Transfer Switches

Made Easy:
A Guide for
Selecting Transfer
Switches
PowerHour webinar series for consulting engineers
Experts you trust. Excellence you count on.

November 20th, 2019 11:00 PDT / 13:00 CDT

(1PDH issued by Cummins)
Welcome!
PowerHour is designed to help our engineer partners to…
• Keep up to date on products, technology, and codes and standards development
• Interact with Cummins experts and gain access to ongoing technical support
• Participate at your convenience, live or on-demand
• Earn Professional Development Hours (PDH)

Technical tips:
 Audio is available through teleconference, or your computer (don’t
forget to unmute)
 You are in “listen only” mode throughout the event
 Use the WebEx Q&A Panel to submit questions, comments, and
feedback throughout the event. We will provide sufficient Q&A time after
presentation
 If you lose audio, get disconnected, or experience a poor connection,
please disconnect and reconnect
 Report technical issues using the WebEx Q&A Panel, or email
[email protected]
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Meet your panelists
Cummins presenter: Cummins facilitator:

Munir Kaderbhai, Tom Bakritzes,

Product Manager, Transfer Switch Global Sales Training Manager
Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc.

Your local Cummins contacts:

 Western Canada: Ian Lindquist ([email protected]), Western Canada Region  South IL, East MO: Jeff Yates ([email protected]), Central Region
 Eastern Canada: Melvin Nicholas ([email protected]), Eastern Canada Region  TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, Western TN: Scott Thomas ([email protected]), Gulf Region
 AZ, ID, NM, NV: Carl Knapp ([email protected]), Rocky Mountain Region  FL, GA, NC, SC, Eastern TN: Robert Kelly ([email protected]), South Region
 CO, MT, ND, UT, WY: Chris Scott ([email protected]), Rocky Mountain Region  NY, NJ, CT, PA, MD: Charles Attisani ([email protected]), East Region
 Northern IL, IA: John Kilinskis ([email protected]), Central Region  CA, HI: Brian E Pumphrey ([email protected]), Pacific Region
 UP of MI, MN, East ND, WI: Michael Munson ([email protected]), Central Region  WA, OR, AK: Tom Tomlinson ([email protected]), Pacific Region
 NE, SD, West MO, KS: Earnest Glaser ([email protected]), Central Region  For other states and territories, email [email protected] or visit
http://power.cummins.com/sales-service-locator

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Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this

course shall not be considered the official
position of any regulatory organization and
shall not be considered to be, nor be relied
upon as, a Formal Interpretation.
Participants are encouraged to refer to the
entire text of all referenced documents. In
addition, when it doubt, reach out to the
Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Cummins Confidential 4
Course Objectives:
A Guide for Selecting Transfer switches

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the different variants of UL1008 transfer switches and know when to use them
• Have a list of basic selection criteria and step-by-step guide to help them with their transfer
switch selection process
• Have a better understanding of some of the common pitfalls in ATS selection process and
how to avoid them.

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 Power System Building Blocks

Digital Cloud Solutions

Grid

Paralleling Generator Sets

Switchgear Transfer Switches

Loads

Digital Master

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What is a Transfer Switch?

G • Monitors the availability and quality of two

connect power sources
Utility OCPD/ Generator OCPD • Transfers power consumed by electrical loads
Service Disconnect
connected to the transfer switch output
between two sources based on source
availability

Load

Overcurrent Protection Device

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Key Considerations When Selecting a
Transfer Switch
• Switch type
• Transition type
• Application
• Grounding schemes
• Cable sizes and entry requirements
• Enclosures
• Voltage
• Current
• Fault current
• Selective coordination
• Type of load in the systems per Codes & Standards

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Different Types of Transfer Switches

Controller

Load

Automatic
Transfer Switch

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Different Types of Transfer Switches

G G

Generator
OCPD

Controller
Electrical Switch
(Local or remote
actuation)
Load Load

Automatic Non-Automatic
Transfer Switch Transfer Switch

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Different Types of Transfer Switches

G G G

Generator Generator
OCPD OCPD

Controller Manual Handle

Electrical Switch
(Local or remote (Local actuation only)
actuation) Load
Load Load

Automatic Non-Automatic Manual Transfer

Transfer Switch Transfer Switch Switch

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Different Types of Transfer Switches
G

