Timing Delays for

ATS Transition Modes

White Paper 123

Timing Delays for ATS Transition Modes

Timing Delays play an important role in the operations of transfer switches in backup power systems. This document
briefly summarizes common transition modes for Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), identifies timing delays that are
typically available on transfer switches, and describes delays that are specific to certain ATS transition modes.

TRANSITION MODES
The most common transition modes are open, delayed, and closed transition sequences. Each is explained in the
following sections. For additional detail, review Part 1 and Part 2 of the ASCO document entitled Transition Modes for
Automatic Transfer Switches.

Open Transition

The simplest transition mode is Open Transition, which uses a “break-before-make” transition sequence. It is widely
used in mixed load applications. Figure 1 shows the voltage output of an ATS that employs an open transition switching
sequence.

V Emergency Normal

Figure 1

Delayed Transition

Delayed Transition is similar to open transition in that there is an interruption between breaking the contacts for one
power sources and closing on the contacts for the alternate power source. However, the amount of time between these
operations is typically adjustable. Figure 2 illustrates the sequence. Delayed Transition is often used to avoid inrush
currents associated with transferring motor loads between power sources.

seconds
to minutes

V Emergency
Normal

Figure 2

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Closed Transition

Closed Transition transfer switches momentarily overlap the contacts for each power source during each transfer. This
results in a transfer without even an instantaneous power interruption, as shown in Figure 3.

V Emergency Normal

Figure 3

THE ROLES OF DELAYS

In a prior Tech Brief, ASCO Power Technologies described the roles of essential time delays invoked during a load
transfer cycle between two power sources. The following sections describe elements of those delays and how they are
used to avoid nuisance transfers in backup power systems.

Avoiding Unnecessary Transfers

When deciding whether to transfer power, it is important to avoid switching activity that may actually be unnecessary.
That is because transfers can result in (depending on power system configuration) momentary power disruptions that
affect sensitive loads and their operations. Unnecessary transfers also result in unnecessary wear-and-tear on electrical
equipment and unnecessary operating costs for engine-generator sets. Avoiding nuisance switching is the best way to
avoid these effects.

Assessing Stability of a Normal Power Source

Editor’s Note: Nomenclature
An ATS continually monitors its connected power source to verify
acceptable voltage and frequency. If an ATS controller detects an In this document, the terms used to identify
absence of voltage on the normal source, the ATS controller initiates a transfer switch operations and delays may
be ASCO-specific terms. Nevertheless, the
series of operations to transfer electrical load to the emergency power
majority of these concepts are applicable to
source. The following sections describe delays commonly used to transfer switches produced by manufacturers
optimize transfer operations. (For more information, review the ASCO other than ASCO Power Technologies.
document entitled Basic Control of Automatic Transfer Switches.)

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COMMON DELAYS
The following delays are typically available on ATS, regardless of transition type.

Source Failure Delays

Transfer switches monitor source voltage and frequency, and can detect aberrations quickly. If a normal source
exhibits unacceptable aberrations for a very short interval, a transfer switch signals a genset to start, initiates
load transfer when the genset produces acceptable power, then retransfers to the normal source after that source
again evidences stability. If the transient condition was immaterial to the facility operation, the switching cycle was
unnecessary. If open transition transfer switching is used, the switching cycle unnecessarily introduced two very brief
power interruptions. If this occurs often, the cumulative effects of switching activity could be excessively disruptive.

Nuisance switching from Normal-to-Emergency can be avoided by delaying the issuance of the engine start signal.
Persistence of an unacceptable power condition until the delay interval expires confirms the necessity for transfer and
typically results in signaling a genset to start. Such delays allow overcurrent protection devices to clear faults, if any.

For commercial applications, a typical Source Failure Delay value is 3 seconds. For life safety loads, this delay is often
set to zero. The maximum duration of this interval is limited by availability of ride-through power for a transfer switch’s
controller. For this reason, manufacturers offer transfer switches with a ride-through power capability. The duration of
ride-through power can vary between models and manufacturers.

