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SECTION 16251
AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCHES

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between //--// if

not applicable to project. Also delete any
other item or paragraph not applicable to
the section and renumber the paragraphs.
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies the furnishing, complete installation, and
connection of automatic transfer switches.
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Section 13081, SEISMIC RESTRAINT FOR NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS: Seismic
requirements for non-structural equipment.
B. Section 14210, ELECTRIC TRACTION ELEVATORS: Requirements for elevator
operation.
C. Section 14240, HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS: Requirements for elevator operation.
D. Section 16050, BASIC METHODS AND REQUIREMENTS (ELECTRICAL): General
electrical requirements and items that are common to more than one
section of Division 16.
E. Section 16051, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROTECTION DEVICE STUDY: Requirements
for coordinated electrical system.
F. Section 16127, CABLES, LOW VOLTAGE (600 Volts and Below): Cables and
Wiring.
G. Section 16208, ENGINE GENERATORS: Requirements for emergency power
generation.
H. Section 16450, GROUNDING: Requirements for personal safety and to
provide a low impedance path for possible ground fault currents.
1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Factory authorized representative shall maintain a service center
capable of providing emergency maintenance and repair services at the
project site within _____ hour maximum response time.
B. Automatic transfer switch, bypass/isolation switch and annunciation
control panels shall be products of same manufacturer.
C. Comply with OSHA – 29 CFR 1910.7 for the qualifications of the testing
agency.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with Section 16050, BASIC METHODS AND REQUIREMENTS
(ELECTRICAL).
B. Shop Drawings:

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1. Sufficient information, clearly presented, shall be included to

determine compliance with drawings and specifications.
2. Include electrical ratings (including withstand), dimensions,
weights, mounting details, front view, side view, equipment and
device arrangement, elementary and interconnection wiring diagrams,
and accessories.
3. Complete nameplate data, including manufacturer's name and catalog
number.
4. A copy of the markings that are to appear on the transfer switches
when installed.
C. Manuals:
1. Submit, simultaneously with the shop drawings, companion copies of
complete maintenance and operating and maintenance manuals including
technical data sheets, wiring diagrams and information, such as
telephone number, fax number and web sites, for ordering replacement
parts.
2. Two weeks prior to final inspection, submit four copies of a final
updated maintenance and operating manual to the Resident Engineer.
a. Include complete "As installed" diagrams, which indicate all items
of equipment and their interconnecting wiring.
b. Include complete diagrams of the internal wiring for each of the
items of equipment, including "As installed" revisions of the
diagrams.
c. The wiring diagrams shall identify the terminals to facilitate
installation, maintenance, operation and testing.
D. Certifications:
1. Submit, simultaneously with the shop drawings, a certified test
report from a recognized independent testing laboratory that a
representative sample has passed the additional withstand test
requirements of this specification. This report is required when
transfer switches are used with power air circuit breakers having
short-time trip elements without instantaneous trip elements. Method
of test shall be in accordance with UL 1008. Main contact separation
as measured by an oscillograph voltage trace across the contacts will
not be allowed during this test. Welding or burning of contacts is
unacceptable.
2. Two weeks prior to final inspection, submit four copies of the
following to the Resident Engineer:

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a. Certification that no design changes have been made in the switch

or its components since last certified by UL or as tested by an
independent laboratory.
b. Certification by the manufacturer that the equipment conforms to
the requirements of the drawings and specifications.
c. Certification by the Contractor that the equipment has been
properly installed, adjusted, and tested.
d. A certified test report from an independent laboratory that a
representative sample has passed the ANSI surges withstand test
for transfer switches which incorporate solid-state components.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: SPEC WRITER NOTE:
Specify seismic zone factor "Z" value so
automatic transfer switch manufacturers
can check/design seismic strength of their
equipment. Delete the following paragraph
if the automatic transfer switch(s) is
located outside the seismic zone.

e. Certification from the manufacturer that the automatic transfer

switch(s), accessories, and components will withstand the seismic
forces (Z= ____) and that the unit will be fully operational after
the seismic event at the project site.
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below (including amendments, addenda, revisions,
supplements, and errata) form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced. Publications are referenced in the text by designation only:
B. Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE):
446-95..................Recommended Practice for Design and Maintenance
of Emergency and Standby Power Systems
C37.90.1-89.............IEEE Surge Withstand Capability (SWC) Tests for
Protective Relays and Relay Systems
C. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
250-97..................Enclosure for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts
Maximum).
ICS 6-93................Industrial Control and Systems Enclosures
MG 1-98 (R 2000)........Motors and Generators, Revision 1.
D. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
70–99...................National Electrical Code (NEC)
99-99...................Health Care Facilities
E. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
50-95...................Enclosures for Electrical Equipment

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508-99..................Industrial Control Equipment

