Installation Manual ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS

Installation Manual 3ATS & 3NTS

E-design 260-400 A Transfer Switches

! DANGER Rating Label

Each transfer switch contains a rating label to define the loads
DANGER is used in this manual to warn of a and fault circuit withstand/closing ratings. Refer to the label
hazard situation which, if not avoided, will result in on the transfer switch for specific values.
death or serious injury.
! WARNING
! WARNING Do not exceed the values on the rating label.
WARNING is used in this manual to warn of a Exceeding the rating can cause person injury or
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could serious equipment damage.
result death or serious injury. An experienced licensed electrician must install the transfer
switch.
! CAUTION
CAUTION is used in this manual to warn of a
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could Table of Contents
result in minor or moderate injury.
INSTALLATION
Refer
Refer to
to the
the outline
outline and
and wiring
wiring drawings
drawings provided
provided Mounting .......................................................... 2
with
with the 3ATS or 3NATS for all installationand
the 3ATS or 3NTS for all installation and Power Connections ......................................... 2
connection
connection details
details and
and accessories.
accessories. Engine Starting Contacts ................................. 3
FUNCTIONAL TEST
1- Manual Operation ........................................ 3
Refer to User’s Guide 381333-400 for the Group
2- Voltage Checks ........................................... 4
G Controller status display messages, time delays,
3- Electrical Operation ..................................... 5
pickup and dropout settings, and adjustments.
TESTING & SERVICE
Transfer Test ................................................... 6
3ATS Preventive Maintenance .................................. 6
The 3ATS is an automatic transfer switch. It includes transfer Manual Load Transfer ..................................... 6
test, generator start/stop control, and generator exerciser.
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................... 7
3NTS INDEX .............................................................. 8
The 3NTS is an electrically-operated manual transfer switch
(non-automatic). It does not include generator start/stop
control and generator exerciser.

381333-403 A

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ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

Installation NOTICE
These transfer switches are factory wired and tested. Protect the transfer switch from construction grit
Installation requires mounting, connecting service cables, and and metal chips to prevent malfunction or
connecting engine start and auxiliary control circuits (if shortened life of the transfer switch.
required.).
Line Connections
Supporting Foundation
Refer to the wiring diagram provided with the transfer switch.
The supporting foundation for the enclosure must be level and
All wiring must be made in accordance with the National
straight. Refer to the applicable enclosure outline drawing
Electrical Code and local codes.
included with the transfer switch for all mounting details
including door opening space.
! DANGER
If bottom cable entry is used, the foundation must be prepared
so that the conduit stubs are located correctly. Refer to the De-energize the conductors before making any line
enclosure outline drawing for specified area and location.
or auxiliary circuit connections. Be sure that the
Provide cable bending space and ½ inch minimum clearance
to live metal parts. When a concrete floor is poured, use Normal and Emergency line connections are in
interlocking conduit spacer caps or a wood or metal template proper phase rotation. Place the engine generator
to maintain proper conduit alignment. starting control in the OFF position. Make sure
engine generator is not in operation.
Mounting
Testing Power Conductors
Refer to the outline and mounting diagram and mount the
transfer switch according to details and instructions shown on Do not connect the power conductors to the transfer switch
the diagram. Mount it vertically to a rigid supporting until they are tested. Installing power cables in conduit, cable
structure. Level all mounting points by using flat washers troughs, and ceiling-suspended hangers often requires
behind the holes to avoid distortion of the transfer switch. considerable force. The pulling of cables can damage
insulation and stretch or break the conductor’s strands. For
An insulator backing piece must be installed behind the this reason, after the cables are pulled into position, and before
transfer switch. If the transfer switch is removed from the they are connected, they should be tested to verify that they
enclosure and then reinstalled, this insulator piece must be are not defective or have been damaged during installation.
placed behind the transfer switch. See Figure 1.
Connecting Power Cables
! WARNING After the power cables have been tested, connect them to the
appropriate terminal lugs on the transfer switch as shown on
Be sure that the insulator piece is behind the the wiring diagram provided with the transfer switch. Make
transfer switch. sure that the lugs provided are suitable for use with the cables
Insulator
being installed. Standard terminal lugs are solderless screw
backing type and will accept the wire sizes listed on the drawings
piece provided with the transfer switch. Be careful when stripping
insulation from the cables, avoid nicking or ringing the
conductor. Remove surface oxides from cables by cleaning
with a wire brush. When aluminum cable is used, apply joint
compound to conductors. Tighten cable lugs to the torque
specified on rating label.