Normal-to-Emergency and Emergency-to-Normal Transfer Delays

Normal-to-emergency transfer delays are especially useful where power is distributed through more than one transfer
switch. Delays can be staggered across switches to avoid block loading on the generator, where the entire emergency
load is placed on the alternate power source in a single instant. This delay is also used to provide additional time
for generators to develop speed and stabilize. When power returns to the normal source, an Emergency-to-Normal
Transfer Delay ensures that power is stable on the normal source before switching load to it. This delay begins when the
generator voltage and frequency rise beyond pickup thresholds.

Retransfer-to-Normal Delays

For outages, it can be important to ensure that a normal source is stable before load is reconnected to it, whereas a
post-test retransfer occurs between two stable power sources. For this reason, separate retransfer settings can be
available for retransfers following outages and tests. Longer delays are used following outages to verify stability, while
shorter delays are used following tests because both power sources are already stable.

Engine Cooldown Delay

A basic transfer cycle finishes after load is retransferred to normal and the ATS controller initiates an Engine Cooldown
Delay. Engine manufacturers recommend cooldown run-times, which can be especially important for avoiding
deleterious conditions in gensets, for example, those powered by turbocharged diesels. Typical values for this delay can
be 10 to 15 minutes. Figure 4 illustrates the sequences of events and basic delays in a typical transfer cycle.

Source N to E E to N Engine
DELAYS Failure Transfer Transfer Cooldown
Delay Delay Delay Delay

Normal Engine Transfer Acceptable Retransfer Engine

EVENTS Power Start to Power Restored to Start
Abnormality Activated Emergency to Normal Normal Deactivated

Figure 4

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Pre-Transfer and Post-Transfer Delays Utility Emergency

For some motor and inductive load applications, it is

necessary to avoid or reduce inrush current during load
transfer to prevent operational disruptions or damage to
equipment. As a result, some facilities employ control
circuits that disconnect specific equipment, such as motors,
prior to transfer, then separately reconnect the equipment
after the transfer is completed. Often, these delays are used
in conjunction with test events, but not in conjunction with ATS
power outages. A diagram of a motor control disconnect Disconnect
circuit is shown in Figure 5. Signal

Pre- and Post-Transfer Delays are available for Normal-to-

Emergency and Emergency-to-Normal transfers. A bypass
Load 1
feature for the Normal-to-Emergency can be employed
Load 2 Pilot
should the emergency source fail while connected to the
Contact
power distribution system.
Load 3
For additional approaches for transfering motor loads,
review the ASCO Power Technologies document entitled
Transferring Motor Loads Between Power Sources. M

Figure 5
Inphase Transfer Delay

Controllers for ATS monitor voltage and frequency. Some are also configured to compare phase angle differences
between sources, then close on an alternate power source only when the phase angle difference is within acceptable
limits. This approach mitigates inrush currents attributable to phase angle difference between power sources. Inphase
Transfer Delays are used to set the maximum time for passive phase angle synchronization. If the delay expires, then the
controller abandons phase angle synchronization or the switch remains connected to the existing power source.

Commit to Transfer Setting

While the rest of this document addresses delays, there is a relevant transfer switch setting that should be considered
when evaluating a delay strategy. A Commit to Transfer Setting addresses what a transfer switch controller should do if
the triggering aberration on the power source resolves before a transfer is complete. Its function is best explained by
example.

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Following an unacceptable voltage reduction, a controller initiates a series of events and delays in preparation for
transfer to the alternate power source. While that is happening, voltage on the original source returns to the acceptable
range. Should the transfer be completed? Doing so assures connection to a stable power source, but could ultimately
be unnecessary if the original power source will actually be stable. Likewise, aborting the transfer avoids potential
disruption, wear, and fuel costs incurred by engaging backup power, but could leave the power distribution system
connected to a source whose stability is unverified. The Commit to Transfer Setting enables the selection of a default
strategy for this circumstance.