Generator
OCPD

Integrated
Service
Disconnect

ATS

Load
Service Entrance Rated
Transfer Switch

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Different Types of Transfer Switches
G
G
Generator
OCPD
Load

Integrated
Service
Disconnect

MTS

>>
>>

>>
ATS
ATS

Load
Service Entrance Rated Bypass Isolation
Transfer Switch Transfer Switch

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Transfer Switch Application

Load

Utility to Generator
For facilities with a standby power system
and a single utility feed
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Transfer Switch Application

Load Load

Utility to Generator Utility to Utility

For facilities with a standby power system For use in facilities with redundant feeds
and a single utility feed but no standby generator
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Transfer Switch Application

G G G

Load
Load Load

Utility to Generator Utility to Utility Generator to Generator

For facilities with a standby power system For use in facilities with redundant feeds For facilities with a prime power system
and a single utility feed but no standby generator using multiple on-site generators
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 Transition Types
There are two ways to transition the loads:

1 Open Transition 2 Closed Transition

“Break before make” transfer

“”Make before break” transfer
Watch out: - Inductive load residual
Watch out: - Safeguards and
voltage decay rates
extensive documentation required by
utility may add cost and complexity
Delayed In-Phase
1.a 1.b
Transition Transition

• Adjustable neutral position delay • Based on synchronization of sources

• Flexible, simple, reliable • “Fast” – typically 30ms – 50ms delay
• Best option for large motors • Okay for resistive loads and small
• Step loading generators possible inducive loads
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 Two Position vs. Three Position Switches

G G

Utility OCPD/ Generator Utility OCPD/ Generator

Service OCPD Service OCPD
Disconnect Disconnect

2 Position 3 Position
“Double Throw” “Neutral Position Delay”

Load
Good choice for switches requiring:
• Delayed Transition
• Load shed – won’t transfer to “dead” source
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Concept Check
Which transition types are not suitable for stored energy
loads (large motors, MRIs)?

a) Open (In Phase)

b) Open (Delayed)
c) Closed
d) Both b) and c)

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Concept Check
Which transition types are not suitable for stored energy
loads (large motors, MRIs)?

a) Open (In Phase)

b) Open (Delayed)
c) Closed
d) Both b) and c)

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Lets Get Grounded on 3 Pole vs. 4 Pole

• Choice depends on grounding scheme of the system

• NFPA70 (NEC) requires some systems to have ground fault protection (GFP)
• Complications and errors less likely by using 4 pole transfer switches

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Enclosure Types and Selection Criteria
Choice based on: (1) Placement, (2) Environmental conditions

Indoor Outdoor
Dust Ingress of solid Type 4 +
Falling rain & Weather tight corrosion
Light/Indirect foreign objects
ice formation (weatherproof) resistance
Splashing (Dust, fibers, etc.)

NEMA NEMA NEMA NEMA NEMA

Type 1 Type 12 Type 3R Type 4 Type 4X

Knockout free Not rain-tight Stainless steel

Not dust-tight
Not water-tight is best
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Cable Size and Entry Requirements
• Detailed information is typically provided
in transfer switch specification sheets
and/or outline drawings
• Information to look for:
• Cable entry
• Lug options and capacities
• Mechanical lugs or Compression
lugs may be available
• 90°C rated and accept copper or
aluminum wire

Example: Snapshot of Cummins OTPCC ATS

Outline Drawing – Type 1 Enclosure

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Voltage Selection

• Transfer Switches designed to have two unsynchronized power sources connected to it

• A well designed UL transfer switch will provide adequate spacing and insulation to cope with
the increased voltage stress.
• Typical AC Voltages: 120, 208, 240, 480, 600 volts, single or three phase, 50/60Hz

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Current Rating Selection

• Switches are rated for continuous current → hold maximum value for three hours or more.
• Typically capable of carrying 100% of the rated current at an ambient temperature of 40° C
• Typically, the most commonly used ampere ratings range from 40 to 4000 amperes.
• Switch frame size will dictate the current rating range and WCR Ratings
• Service Entrance Rated Transfer Switches may be rated at 80%
• Anticipate future load requirements during the planning process - select a transfer switch
with a continuous current rating equal to the total of the anticipated load

