of human life or
serious injuries.
ƒ Level 2 systems serve systems and equipment that are “less critical” to human life and safety.
Therefore, a system requirement specifying NFPA 110®, Level 1, Type 10 for power system cannot be met
with a manual transfer switch and an automatic transfer switch must be selected.

The additional codes to pay attention to are NFPA 70® Article 517, NFPA 99® for Healthcare, and OSHPD (Office
of Statewide Health Planning and Development – Healthcare in California which also include a seismic element).
These standards call for a UL1008 automatic transfer switch for use in emergency systems and some require a
bypass isolation transfer switch.

The International Building Code (IBC®) is another code to consider when selecting and applying a transfer switch
in the power system. It is important for standby power systems to function after a catastrophic event, such as a
hurricane, tornado, or an earthquake. IBC® requires that critical equipment, such as on-site power systems that
power critical branches such as hospitals, police and fire stations, emergency shelters, power plants, airports,
government facilities, and communications and operations centers, may need to endure higher physical shocks
and multi-axis accelerations in certain areas of the United States, including those generated near the San Andreas
Fault in California.

All of the Cummins PowerCommand® X-Series transfer

switches are certified to IBC 2018, which requires
strenuous testing of the assembled product to verify its
ability to survive seismic events.

PowerCommand® X-Series transfer switch withstanding thousands

of pounds of force during shake table testing
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 4

APPLICATION
A variety of arrangements are available utilizing two power sources and three power sources when applying a
transfer switch in a power system:

ƒ Utility to Generator:
The most common application and it is typically referred to as
emergency standby generator system. The transfer switch configuration
includes a utility feed and a generator set for normal and emergency
power sources (see Figure-01).
Figure-01 Utility to Generator

ƒ Utility to Utility:
In this configuration two utility sources provide redundancy in the
distribution system and allows for quick restoration of service to the
load if one utility source fails. The two sources can be independent of
each other, requiring the public utility company to provide dual electric
Figure-02 Utility to Utility services, or they can originate from a single electric service that is
distributed through redundant paths within the facility (see Figure-02).

ƒ Generator to Generator:
The common use case is a prime power application, often at remote
installations. In such cases, the generator may be required to provide
continuous power to the facility loads. To equally share run-time, source
Figure-03 Generator to Generator power is periodically swapped between the generator sets via the
transfer switch smart controls (see Figure-03).

ƒ Utility-Generator-Generator:
(also known as three power source)
Critical facilities with an emergency standby generator system will
often include provisions for a second generator connection to serve
as a redundant emergency backup that can be used during periods of
inclement weather, or when scheduled maintenance is being performed
on the first generator (see Figure-04).
Figure-04 Utility-Generator-Generator

ƒ Utility-Utility-Generator:
(also known as three power source)
This configuration expands on the redundancy provided by a dual utility
arrangement and includes an emergency standby generator source (see
Figure-05).

Figure-05 Utility-Utility-Generator
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 5

TRANSITION TYPE
Transfer switches transition facility loads between two sources. The way the transition takes place is known as the
transition type. There are three transition types discussed here: Automatic open transition, Automatic hard-closed
transition, and Non-automatic transition

AUTOMATIC OPEN TRANSITION:

Open-transition transfer switches provide a “break-before-make” switching action. They are specifically designed
to transfer power between utility and onsite power systems. The connection to one source is opened before
the connection to the second source is closed. Mechanical interlocks that positively prevent interconnection
of sources are commonly used. Some manufacturers include electrical interlocks in addition to the mechanical
interlocks. Open-transition transfer switches are the most commonly used type of transfer switch and are used in
all types of applications. By design, they neither require nor allow generator set paralleling with the utility service.

There are three types of open transition: open-delayed, open-fast-transition sync, or open-fast-transition no sync.
ƒ Automatic Open Transition:
Open-transition transfer switches provide a “break-before-make” switching action. They are specifically
designed to transfer power between utility and onsite power systems. The connection to one source is
opened before the connection to the second source is closed. Mechanical interlocks that positively prevent
interconnection of sources are commonly used. Some manufacturers, such as Cummins, include electrical
interlocks in addition to the mechanical interlocks. Open-transition transfer switches are the most commonly
used type of transfer switch and are used in all types of applications. By design, they neither require nor allow
generator set paralleling with the utility service.

