Generator transfer switches using industrial motor-control contactors have the advantage of simplicity and long-life, typically over 500,000 operations at rated load in the 400A range, increasing in smaller Ampere size ratings. They also use standard off-the-shelf components that can be purchased almost anywhere.

The primary disadvantage is that they do not meet National Electrical Code requirements in the United States for Automatic Transfer Switches for emergency and legally required standby power use. They do not satisfy the two requirements of NEC [700.5(C)] and [701.5(C)] (2011):¹⁾

1. They are not manufactured as Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) or approved by a testing lab for emergency power system use.²⁾
2. They are not mechanically held.

Optional Standby systems as defined in [702.4] are not bound by these legal requirements for transfer switches.

The primary disadvantage of a packaged ATS is that the contacts are typically listed for a maximum of 5000 transfers at rated load, at which point the contacts must be replaced, and frequently the electro-mechanical actuator as well. In locations where electric power is reliable, this is typically not an issue as 5000 transfers will take several decades to accumulate. In locations with unreliable power this number of transfers can be accumulated in just two or three years.

A secondary disadvantage of a packaged ATS is that its physical size is quite large compared to a set of contactors, which can otherwise be carried in an airline suitcase. That in particular makes this design more suitable for remote locations, as the parts can be carried in and assembled on location in a short time.

The appropriate size of motor contactors should be selected based on the load served and the genset size. The 400A frame is a good general purpose selection, but smaller or larger can substituted. Recommended source: FactoryMation.com (225A frame and larger have 100-240VAC/DC coils)

This automatic transfer switch uses a ComAp ATS Controller combined with motor contactor switching to provide a fully-featured ATS with full metering & history logging, and can also be remotely monitored.

• InteliATS 50
• InteliATS 70 adds PLC logic blocks

Using the same motor contactors, but instead controlled by "Relay Logic" is slightly cheaper, but requires more wiring and has less flexibility. A multi-meter³⁾ can be included but is not shown.