Automatic transfer switches: rack ATS and panel-type ATS
An automatic transfer switch moves a load between two power sources without anyone touching it. Two families solve two different problems: a 1U rack ATS gives a single-corded device inside the cabinet a second feed, while a panel-type ATS switches a whole board between mains and generator, or between two incoming mains supplies. We supply from 10 A rack units up to 3200 A panel switches.
Product families we supply
| Product family | Brand | Capacity / format | Product page |
|---|---|---|---|
| NetShelter Rack ATS (1U) | Schneider Electric | 10–32 A, 100–230 V | View product |
| Rack ATS 2G | Schneider Electric | 16–20 A | View product |
| Geist Rack Transfer Switch (RTS) | Vertiv | 16–32 A, 1U, 4–8 ms transfer | View product |
| ATS rack series | Eaton | 16 A / 30 A, 1U | View product |
| ATC-controlled panel-type ATS | Eaton | 100–4000 A, panel type | View product |
| Wall-mounted / enclosed ATS | Eaton | automatic / manual | View product |
| TruONE ATS | ABB | 30–1600 A, all-in-one | View product |
| OTM_C with ATS021/022 controller | ABB | separate switch + controller | View product |
| ATyS M (modular) | Socomec | 40–160 A, DIN rail | View product |
| ATyS S / ATyS d S | Socomec | motorised, remote operated | View product |
| ATyS t / ATyS g | Socomec | mains/mains and mains/generator | View product |
| ATyS p / ATyS d p | Socomec | 125–3200 A | View product |
| ATyS A / ATyS C + C65 | Socomec | standalone ATS controller | – |
| ATyS Bypass (enclosed) | Socomec | enclosed panel with bypass | View product |
| SIRCOVER (manuel) | Socomec | manual transfer | View product |
Product families we actually source. Capacities are the manufacturer’s stated series ranges, not a quotation. Exact order codes depend on voltage, outlet type, battery configuration and region and are confirmed on the quote.
Which one should you choose?
Rack ATS or panel ATS?
If the problem is one server with a single power supply in a dual-fed cabinet, the answer is a 1U rack ATS costing a fraction of the panel equipment. If the problem is the whole room losing mains, it is a panel-type switch sized to the incoming breaker. They are not alternatives: many sites need both, at different points in the chain.
Transfer time
Rack ATS units transfer in the order of 4–8 ms, which a switch-mode power supply rides through without noticing. Panel-type switches take longer (typically hundreds of milliseconds to a few seconds) because they are mechanically transferring hundreds of amps. That gap is exactly why the UPS exists; the ATS covers the generator start, the UPS covers the ATS.
Open or closed transition?
Open transition (break-before-make) disconnects before it reconnects and is the normal choice, because it can never parallel two unsynchronised sources. Closed transition briefly parallels them for a seamless return to mains and requires synchronisation and utility agreement. Ask for closed transition only if a momentary break is genuinely unacceptable.
All-in-one or switch plus controller?
An integrated unit puts the switching mechanism and the controller in one device. Fewer parts, faster installation, one part number. A separate contactor pair plus an external controller is more flexible on retrofits and lets you keep switchgear you already own. Retrofits usually go the second way; new boards usually the first.
Mains-to-mains or mains-to-generator?
The two applications look alike and are configured differently. Generator changeover needs a start signal, a warm-up delay, a cool-down run and a return timer. Mains-to-mains needs neither but does need a phase-loss and phase-sequence check on both sides. Say which one at the quote stage.
Amperage and pole count
Size the ATS to the incoming breaker, not the measured load, and decide early whether you switch three poles or four. Switching the neutral matters where the two sources have separate earthing arrangements; getting it wrong is discovered on commissioning day.
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Tell us the current rating, whether it is rack or panel, and whether the second source is a generator or a second mains feed. That is enough for a priced quote in 48 hours.