ƒ Open-delayed transition:
In an open-delayed transition, the transfer switch pauses or stops in intermediate position for a pre-set amount
of time disconnecting the load from both sources before connecting to the other available source (see Figure-06).
Open-delayed transition requires a three-position transfer switch mechanism which is discussed in the next section.

V
Time Delay

Figure-06
Source 1 Source 2 Open-Delayed Transition

The delay typically lasts a specific, pre-set amount of time. That Time delay should be set to allow the voltage
generated by the load to decay to a safe level before connecting to the available source. NEMA MG-1
recommends a delay of 1.5x Motor Open Circuit Time Constant. That brings the voltage generated by the load
to 22% of nominal. Typical application for this kind of transition is stored energy loads such as inductive motors
or MRI machines.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 6

ƒ Open-Fast-Transition Sync:
This transition mode is also known as in-phase transition. In this transition mode, the transfer switch control uses
built-in sophisticated algorithm to execute an open transition at the precise moment the normal and emergency
power sources are synchronized phase, voltage, and frequency (see Figure-07). Transfer switch controls don’t
include active synchronizers. The synchronizers are typically part of the generator integrated control.
Open-Fast-Transition Sync are typically completed in 100ms or less and there are no intentional time delays
configured for this mode of transfer. Typical applications for this mode are small inductive loads less than 20hp
and resistive loads.

Figure-07
Source 1 Source 2 Open-Fast Transition Sync

Some transfer switch OEMs such as Cummins include a back-up if synchronization between the two sources
doesn’t occur within a pre-set time span. In that event the switch control defaults to an open-delayed transition.
ƒ Open-Fast-Transition No Sync:
In this transition mode, there are no intentional time delays and no need to wait for the sources to be
synchronized before transferring (see Figure-08). Open-Fast-Transition No Sync are typically completed in
100ms or less. Typical applications for this mode are resistive loads.

Sources are not in Sync

t
Figure-08
Open-Fast Transition No Sync

Source 1 Source 2
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 7

AUTOMATIC HARD-CLOSED TRANSITION:

Closed-transition transfer switches provide a “make-before-break” switching action and utilize a momentary
paralleling of both sources (<100ms) during the transfer period, when both sources are available. Both sources
must be synchronized (phase, voltage, and frequency) before momentary paralleling them (see Figure-09). Closed
transition transfer switches do not include mechanical nor electrical interlocking of sources. Since there is no gap
between disconnecting and connecting sources, downstream loads receive continuous power throughout the
transfer process.

V <100ms

t
Figure-09
Hard-Closed Transition

Source 1 Source 2
Some utilities require closed transitions to comply with interconnect requirements aimed at preserving power
quality and protecting utility service personnel and equipment. In some cases, this can require the inclusion of
protective relays in the electrical circuit such as:
ƒ 62PL Parallel Timer (a timer relay that is independent and external to the transfer switch control which
disconnects the site from the utility service if it does not disconnect as designed)
ƒ 32R Reverse Power (directional power relay which disconnects the site from the utility service if power
flows into the utility)
ƒ 86LO Lockout (an electromechanical relay which latches its output contacts and prevents reconnection
to the utility without intervention from the service supplier)

Always verify local service requirements when providing closed transition transfer switches for an application.

NON-AUTOMATIC TRANSITION:
This transition mode also provides “break-before-make” switching action. The transfer between sources is
manually initiated by an operator. All the time delays (transfer, re-transfer, elevator, program transition) and control
protection are still active in this mode. The advantage of this mode is that the operators are in complete command
of transfer initiation. But this advantage can be a disadvantage in some applications since an operator must be
present to initiate a transfer. Also, in this transition mode, there’s neither support for open-fast-transition sync (in-
phase) nor closed transitions.