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Overcurrent Protection
G
• A fault downstream of the transfer switch will result
in a short circuit current flowing through the transfer
switch

OCPD OCPD
• High level of fault currents will cause the following
stresses on the transfer switch:
• Thermal
• Magnetic
• Transfer switch must be provided with overcurrent
protection devices (OCPD) on both sources
• Available fault current needs to be determined
• Withstand and close rating of the transfer switch
must matched to the available fault current

Short circuit

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Selective Coordination Challenges
from ATS Perspective G

Normal
Selective Coordination is required for emergency, legally required OCPD
A Generator
standby and critical operations power systems circuits OCPD

– NEC-2017, 700.32, 701.27, and 708.54 “…over-current devices

shall be selectively coordinated…”

• Selective coordination will require time delays to be set on OCPDs

• In the example shown, A must trip after B → Time delay on A
• Time delay setting of OCPD A will depend on the available fault
current from either source & the device B trip curve characteristic
• For the duration of the OCPD A time delay, the ATS must be able to:
• Withstand the fault
B
• Close into the fault
• Transfer switches manufacturer will publish a Withstand and
Close rating Short circuit

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UL 1008 Short Circuit Ratings
• UL 1008 requires all ATS to have a Fuse/
withstand and closing rating (WCR) Current Limiting
OCPD devices breaker

Ease of Selective Coordination

allowed are Listed

Decrease in WCR rating

• Rating can either be time based or specific by transfer switch

Increase in trip time

manufacturer
OCPD (breaker/fuse) based Breaker Rating

• OCPD based ratings allow for higher WCR

ratings but requires the ATS to be protected Time Duration
by a “listed” breaker or fuse Rating
(0.05s/ 3cycle)
• Allowing for either time based or specific
breaker based ratings enables flexibility for
a cost effective design Short time Rating
(0.5s/30 cycle)

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 ATS Short Circuit Ratings
Specific Breaker Protection Specific Breaker Protection
Fuse protection (Common) (General) Time Based Ratings Short Time Ratings
Bypass Max Fuse, Size and type WCR @ Volts WCR @ Volts WCR @ Volts Time WCR @ Volts Time WCR @
Amps ATS Model Model 480 600 240 480 600 240 480 600 (sec) 240 480 600 (sec) 480V
600 A Class J, RK1, RK5 or
OTEC, OTPC BTPC 1200 A Class L, T 200,000 200,000 125,000 100,000 50,000 200,000 200,000 200,000
400 A Class J or T or 200 A
260 OHPC, CHPC Class RK1 or 100 A ClassrK5 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 0.050 25,000 25,000 18,000 0.167 25,000
600 A Class J, RK1, RK 5 or
OTEC, OTPC BTPC 1200 A Class L, T 200,000 200,000 125,000 100,000 50,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 0.050 25,000 25,000 25,000
400 A Class J or T or 200 A
300 OHPC, CHPC Class RK1 or 100 A ClassrK5 200,000 200,000 125,000 100,000 50,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 0.050 35,000 35,000 22,000 0.500 30,000

Several Short Circuit Ratings are available at each amp node

Specific overcurrent device ratings are substantially higher than time based ratings
• As high as 200,000 amps with current limiting breakers and fuses

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UL1008 Listing and Operation
Emergency, Legally Required, Critical Operation Power (NFPA70 – 700/701/708)
• Require UL1008 WPWR - Automatic Transfer Switches for Use in Emergency Systems
• Automatic or Bypass Isolation
• Manual/Non-Automatic not permitted

Optional Standby (NFPA70 – 702)

• Requires UL1008 WPXT- Automatic Transfer Switches for Use in Optional Standby Systems
• Automatic or bypass isolation
• Manual/Non-Automatic permitted

Healthcare (NFPA70 – 517/NFPA99/OSHPD)

• Require UL1008 WPWR - Automatic Transfer Switches for Use in Emergency Systems
• Automatic or Bypass Isolation
• While not specifically required by code in all jurisdictions, it may be advantageous to ensure ATSs are equipped with
bypass/isolation capabilities.
• Health care facilities in California, governed by Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
mandate the use of Bypass Isolation switches in certain systems
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Concept Check
Non-automatic transfer switches are permitted for
Emergency Systems, True or False

a) True
b) False

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Concept Check
Non-automatic transfer switches are permitted for
Emergency Systems, True or False?

a) True
b) False

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Example of Typical System

Reference – NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems 2019 FIGURE B.1(a) Typical
Rotating Emergency Power Supply System.

