Understanding Your Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

For facility managers in Greenville and the Upstate, ensuring reliable backup power is crucial. While generators often receive the most attention, another vital component determines whether your generator supplies power during an outage—the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).

At PowerChampions of Greenville, we help facility teams understand, test, and maintain their ATS systems so power transfers happen seamlessly and safely when utility power fails.

What Is an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)?

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is the device that connects your facility’s electrical load to either utility power or generator power. When the utility fails, the ATS automatically:

• Detects the outage
• Signals the generator to start
• Transfers the electrical load to the generator power
• Transfers power back once utility service is restored

Without a properly functioning ATS, your generator may never come online—even if it is fully operational.

Why Your ATS Is the “Brain” of the Generator System

Think of the ATS as the control center of your backup power system. It makes the decision to start the generator and oversees the transfer of power. If the ATS fails, power won't transfer—and your facility will experience downtime. Understanding how your ATS works is just as important as maintaining the generator itself.

Common ATS Components That Fail Over Time

Like all electrical equipment, ATS components wear with age and use. The most common failure points include:

• Contactors - Responsible for making and breaking electrical connections. Wear, pitting, or damage can prevent proper power transfer.
• Relays and Sensors - These components detect changes in utility power. Failure can result in delayed transfer—or no transfer at all.
• Environmental Exposure - Dust, moisture, corrosion, and temperature extremes can damage sensitive ATS components, especially in facilities without proper enclosures or maintenance.

Real-World Impact of ATS Failure

An aging or poorly maintained ATS can cause serious issues. In real-world cases, corrosion or water intrusion has led to ATS failures that disabled entire backup power systems - resulting in long downtime, emergency repairs, and operational risks. These failures are often preventable through routine testing and professional maintenance.

ATS Testing & Maintenance: Why It’s Critical

Regular ATS service in Greenville, SC ensures your backup power system performs when it matters most. It is also a requirement for many facilities in the Upstate who fall under NFPA 110 standards.

Reliability - Testing confirms the ATS will transfer power properly during an outage.

Safety - A malfunctioning ATS can prevent power from reaching critical systems such as emergency lighting, fire alarms, elevators, and access controls.

Cost Control - Preventive maintenance helps avoid costly emergency repairs and unplanned downtime.

Too Important to Ignore

The Automatic Transfer Switch may not be the most visible part of your backup power system, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your facility. Without a working ATS, even the best generator can't perform its task.

For facility managers, understanding and maintaining the ATS is essential to keeping buildings operational, compliant, and safe during power disruptions.

PowerChampions of Greenville: ATS Expertise You Can Trust

At PowerChampions of Greenville, we do more than service equipment; we educate our customers. Our team helps facility leaders understand how their ATS works, ensures it is properly tested, and verifies that power will transfer when your generator needs to come online.

If you have questions about your ATS or want to schedule professional testing or maintenance, our local experts are here to help.

Contact PowerChampions of Greenville to learn more about ATS service, testing, and backup power reliability.