It is important to note that non-automatic is not the same as Manual Transfer Switch (MTS). Manual switches are
manually controlled and require direct operation by a person to transfer the load. This operation is through a lever
or a handle; the switch does not have electrically actuated solenoids, contactors, nor motors. The actual contact
mechanisms are operated using spring energy in order to achieve a “quick” make or break of the current carrying
contacts. These switches do not have monitoring capability for the power sources. Also, they contain a very
rudimentary or no control system.

The NEC® requires automatic transfer switches for Emergency, Legally Required, and Critical Operation Power
(Articles: 700/701/708). Manual and Non-Automatic are not permitted.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 8

SWITCH POSITIONS
Switch position refers to which source the load is connected. In a 2-position switch, the load is either connected
to the normal source or the emergency source. For residential applications, a 2-position transfer switch is a very
economical solution.

In a 3-position switch, the load is either connected to the normal source or the emergency source, or it can be in
a middle position known as center-off position (see Figure-10). The center-off position is also known as the neutral
position. In the center-off position or neutral position, the load isn’t connected to either source. The applications
for a 3-position switch are delayed-transition and load shedding. For example, if the load is connected to the
emergency source and an overload condition occurs, the generator set control senses that overload condition,
then sends a signal to the transfer switch causing it to shed and move to the neutral position. The load shed
signal may come from the generator set control or in more complex operations the signal may come from a
system level control. The advantage of a 3-position switch is disconnecting the load from the emergency source
and staying in center off position. It is not recommended to shed load to a de-energized utility source.

Load shed maybe required by code. NEC® 2020 700.4 (C) allows the alternate power source to supply
emergency, legally required, and optional system loads where the source has adequate capacity or where
automatic selective load shed is provided as needed to ensure adequate power.

Connected Connected to Center-Off or

to Normal Emergency Neutral Position

Figure-10
Three Position Transfer Switch
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 9

NUMBER OF POLES
Transfer switches are offered in two configurations: a 3-pole (the mechanism switches the three phase poles A, B,
and C. The neutral is solid) and 4-pole (the mechanism switches the three phase poles A, B, C, and the neutral).

There are two methods of switching the neutral: simultaneous switching and overlapping neutral switching. With
simultaneous switching, offered on Cummins switches, the neutral pole is mounted on a common crossbar with
the phase poles, and thus, is switched at the same time as the phase conductors in a break-before-make action
(see Figure-11). The grounded neutrals of the two power sources are not connected, even momentarily.

S1 S1
A B C N A B C N

Load
Load

Figure-11
A B C N A B C N Simultaneously Switched 4-Pole
S2 S2 Transfer Switch

With overlapping switching, the neutral pole is momentarily closed to the grounded neutrals of both power
sources in a make-before-break action. A temporary solid neutral connection is created with multiple grounds.
Neutral current has, therefore, two paths of return to the source during the overlapping make-before-break
switching action and a nuisance trip could result when no ground fault exists.

Overlapping neutral transfer switches have inherent failure modes which don’t exist in a simultaneously switched
neutral product. Specifically, because the neutral pole operates independently of the phase poles, it could fail to
transfer completely when the phase poles transfer. Two effects of this failure mode are that the neutral pole could
be left disconnected from both sources creating a floating neutral condition, and the neutral pole could be left
connected to both sources creating two neutral to ground connections with the potential for ground loops and
incorrect earth fault detection. Even with a properly functioning neutral pole there will be a period during transfer
when two neutral to ground connections will exist.

To determine which configuration (3-Pole or 4-Poles) to select, attention must be paid to the system grounding
scheme and ground fault protection requirements. If ground fault detection is required on either source, a 4-pole
transfer switch is necessary in most cases. Per NEC® 230.95 Ground Fault Protection (GFP) of equipment is
required at the service disconnect (utility breaker) for systems with all of the following:
ƒ Solidly grounded wye electrical service
ƒ More than 150 volts to ground (277/480 or 347/600VAC)
ƒ Over current device rating of 1000A or more

NEC® 700.6 (D) and 701.6 (D) requires Ground Fault Indication (GFI) at the emergency source.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 10

Ground fault sensing depends on being able to sense ground fault current. To accurately sense ground fault
current, it must return to its source on a known path relative to ground fault current transformers (CTs). In basic
emergency standby systems there are two rules to follow to meet these requirements:
ƒ There can only be one neutral/ground connection on any neutral bus at one time
ƒ Ground fault sensors (the CTs) must be downstream (or on the load side) of the bonding
connection

To meet both rules when connected to either the normal or the emergency source, the neutral must be switched
using a 4-pole transfer switch (see Figure-12).