Do not run cables behind the transfer switch. Cables can be

bundled on the right side. Maintain proper electrical clearance
between the live metal parts and grounded metal: ½ inch
minimum.

Figure 1. Required insulator backing piece.

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Installation Manual ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS

Controller Ground Functional Test

A grounding wire must be connected to the controller’s lower The functional test consists of three checks: manual
left mounting stud. Because the controller is mounted on the operation, voltage checks, and electrical operation.
enclosure door, a conductive strap must be used between the
enclosure and the door. This connection provides proper
grounding which does not rely upon the door hinges. NOTICE
Do these checks in the order presented to avoid
Engine Starting Contacts damaging the transfer switch.
The engine control contact connections (if used) are located on
top of the transfer switch. Connect signal wires to appropriate 1 – Manual Operation
terminals as specified in Table A and shown in Figure 2. A detachable maintenance handle is provided on the transfer
switch for maintenance purposes only. Manual operation of
Table A. Engine Start Connections. the transfer switch should be checked before it is energized
When normal Terminals on (operated electrically).
source fails transfer switch
contact closes TB14 and TB15
! WARNING
contact opens TB14 and TB16 Do not manually operate the transfer switch until
both power sources are disconnected: open both
circuit breakers.
1. After deenergizing both power sources, open the enclosure
door. Locate the maintenance handle on the left side of the
transfer switch. Insert the maintenance handle into the
hole in the shaft, left side of the operator. See Figure 3
not used
2. Move the maintenance handle up or down as shown to
manually operate the transfer switch. It should operate
smoothly without any binding. If it does not, check for
shipping damage or construction debris.
3. Return the transfer switch to the Normal position. Remove
the maintenance handle and store it on the left side.

NOTICE
Verify that the maintenance handle has been
removed before proceeding!
Figure 2. Engine starting contact label Note: If Normal and Emergency connections are reversed this
and location on the top of transfer switch. operation is also reversed.

Harnesses
The transfer switch is connected to the left side of the
controller by a plug-in harness (two plugs).
maintenance
Auxiliary Circuits hole handle
Connect auxiliary circuit wires to appropriate terminals on the
transfer switch as shown on the wiring diagram.

Read all instructions on the wiring diagram and labels affixed shaft
to the transfer switch. Note the control features that are
provided and review their operation before proceeding.

Figure 3. Maintenance handle and positions.

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ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

Close the normal source circuit breaker. The

normal source accepted and the load on normal
lights should come on.
1

Use an accurate voltmeter to

check phase to phase and
2 phase to neutral voltages
present at the transfer switch
normal source terminals.
Close the emergency source circuit breaker.
(Start generator, if necessary.) The emergency
source accepted light should come on.
3
Normal Source Load on Load on Emergency
Accepted Normal Emergency Source Accepted

Use an accurate voltmeter to

Figure 4. Four indicator lights. check phase to phase and
4 phase to neutral voltages
present at the transfer switch
2 – Voltage Checks emergency source terminals.*
First check the nameplate on the transfer switch; rated voltage
Use a phase rotation meter to
must be the same as normal and emergency line voltages.
check phase rotation of
5 emergency source; it must be
! DANGER the same at the normal
source.
Use extreme caution when using a meter to
measure voltages in the following steps. Shut down the engine-generator, if applicable.
The emergency source accepted light should go
Do not touch power terminals; shock, burns, or
off. Then put the starting control selector switch
death could result! (on the generator set) in the automatic position.
Perform steps 1 through 6 at the right. Observe the indicator 6 Close the enclosure door.
lights. See Figure 4.

