ASCO 260-600, 150-600 Transfer Switches Installation Guide
- June 3, 2024
- ASCO
Table of Contents
ASCO 260-600, 150-600 Transfer Switches
Installation
These transfer switches are factory wired and tested. Installation requires mounting, connecting service cables, and connecting engine start and auxiliary control circuits (if required.).
Supporting Foundation
The supporting foundation for the enclosure must be level and straight. Refer
to the applicable enclosure outline drawing included with the transfer switch
for all mounting details including door opening space.
If bottom cable entry is used, the foundation must be prepared so that the
conduit stubs are located correctly. Refer to the enclosure outline drawing
for specified area and location. Provide cable bending space and 1 inch
minimum clearance to live metal parts. When a concrete floor is poured, use
interlocking conduit spacer caps or a wood or metal template to maintain
proper conduit alignment.
Mounting
Refer to the outline and mounting diagram and mount the transfer switch
according to details and instructions shown on the diagram. Mount it
vertically to a rigid supporting structure. Level all mounting points by using
flat washers behind the holes to avoid distortion of the transfer switch.
NOTE Protect the transfer switch from construction grit and metal chips to prevent malfunction or shortened life of the transfer switch.
Line Connections
Refer to the wiring diagram provided with the transfer switch. All wiring must
be made in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes.
DANGER De-energize the conductors before making any line or auxiliary circuit connections. Be sure that the Normal and Emergency line connections are in proper phase rotation. Place the engine generator starting control in the OFF position. Make sure engine generator is not in operation.
Testing Power Conductors
Do not connect the power conductors to the transfer switch until they are
tested. Installing power cables in conduit, cable troughs, and ceiling-
suspended hangers often requires considerable force. The pulling of cables can
damage insulation and stretch or break the conductor’s strands. For this
reason, after the cables are pulled into position, and before they are
connected, they should be tested to verify that they are not defective or have
been damaged during installation.
Connecting Power Cables
After the power cables have been tested, connect them to the appropriate
terminal lugs on the transfer switch as shown on the wiring diagram provided
with the transfer switch. Make sure that the lugs provided are suitable for
use with the cables being installed. Standard terminal lugs are solderless
screw type and will accept the wire sizes listed on the drawings 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.
Harnesses
The transfer switch is connected to the left side of the controller by a plug-
in harness.
Auxiliary Circuits
Connect auxiliary circuit wires to appropriate terminals on the transfer
switch as shown on the wiring diagram.
Controller Ground
A grounding wire must be connected to the controller’s lower left mounting
stud. Because the controller is mounted on the 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.
Engine Starting Contacts
The engine control contact connections are located on the transfer switch for
3ATS & 3NTS or upper right of the enclosure for 3ADTS & 3NDTS. Connect signal
wires to appropriate terminals as specified on the wiring diagram, Table A,
and shown in Figure 1.
Table A. Engine Start Connections.
When normal source fails | Terminals on transfer switch |
---|---|
contact closes | TB1 and TB2 |
contact opens | TB1 and TB3 |
Functional Test
The functional test consists of three checks: manual operation, voltage checks, and electrical operation.
NOTE Do these checks in the order presented to avoid damaging the transfer switch.
Manual Operation
A maintenance handle is provided on the transfer switch for maintenance
purposes only. Manual operation of the transfer switch should be checked
before it is energized (operated electrically).
WARNING Do not manually operate the transfer switch until both power sources are disconnected: open both circuit breakers.
- After deenergizing both power sources, open the enclosure door. Locate and remove the maintenance handle from the clip on the left side of the transfer switch. See Figures 3, 4, 5, & 6. See Figure 2 for the contact position indicators.
- Install the handle into the hole in the molded hub. Move the 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.
- 3ADTS and 3NDTS have two contact shaft hubs. See Figures 5 and 6 and Table B.
- Return the transfer switch to the Normal position.
Note: If Normal and Emergency connections are reversed this operation is also reversed.
Table B. 3ADTS & 3NDTS Maintenance Handle positions. ALL POWER MUST BE OFF!
Note: The hub and contact shaft turn in opposite directions through a cam follower mechanism. Note: If Normal and Emergency connections are reversed, this operation is also reversed.
Voltage Checks
First check the nameplate on the transfer switch; rated voltage must be the
same as normal and emergency line voltages.
DANGER Use extreme caution when using a meter to measure voltages in the
following steps. Do not touch power terminals; shock, burns, or death could
result!
Perform steps 1 through 6 at the right. Observe the indicator lights. See
Figure 7.
-
Black circle means the light is on.
-
White circle means the light is off.
-
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.
1| Close the normal source circuit breaker. The normal source accepted and the
load on normal lights should come on.
---|---
2| Use an accurate voltmeter to check phase to phase and phase to neutral
voltages present at the transfer switch normal source terminals.|
3| Close the emergency source circuit breaker. (Start generator, if
necessary.) The emergency source accepted light should come on.
4| Use an accurate voltmeter to check phase to phase and phase-to-neutral
voltages present at the transfer switch emergency source terminals.*|
5| Use a phase rotation meter to check phase rotation of emergency source; it
must be the same at the normal source.|
6| Shut down the engine-generator, if applicable. The emergency source
accepted light should go off. Then put the starting control selector switch
(on the generator set) in the automatic position. Close the enclosure door.
Electrical Operation
This procedure will check the electrical operation of the transfer switch.