Utility Service 4-Pole Generator

Entrance ATS Set

3Ph
GF Sensor
Neutral System Figure-12
EGC Bonding 4-Pole Configuration Transfer Switch
Jumper And Ground Fault Sensing
GEC GEC EGC (Equipment Grounding Conductor)
GEC (Grounding Electrode Conductor)

SEPARATELY DERIVED OR
NON-SEPARATELY DERIVED
The NEC® defines separately derived systems as “An electrical source, other than a service, having no direct
connection(s) to circuit conductors of any other electrical source other than those established by grounding and
bonding connections”. NEC Section 250.30(A)(1) requires separately derived systems to have a system bonding
jumper connected between the generator frame and the grounded circuit conductor (neutral)

A switched neutral pole as shown in Figure-13a (refer to the previous section: Number of Poles) is used in
applications where it is necessary for accurate sensing of ground fault current. When used, the on-site generator
set is a separately derived system. Where the transfer equipment includes a switched neutral pole and the
generator is a separately derived system, its neutral must be bonded to an effective ground.

In the system shown in Figure-13b, the neutral conductor is grounded at the service equipment. Ground Fault
Protection (GFP) for equipment may be added to the normal service equipment. The only path for ground fault
current is on the grounding conductor outside of the GFP sensors. The generator neutral is not bonded to ground,
because to do so would create multiple ground fault current paths; one of which would be through the sensor, the
other outside the sensor.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 11

Utility Service 4-Pole Generator

Entrance ATS Set

3Ph
GF Sensor
Neutral System
EGC Bonding
Jumper

GEC GEC
Figure-13a
Separately Derived Systems

Utility Service 3-Pole Generator

Entrance ATS Set

3Ph
GF Sensor
Neutral Figure-13b
EGC Non-Separately Derived Systems

EGC (Equipment Grounding Conductor)

GEC GEC (Grounding Electrode Conductor)
GF (Ground Fault)

SERVICE-ENTRANCE AND
NON-SERVICE-ENTRANCE
The National Electric Code requires a way for disconnecting the electrical service where it enters a building.
Service-entrance rated transfer switches typically include a circuit breaker on the normal side which provides for
overcurrent protection and a service disconnect means (see Figure-14). These switches also include provisions
for system grounding and optional ground fault protection as required. Note that the withstand and closing rating
(WCR) of the switch might be limited by the OCPD device therefore the WCR of the switch will be set at Ampere
Interrupt Capacity (AIC) of the OCPD.

OCPD

OCPD
Integrated
Service Figure-14
Disconnect Service-Entrance Rated Transfer Switch
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 12

TRANSFER SWITCH AND

BYPASS ISOLATION SWITCH
Bypass-isolation automatic transfer switch equipment is a manual bypass transfer switch in parallel with an automatic
transfer switch (see Figure-15). The parallel connections between the bypass switch and ATS are made with isolating
contacts such that the automatic transfer switch can be drawn out for service and repair and power is fed to the
load through the bypass switch. The bypass-isolation automatic transfer equipment available from Cummins is the
non-load break type meaning there is no power interruption to the load when power is switched from the normal
path to the manual ATS path. The manual ATS can also provide an open transition transfer between the sources
when the automatic switch is not is use.

ATS MTS

Figure-15
Bypass Isolation Switch

VOLTAGE & FREQUENCY

Transfer switch equipment is available for a wide range of operating voltages at both 50 and 60
Hz. All types of switches are available for low voltage (600 VAC and below) applications. Typical AC voltages are:
120, 208, 240, 480, and 600. Also, single and three phase options are available.

The voltage chosen for the transfer switch will match the system voltage for the application, however, withstand
and closing ratings for the switch may vary with its voltage rating. This rating difference can affect the type of
protection equipment required upstream of the transfer switch.