DELAYS FOR DELAYED TRANSITION SEQUENCES

As previously explained and illustrated in Figure 2, Delayed Transition Transfer Switches use break-before-make
switching to temporarily depower circuits, allowing motor and inductive loads to decay. The amount of time between
breaking and making the respective contacts is typically selectable and can range from seconds to minutes. The
Delayed Transition Time Delay is the setting that specifies this variable. The duration is usually determined by an
engineer’s assessment of the connected loads and their decay times.

DELAYS FOR CLOSED TRANSITION SEQUENCES

Failure to Sync Delay

As previously explained and shown in Figure 3, Closed Transition Transfer Switches momentarily overlap the contacts for
each power source during each transfer to avoid power transients. In doing so, the switch controller monitors differences
in voltage, frequency, and phase angle to verify passive synchronization between the two power sources. The Failure to
Synch Delay specifies the maximum amount of time for allowing passive synchronization to occur. If the delay expires,
then the controller abandons the transfer and the switch remains connected to the existing power source, or changes to
a delayed transition sequence.

Extended Parallel Alarm

Closed transition sequences must limit normal and emergency contact overlap to protect equipment and avoid safety
risks. If a switch malfunctions, the Extended Parallel Alarm Delay specifies the maximum elapsed time that both normal
and emergency contacts can simultaneously remain closed. When this delay expires, alarm contacts change state, the
transfer switch controller is bypassed, and an output trips an upstream breaker for one of the power sources to terminate
parallel operation. This feature can be set to open either the normal or emergency source breaker.

SUMMARY
The following table summarizes the delays described herein. For additional information, contact an ASCO Power
Technologies representative.
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 Table 2: Select UL 50 Enclosure Types

Delay Description Function Typical Value

Common Delays

Source Failure Delays

Override Momentary Delays nuisance retransfer

Avoids most nuisance transfers
Normal Source to normal for short duration ~3 Seconds
due to transient events
Outages transient conditions
Override Momentary Delays nuisance retransfer
Avoids most nuisance transfers
Emergency Source to normal for short duration ~3 Seconds
due to transient events
Outages transient conditions
Allow generators to stabilize
Delays transfer to emergency beyond pickup voltage, and can
Transfer to Emergency ~ 5-30 Seconds
for a prescribed interval stagger multiple ATS to avoid
block loading
Following loaded operation, Allows engine to cool in
Engine Cooldown allows engine to operate accordance with manufacturer ~10-15 Minutes
unloaded recommendations
Delays transfer back to normal
Retransfer to Normal Ensures stability of normal source
source following transfer to ~30 Minutes
if Normal Fails before retransfer
emergency
Ensures stability of normal source
Retransfer to Normal Delays retransfer following
before retransfer and sets test ~5 Minutes
During Test Event transfer to emergency
runtime
Sends output signal notifying
Normal-to-Emergency Enables equipment to be
other equipment of pending ~5 Seconds
Pre-Transfer Signal depowered before transfer
transfer
Sends output signal notifying
Normal to Emergency Enables equipment to be
other equipment of completed ~5 Seconds
Post-Transfer Signal repowered after transfer
transfer
Sends output signal notifying
Emergency to Normal Enables equipment to be
other equipment of pending ~5 Seconds
Pre-Transfer Signal disconnected before transfer
transfer
Sends output signal notifying
Emergency to Normal Enables equipment to be
other equipment of completed ~5 Seconds
Post-Transfer Signal disconnected before transfer
transfer

Closed Transition Delays

Maximum elapsed time for Issues alarm. Controller can be

Failure to Synchronize attempting to synchronize two set to invoke a delayed transition ~5 Minutes
power sources for transfer sequence.
Maximum elapsed time that
both normal and emergency Alarm issued, issues signal to 100
Extended Parallel Time
contacts can simultaneously upstream breaker to trip open. Milliseconds
remain closed

Delayed Transition Delays

Amount of time when both This setting specifies how long

~3 Seconds
Delay Transition Time normal and emergency motors and inductive loads will
to 2 Minutes
contacts remain disconnected decay before reconnection.

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