WARNING Close the transfer switch enclosure door and tighten the screws
before you test electrical operation.
Perform steps 1 through 5 at the right. Observe the status lights. See Figure
8.
- Black circle means light is on.
- 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 occur immediately. Transfer will occur
when the phase relationship between sources is correct. Press the transfer
button again for load retransfer to normal, then manually stop the generator
at the generator.
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.
1| The normal source must be available and the generator must be ready to
start. Check that the normal source accepted light is on.
---|---
2| For 3ATS & 3ADTS press the transfer button. The engine should start and run
within 15 seconds. For 3NTS & 3NDTS the generator must be started manually at
the generator.|
The emergency source accepted light should come on.
3| For 3ATS & 3ADTS the transfer switch should transfer to the emergency
position. The load on emergency light should come on and the load on normal
light should go off. For 3NTS & 3NDTS press the transfer button for load
transfer. For 3ADTS & 3NDTS both lights will be off during the delayed-
transition transfer time delay.
If the transfer to emergency delay is used, the transfer occurs after a time
delay. For immediate transfer (bypass timer) press the transfer button again.|
4| For 3ATS & 3ADTS the transfer switch should transfer back to the normal
position. The load on normal light should come on and the load on emergency
light should go off. For 3NTS & 3NDTS press the transfer button for load
retransfer. For 3ADTS & 3NDTS both lights will be off during the delayed-
transition transfer time delay.
If the retransfer to normal delay is used the retransfer should occur after a
time delay. For immediate retransfer (bypass timer) press the transfer button
again.|
5| For 3ATS & 3ADTS the unloaded running delay keeps the generator running for
a cool-down period. Then the generator should stop and the emergency source
accepted light should go off. For 3NTS & 3NDTS manually stop the generator at
the generator (after a cool-down period).
Testing & Service
Transfer Test
Operate the transfer switch at least once a month by following the Electrical
Operation procedure on page 6.
Preventive Maintenance
Reasonable care in preventive maintenance will insure high reliability and
long life for the transfer switch. An annual preventive maintenance program is
recommended.
ASCO Services, Inc. (ASI) is ASCO Power Technologies’ national service
organization.
ASI can be contacted at 1-800-800-2726
for information on preventive maintenance agreements.
Yearly Inspection
DANGER Hazardous voltage capable of causing shock, burns, or death is
used in this transfer switch. Deenergize both Normal & Emergency power 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. The non-replaceable main contacts are designed to last the life of the transfer switch. 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(s) is replaced. Order lubrication kit 75-100.
- Check all cable connections & retighten them. Torque to values shown on the transfer switch label.
Replacement Parts
When ordering replacement parts provide the Serial No., Bill of Material
No. (BOM), and Catalog No. from the transfer switch nameplate. In the US call
800-800-2726 (ASCO) or contact
customercare@asco.com.
Manual Load Transfer
This procedure will manually transfer the load if the controller is
disconnected.
WARNING Do not manually operate the transfer switch until both power sources are disconnected: open both circuit breakers.
- Deenergize both the normal and emergency source (open both circuit breakers).
- Use the maintenance handle to manually operate the transfer switch to the opposite source. See pages 3 and 4, Manual Operation.
- Close the enclosure door. If the transfer switch is in the emergency position, manually start the generator and then close the emergency source circuit breaker.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Check in Numerical Sequence |
---|---|
** 1 Operation** | 2 Generator |
For 3ATS & 3ADTS the engine- generator set does not start when the transfer test button is pressed or when the Normal source fails.| The outage must be long enough to allow for the feature 1C time delay plus engine cranking and starting time.| Starting control must be in automatic position.
Batteries must be charged and connected. Check wiring to the engine starting contacts.
| **** –
For 3ATS & 3ADTS the transfer switch does not transfer the load to the
emergency source after the gen-set starts.| Wait for the feature 2B time
delay. For immediate transfer, press the transfer button (bypass timer). If
inphase transfer is active, wait for inphase condition. For 3NTS & 3NDTS press
the transfer button.| Is the generator accepted light on? Generator
output circuit breaker must be closed. Generator frequency must be correct.|
*** Voltmeter should read at least 90% of nominal phase to phase voltage
between transfer switch terminals EA and EC (or EL1 and EL2 for 2 pole
switches).
- There are factory settings.
For 3ATS & 3ADTS the transfer switch does not transfer the load to
normal source when normal returns or after transfer test.| Wait for the
feature 3A time delay. For immediate retransfer, press the transfer button
(bypass timer). If inphase transfer is active, wait for inphase condition. For
3NTS & 3NDTS press the transfer button.| –| Voltmeter should read
at least 90% of nominal phase to phase voltage between transfer switch
terminals NB and NC, NC and NA, and NA and NB (or NL1 and NL2 for 2 pole
switches).
For 3ATS & 3ADTS the generator does not stop after load retransfer to
the normal source.| Wait for the feature 2E delay.| Starting
control must be in automatic position.| –
For 3ADTS & 3ADTS the load is deenergized (off). Load Disconnect Timer
on display.| Wait for the delayed- transition transfer timer. See User’s
Guide 381333-400.| | –
Not in auto light is always on.| For 3NTS & 3NDTS this light is always
on, indicating it is a manual transfer switch.| –| –
Alert light is on.| Read the display for more information. Refer
to User’s Guide 381333-400.| –| –
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