CURRENT RATING
Transfer switches are rated for continuous current which means holding the maximum value for three hours or
more. The continuous current rating must be selected in accordance with the total connected load requirements,
sized essentially in the same manner as the circuit conductors. Most transfer switches can carry 100% rated
current at an ambient temperature of 40ºC. However, transfer switches incorporating integral overcurrent
protective devices (for example: service-entrance transfer switches) may be limited to a continuous load current
not to exceed 80% of the switch rating.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 13

Typically, the most used ampere ratings range from 40 to 4000 amperes. Switch frame size dictates the current
rating range and the withstand and closing rating (WCR). Most switches that incorporate a switched fourth
neutral pole utilize a neutral pole rated the same as the phase poles, but the manufacturer’s literature should be
referenced to confirm. It is recommended that fully rated neutrals be used in applications containing nonlinear
loads, where the load induced harmonics create substantial neutral current. The ampacity of the switch must
meet or exceed that of the connected conductors.

Future load requirements should be considered during the planning process and a transfer switch with a
continuous current rating equal to the total of the anticipated future load should be selected for the application.

FAULT CURRENT CAPABILITY

A fault downstream of the transfer switch will result in a short circuit current flowing through the transfer switch.
High level of fault currents will cause thermal and magnetic stress on the switch. Since transfer switches are not
designed to break (interrupt) fault currents; therefore, they must be protected by overcurrent protection devices
(OCPDs) on both sources.

To apply transfer switch equipment correctly within its short circuit or withstand and closing rating (WCR), it is first
necessary to determine the maximum available fault current from each source at the switch location. Any potential
contribution from load sources (motors) must also be considered. Typically, a utility source will have higher
available short circuit current, but generator sources, particularly multiple generators, must also be considered.
The withstand and close rating of the transfer switch must be matched to the available fault current.

All transfer switch equipment is required (per UL1008) to have short circuit ratings that are Withstand and Closing
Ratings (WCR), which are expressed in RMS symmetrical amperes at a maximum system voltage. The WCR is
established by testing only. Calculations of short circuit ratings have no validity for applications. Rating can either
be time-based or specific OCPD (breaker/fuse) based. Transfer switches with high time-based short circuit WCR
simplifies breaker selection for protecting the transfer switch (see Figure-16).

Bus 1: AFC: 150,000A

OCPD

Minimum short-circuit
WCR – 150,000A
Time Duration 0.05s

Bus 2: AFC: 85,000A

OCPD

Minimum short-circuit
WCR – 85,000A
Time Duration 0.05s

Bus 3: AFC: 65,000A

OCPD Figure-16
Fault Current Capability And Applying
Minimum short-circuit Time-Based WCR
WCR – 65,000A
Time Duration 0.05s AFC (Available Fault Current)
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 14

SHORT-TIME FAULT CURRENT

CAPABILITY
Transfer switch manufacturers can take the extra step and perform the UL 1008 optional short-circuit short-time
withstand and closing test and subject the transfer switch to fault currents for durations longer than what is listed
in the UL 1008 standard. Short-time ratings are similar to WCR ratings,except the duration of the fault is specified
by the manufacturer. For example, Cummins PowerCommand® transfer switches short-time WCR are rated to the
maximum duration accepted in the industry, which is 0.5s.

The difference between the short-time rating and the WCR rating is that the short-time rating requires that the
transfer switch pass a temperature rise test at rated load after the short circuit test. What this means is that in
order to apply the short time rating the transfer switch must still be functional after being subjected to short circuit
current at its short-time rating.

It is important to note that the short-time rating must be withstand and closing rating. Transfer switches listed as
withstand rating only violate UL 1008 – as the rating is not a true short-time rating and, per UL1008, shall not
be accepted.

A typical application for a short-time rated transfer switch is when is when it is applied downstream of a UL1558
switchgear. Since UL1558 switchgear can have a short-time rating of up to 0.5 seconds. Another advantage of
a high-short rating is simplifying selective coordination strategies since the transfer switch can carry that short-
circuit of up to 0.5s allowing downstream breakers enough time to trip and localize a fault.