● Black circle means the light is on.

○ White circle means the light is off.
Continue to 3 – Electrical Operation on the next page.
* If necessary, adjust the voltage regulator on the generator
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
transfer switch will respond only to the rated voltage specified
on the transfer switch nameplate.
Also see User’s Guide 381333-400 for voltage settings in the
controller.

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The normal source must be available and the generator

must be ready to start. Check that the normal source
accepted light is on.
1

For 3ATS press the transfer button.

The engine should start and run
within 15 seconds. For 3NTS the
generator must be started manually
at the generator.
2
The emergency source accepted light should come on.

Observe For 3ATS the transfer switch should transfer to the

Press this these emergency position. The load on emergency light
button lights should come on and the load on normal light should go
off. For 3NTS press the transfer button for load transfer.
Figure 5. Transfer button and indicator lights. If the transfer to emergency delay
is used, the transfer occurs after a
3 time delay. For immediate transfer
3 – Electrical Operation (bypass timer) press the transfer
This procedure will check the electrical operation of the button again.
transfer switch.

! WARNING
For 3ATS the transfer switch should transfer back to the
Close the transfer switch enclosure door and normal position. The load on normal light should come
tighten the screws before you test electrical on and the load on emergency light should go off.
operation. For 3NTS press the transfer button for load retransfer.
Perform steps 1 through 5 at the right. Observe the status If the retransfer to normal delay is
lights. See Figure 5. used the retransfer should occur
4 after a time delay. For immediate
● Black circle means light is on. retransfer (bypass timer) press the
transfer button again.
○ White circle means light is off.
NOTE: For 3NTS manually start the emergency generator at
the generator. Then press the transfer button for load transfer.
If the inphase transfer feature is activated, transfer may not For 3ATS the unloaded running delay keeps the
occur immediately. Transfer will occur when the phase generator running for a cool-down period. Then the
relationship between sources is correct. Press the transfer generator should stop and the emergency source
button again for load retransfer to normal, then manually stop accepted light should go off. For 3NTS manually stop
the generator at the generator. 5 the generator at the generator (after a cool-down period).
Also see User’s Guide 381333-400 for inphase transfer and
time delay settings in the controller.
This completes the functional test of the transfer switch.
Leave the engine-generator starting control in the automatic
position.

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ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

Testing & Service Replacement Parts

When ordering replacement parts provide the Serial No., Bill
Transfer Test of Material No. (BOM), and Catalog No. from the transfer
Operate the transfer switch at least once a month by following switch nameplate. In the US call 800-800-2726 (ASCO) or
the Electrical Operation procedure on page 5. contact [email protected].

Preventive Maintenance Manual Load Transfer

Reasonable care in preventive maintenance will insure high This procedure will manually transfer the load if the controller
reliability and long life for the transfer switch. An annual is disconnected.
preventive maintenance program is recommended.
! WARNING
ASCO Services, Inc. (ASI) is ASCO Power
Technologies’ national service organization. Do not manually operate the transfer switch until
ASI can be contacted at 1-800-800-2726 for both power sources are disconnected: open both
information on preventive maintenance agreements. circuit breakers.
1. Deenergize both the normal and emergency source (open
Yearly Inspection both circuit breakers).
2. Use the maintenance handle to manually operate the
! DANGER transfer switch to the opposite source. See page 4, Manual
Operation.
Hazardous voltage capable of causing shock, 3. Close the enclosure door. If the transfer switch is in the
burns, or death is used in this transfer switch. emergency position, manually start the generator and then
Deenergize both Normal & Emergency power close the emergency source circuit breaker.
sources before performing inspections!
Clean the enclosure. Deenergize all sources, then brush
and vacuum away any excessive dust accumulation. Remove
moisture with a clean cloth.
Inspect the transfer switch contacts. Deenergize all
sources, then remove the transfer switch barriers and check the
contact condition. Replace contacts when pitted or worn
excessively. Reinstall the barriers carefully.
Maintain transfer switch lubrication. Under normal
operating conditions no further lubricating is required. Renew
factory lubrication if the transfer switch is subjected to severe
dust, abnormal operating conditions, or if the TS coil is
replaced. Order lubrication kit 75-100.
Check all cable connections & retighten them.
Torque to values shown on the transfer switch label.