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System Parameters → ATS Specification
Scenario Specification
EPSS 1 – Healthcare Emergency System Switch Type – Bypass Isolation
Environmentally controlled, indoor installation UL1008 Listing - Emergency System
NFPA110 – 1 sec time delay required
Application – Utility to Generator
Voltage – 277/480V, 3 Phase, 60Hz
Transition Type – Open transition, delayed
Service disconnect is available upstream
Voltage – 277/480V, 3 Phase, 60Hz
GFP is required
Current Rating – 600A
Consists of HVAC load
Load current – 450A 4 Pole ATS
Available fault current – 35,000 Amps NEMA Type 1 Enclosure
Selective coordination is required with
downstream MCCB breaker

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Match Available Fault Current to Transfer
Switch WCR Ratings
Available fault current < Selected WCR Rating?
• Available fault current = 35,000 at 480V
• MCCB Based WCR = 65,000 at 480V
• Remember to check approved breaker list
published by the manufacturer and select breaker
based on selective coordination needs

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Summary
Transfer Switches Made Easy: A Guide for Selecting Transfer switches

• We talked about the different variants of UL1008 transfer switches

• We went over a list of basic selection criteria and step-by-step guide to help them with their
transfer switch selection process
• We talked about how some common application issues can be avoided by specifying the right
type of transfer switch

Key Takeaway:
When it comes to selecting the right transfer switch for a facility, engineers need to sort through a wide
array of product features such as transfer switch types, operation modes, ratings, etc. Furthermore, each
installation may have many variables that need to be accounted for. The content in this course covers
some key criteria that may help you get started. However, to build your expertise, I recommend you dig
deeper into each of the topics covered.

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Additional Resources

Cummins White Papers

• Transfer switch set up for reliability and efficiency, parts 1, 2 & 3
• UL 1008 Withstand and Close on Ratings
• Grounding of AC generators and switching the neutral in
emergency and standby power systems, part one & part 2
Cummins On-Demand Webinars
• Transfer Switch Operation and Application
• UL 1008 ATS Withstand and Close On Ratings
Cummins Application Manual
• Transfer Switch Application Manual, T-011

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Q&A
Type your questions, comments, feedback in the WebEx Q&A box. We will get to as many questions as we can
We will publish consolidated FAQ along with presentation and webinar recording on powersuite.cummins.com

Your local Cummins contacts:

 Western Canada: Ian Lindquist ([email protected]), Western Canada Region
 Eastern Canada: Melvin Nicholas ([email protected]), Eastern Canada Region
 AZ, ID, NM, NV: Carl Knapp ([email protected]), Rocky Mountain Region
 CO, MT, ND, UT, WY: Chris Scott ([email protected]), Rocky Mountain Region
 Northern IL, IA: John Kilinskis ([email protected]), Central Region
 UP of MI, MN, East ND, WI: Michael Munson ([email protected]), Central Region
 NB, SD, West MO, KS: Earnest Glaser ([email protected]), Central Region
 South IL, East MO: Jeff Yates ([email protected]), Central Region
 TX: Scott Thomas ([email protected]), Gulf Region
 FL, GA, SC, NC and Eastern TN: Robert Kelly ([email protected]), South Region
 NY, NJ, CT, PA, MD: Charles Attisani ([email protected] ): East Region
 CA, HI: Brian E Pumphrey ([email protected]), Pacific Region
 WA, OR, AK: Tom Tomlinson ([email protected]), Pacific Region
 For other states and territories, email [email protected] or visit http://power.cummins.com/sales-service-locator

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Closing

Watch out for a follow-up email including:.

• A Link to webinar recording and presentation
• A PDH Certificate
Visit powersuite.cummins.com for:
• PowerHour webinar recording, presentation and FAQ archive
• Other Cummins Continuing Education programs
• Sizing and specification development tools
Upcoming PowerHour Webinars:
• December – Distributed Generation Applications (Microgrids)

Please contact Mohammed Gulam if you have any questions related to the PowerHour webinar
([email protected])

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