SELECTIVE
COORDINATION
NEC® defines selective coordination as “Localization of an overcurrent
condition to restrict outages to the circuit or equipment affected,
OCPD OCPD accomplished by the choice of overcurrent protective devices and their
ratings or settings.” Basically, it means that a fault is cleared by the
protective device nearest upstream from that fault and does not result in
unnecessary power loss to other loads. Selective coordination is typically
achieved by setting the downstream breakers to trip instantaneously and
setting the upstream breaker to have a delayed trip.

Selective coordination is required for emergency, legally required

standby and critical operations power systems circuits per NEC®-2020,
700.32, 701.32, and 708.54
B
In the example shown in Figure-17, the OCPD on the utility must
trip after circuit breaker B, therefore a time delay must be set on the
Fault utility OCPD. Time delay setting of the utility OCPD depends on the
available fault current from the source and also on device B trip curve
characteristic.

For the duration of the utility OCPD time delay, the transfer switch must
be able to withstand the fault and close into the fault. (See Figure-17)
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 15

CABLE LUGS AND ENTRY

REQUIREMENTS
The typical lug options for transfer switches are compression, mechanical, or no-lugs buss stab only. The no-
lugs option is typically seen on high amperage transfer switches, for example, above 1000 amps. All lugs are
90°C rated and accept copper or aluminum wire unless indicated otherwise on the manufacturer drawings. NFPA
70 Article 310 - Conductors For General Wiring outlines conductors ampacity ratings, mechanical strengths,
insulations, and uses.

The cable entry areas are also documented on the transfer switch manufacture drawings. The typical entries are
top or bottom. It is essential to consider the number of conductors and cable entry early in the design phase to
avoid any potential delays or misalignment between, for example, a bottom entry and the concrete pad.

ENCLOSURES
The standard enclosure meets requirements of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA 250) and
Underwriters Laboratories (UL 50E)

Typically, transfer switch equipment can be located most anywhere in a facility, even outside the facility. However,
the location should be chosen to minimize potential damage due to acts of nature (rain, lightning, flooding), or
vandalism. Typical NEMA enclosures are:

TYPE LOCATION USE/FEATURES

Type 1 Indoor General purpose

Type 3R Outdoor Rainproof

Type 4 Outdoor Watertight

Type 4x Outdoor Watertight and stainless steel

Type 12 Indoor Dust tight

The enclosure choice is based on placement and environmental conditions. Transfer switches can be configured
to include space heaters for outdoor installations where condensation could occur.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 16

SUMMARY
Transfer switches play a significant part in the power system as they are the last link between the power sources
and the loads. Since transfer switches are available in a variety of types, with a wide array of features, selecting
the appropriate transfer switch for a specific application requires a clear understanding of site needs and
application restraints. Some of the critical items to consider when specifying a transfer switch are: codes and
standards, transition type, number of poles, current rating, fault current capability (WCR), short-time ratings,
and grounding schemes. Whether the application is a simple standby power system in a warehouse, a large
emergency system in a hospital protecting the lives of patients, or standby service to a data center handling
millions of dollars in transactions, a careful consideration of the balance between cost, reliability and the quality of
power provided to critical loads is necessary to select the most appropriate transfer switch equipment.
SPECIFYING THE RIGHT TRANSFER SWITCH 17

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Hassan Obeid is a Senior Global Technical Advisor of
Energy Management Solutions at Cummins Power
Generation focusing on technical vision, business
strategy and solving a wide range of complex problems.

Hassan has been with Cummins since 2007 in a variety

of roles: power systems design engineering, project
engineering and applications engineering. Hassan has
designed power systems involving switchgear, controls,
paralleling, transfer switches, generator sets, renewable
DERs, microgrids and digital solutions. He has
developed and conducted technical power seminars
on several topics and products involving paralleling,
grounding, power systems and controls.

Hassan received his bachelor’s degree in Computer

Science and master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Hassan Obeid
Sr. Technical Advisor – Power Systems

Cummins Inc.
Box 3005
Columbus, IN 47202-3005
U.S.A.

cummins.com

Bulletin 6316904 Produced in U.S.A. Rev. 10/22

©2022 Cummins Inc.