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Troubleshooting

Check in Numerical Sequence

Problem
1 2 3
Operation Generator Voltage

Starting control must be in

The outage must be long
For 3ATS the generator set does automatic position.
enough to allow for the
not start when the transfer button Batteries must be
feature 1C time delay -
is pressed or when the normal charged and connected.
plus engine cranking and
source fails. Check wiring to the
starting time.
engine starting contacts.

Wait for the feature 2B

time delay. For Voltmeter should read at least
Is the emergency source
immediate transfer, 90% of nominal phase to
For 3ATS the transfer switch does accepted light on?
press the transfer button phase voltage between
not transfer the load to the Generator output circuit
(bypass timer). If transfer switch terminals EA
emergency source after the breaker must be closed.
inphase transfer is and EC (or EL1 and EL2 for 2
generator starts. Generator frequency must
active, wait for inphase pole switches). *
be correct.
condition. For 3NTS * These are factory settings.
press the transfer button.

Wait for the feature 3A

Voltmeter should read at least
time delay. For
90% of nominal phase to
immediate retransfer,
For 3ATS the transfer switch does phase voltage between
press the transfer button
not transfer the load to normal transfer switch terminals NB
(bypass timer). If -
source when normal returns or and NC, NC and NA, and NA
inphase transfer is
after transfer test. and NB (or NL1 and NL2 for 2
active, wait for inphase
pole switches). *
condition. For 3NTS
* These are factory settings.
press the transfer button.

For 3ATS the generator does not

Wait for the feature 2E Starting control must be in
stop after load retransfer to the -
time delay. automatic position.
normal source.

For 3NTS this light is

always on, indicating it is - -
Not in auto light is always on. a manual transfer switch.

Read the display for

more information.
- -
Refer to User’s Guide
Alert light is on. 381333-400.

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ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

INDEX
A I S
alert light, 7 inphase transfer feature, 5, 7 source acceptable lights, 4, 5
see User’s Guide 381333-400 inspection, 6 starting contacts, 3
ASI is ASCO Services Inc. installation, 2 starting control, 7
800-800-2726(ASCO) insulator backing piece, 2 starting problem, 4, 7
[email protected] WARNING, 2 stopping problem, 7
automatic operation, 3ATS, 5
auxiliary circuits, 3 L T
lights, 4, 5, 7 terminals, 2, 3
B line connections, 2 testing power conductors, 2
battery, 7 load on emergency light, 4, 5 time delays, 5, 7
load on normal light, 4, 5 transfer button, 5, 7
C lubrication, 6 transfer problem, 7
cables, power, 2 troubleshooting, 7
connections, 2, 3 M
controller maintenance, 6 V
see User’s Guide 381333-400 maintenance handle, 3, 6 voltage checks, 4, 7
controller ground, 3 WARNING, 3, 6
cooldown, generator, 5, 7 manual load transfer, 6 W
WARNING, 3, 6 WARNING statements, 1, 3, 5, 6
D manual operation, 3
DANGER statements, 1, 2, 4, 6 WARNING, 3, 6
manual transfer, 3NTS, 5
E membrane controls, 4, 5
electrical operation, 5 mounting, 2
emergency source accepted light,
4, 5 N
engine starting contacts, 3 non-automatic 3NTS, 5, 7
normal source accepted light, 4, 5
F not in auto light, 7
foundation, 2
frequency, 7 O
functional test, 3 operation, electrical, 5

G P
generator, 3, 4, 5, 7 phase rotation, 4
ground, controller, 3 preventive maintenance, 6
problem, 7
H
harness, 3 R
HELP 800-800-2726(ASCO) rating label, 1
[email protected] replacement parts, 6
retransfer button, 5, 7

Printed in U.S.A. © ASCO Power Technologies, L.P. 2013

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