Have you ever wondered about the ATS electrical system freightliner?
You may be curious about it and what it does. Or what are some issues that arise with it.
Here are the basics that you need to know about the ATS electrical system in a freightliner and everything else that comes with this device. Let’s get right into it.
All About the ATS Electrical System
The ATS, which stands for Automatic Transfer Switch, is basically a device used for transfer power supply automatically from the primary source and onto the backup source. This happens once it has sensed an outage or a failure in your primary source.
When this failure happens in the primary power system, this device then invokes the help of a standby or emergency power source, which is basically a power supply with an uninterruptible source of power. Moreover, the ATS can start up even other back up power systems that can be used long term such as your local diesel generator. This is used for powering your electric equipment up until the restoration of utility power.
Because the ATS is hooked up to the primary, as well as the backup sources of power, this is an intermediary between your power supplies and equipment. Hence, it is pretty much your electrical relay. Moreover, it can also be a redundant or a rack-mounted power supply used for equipment attached to the power source using just one cord.
In your data center, uninterrupted power is very important. This is why to be able to reach this goal, you need to make sure that your systems located in the power path are all well maintained and properly tested. You should also monitor your ATS routinely in case there is a power outage. This is how you can maintain the reliability of the device
It is also important to note that your ATS units are capable of channeling some energy. This, however, tends to place heavy stress on your electrical contacts. As a result, you need to make it a habit to maintain your ATS regularly to avoid further issues from occurring.
There are many ATS vendors nowadays, and these are reliable and provide dependable types of this device. Moreover, there are those that come with a switch using a manual power transfer function. These need a data center manager in flipping the switch physically when transferring to another power source. This is most often the case instead of automatically switching.
Your ATS panel, however, is a transfer panel that you use with your diesel generator. It switches automatically between your generator and mains in case there is a power outage. Depending on your mains supply, an outage will cause the generator to stop automatically and then turn on once power resumes.
Your ATS panel is very important because it is useful when there is a need to install generators at a location with mains supplies. This is also prescribed by law as it prevents your mains power from getting into contact with your generator. Without the transfer switch, this may cause the device to burn out.
Furthermore, it also prevents your generator from an accidental back-feeding to your mains once it has failed. This will jeopardize the lives of your electricity utility staff.
As for the importance and value of the device, the automatic and manual switch basically has the same function. The only difference is that your automatic transfer switch on the ATS panel carries out the job automatically. This reduces power outages – or at least the frequency of this situation happening.
Now, you may be wondering just how the ATS panel works. There are two types of the auto transfer switch panel, with the ones that come with mains detection and those without. These types work in different ways, as well as different functions.
When it comes to the automatic transfer switch with a mains detection, this monitors your mains supply. Whenever a failure has been detected by using your mains failure relay, it causes an automatic disconnection from your mains. Then, it sends a signal to your generator and starts it. Upon starting the generator, this will then send signal back and the generator supply switches upon receiving this signal by the ATS.
On the other hand, the one without a mains detection will require this missing component to be built into either your generator or somewhere else. Once a mains failure was detected by your generator, it will then send the signal to your ATS, telling it to disconnect from your mains and then start automatically.
When you have an automatic transfer panel, this allows you to switch this each time your mains fail and there is a need to run your generator. You also have to manually start the generator, and you are unable to start your backup power if you are not around.
As for the manual transfer panel, this is cheaper than the automatic kind. No control cables are required, as well – just your electricity supply cables.
Read More: All You Should Know About The Freightliner Stop Engine Light
Bottom Line
The ATS electrical system is made up of complex functions and parts, which make it critical to maintain regularly. This is why it is important to ensure its optimum performance by keeping it well-maintained and checked to avoid any inconveniences and downtime in productivity.