891-98..................Dead-Front Switchboards
1008-96.................Transfer Switch Equipment
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCHES
A. General
1. Comply with UL, NEMA, NEC, ANSI and NFPA.
2. Automatic transfer switches are to be electrically operated,
mechanically held open contact type, without integral overcurrent
protection. Transfer switches utilizing automatic or non-automatic
molded case circuit breakers as switching mechanisms are not
acceptable.
3. Automatic transfer switches shall be UL listed under UL 1008, and
where applicable, also meet the additional withstand test
requirements as specified.
4. The unit shall be completely factory-assembled and wired so that only
external circuit connections are required in the field. The unit
shall include, but not be limited to, operating mechanism, main
contacts, auxiliary contacts, timers, pilot lights, switches, and
auxiliary sensing devices.
B. Ratings, Markings and Tests
1. Ratings:
a. Phase, voltage, and ampere rating shall be as shown on the
drawings. The ampere rating shall be for 100 percent continuous
load current.
b. Transfer switches are to be rated for total system transfer on
emergency systems.
c. Ratings shall be with non-welding of contacts during the
performance of withstand and closing tests.
2. Markings:
a. Markings shall be in accordance with UL 1008.
b. Markings for the additional withstand test hereinafter specified
shall be included in the nameplate data.
3. Tests:
a. Transfer switches shall be tested in accordance with UL 1008. The
contacts of the transfer switch shall not weld during the
performance of withstand and closing tests.

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SPEC WRITER NOTE: Show the available short

circuit current at the transfer switch
location on the drawings.

b. Where used with molded case circuit breakers or power air circuit
breakers with long-time and instantaneous trip, transfer switch
withstand and closing rating shall equal or exceed the available
short circuit current shown on the drawings, but shall not be less
than the following:

Switch Rating Withstanding Amperes Circuit

(Amperes) (RMS Symmetrical) Power Factor
Up to 100 22,000 Per UL
101 to 260 35,000 Per UL
261 to 400 42,000 Per UL
410 to 600 50,000 Per UL
601 to 1200 65,000 Per UL
1201 to 4000 85,000 Per UL
4. Additional Withstand Test:
a. See paragraph 1.4.D.1 for certification of "Withstand Test."
b. Where used with power air circuit breakers with long-time and
short-time trips without instantaneous trip, transfer switch
withstand rating shall be based on the available short circuit
current (RMS symmetrical) for a duration of ten cycles.
5. Surge Withstand Test:
a. Transfer switches utilizing solid-state devices in sensing,
relaying, operating, or communication equipment or circuits shall
comply with ANSI C37.90.1.
C. Housing
1. Enclose transfer switches in steel cabinets in accordance with UL
508, or in a switchboard assembly in accordance with UL 891, as shown
on the drawings.
2. Doors: Shall have three-point latching mechanism.
3. Padlocking Provisions: Provide chain for attaching a padlock. Attach
chain to the cabinet by welding or riveting.
4. Finish: Cabinets shall be given a phosphate treatment, painted with
rust inhibiting primer, and finish painted with the manufacturer's
standard enamel or lacquer finish.
2.2 FEATURES
A. Transfer switches shall include the following features:

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1. Operating Mechanism:
a. Actuated by an electrical operator.
b. Electrically and mechanically interlocked so that the main contact
cannot be closed simultaneously in both normal and emergency
position.
c. Normal and emergency main contacts shall be mechanically locked in
position by the operating linkage upon completion of transfer.
Release of the locking mechanism shall be possible only by normal
operating action.
d. Shall not include a neutral position.
e. Contact transfer time shall not exceed six cycles.
f. Do not use as a current carrying part. Components and mechanical
interlocks shall be insulated or grounded.
2. Contacts:
a. For switches 400 amperes and larger, protect main contacts by
separate arcing contacts and magnetic blowouts for each pole. Arc
quenching provisions equivalent to magnetic blowouts will be
considered acceptable.
b. Current carrying capacity of arcing contacts shall not be used in
the determination of the transfer switch rating, and shall be
separate from the main contacts.
c. Main and arcing contacts shall be visible for inspection with
cabinet door open and barrier covers removed.
3. Manual Operator:
a. Capable of operation in either direction under no load.
b. Capable of operation by one person.
c. Provide a warning sign to caution against operation when
energized.
4. Replaceable Parts:
a. Include the main and arcing contact individually or as units,
relays, and control devices.
b. Switch contacts and accessories are to be replaceable from the
front without removing the switch from the cabinet and without
removing main conductors.
5. Sensing Relays:
a. Provide voltage-sensing relays in each phase of the normal power
supply.

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b. Provide adjustable voltage and frequency sensing relays in one

phase of the auxiliary power supply.
6. Controls:
a. Control module shall provide indication of switch status –
emergency, normal, and be equipped with alarm diagnostic
circuitry.
b. Control module shall control operation of the transfer switch. The
sensing and the logic shall be controlled by a microprocessor
equipped with digital communication and battery backup. The
control shall comply with IEEE 472.
2.3 ACCESSORIES
A. Transfer switches shall include the following accessories:
1. Indicating Lights of different colors:
a. Signal light for normal source position.
b. Signal light for emergency source position.
2. Laminated black phenolic nameplates with white letters to indicate
transfer switch position.
B. Manual Test Switch for simulating normal source failure.
C. Engine starting contacts.
D. Time delay relay to accomplish the function as specified.
E. Auxiliary Contacts:
1. Provide contacts for connection to elevator controllers, one closed
when transfer switch is connected to normal, and one closed when
transfer switch is connected to emergency.
2. Provide additional contacts as necessary to accomplish the functions
shown on the drawings, specified, and designated in other sections of
these specifications.
3. Contacts shall have a minimum rating of ten amperes and be positive
acting on pickup and dropout.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Paragraph F is to be
used only where remote indicators and
controls are required. Coordinate with
section 16208.

//F. Remote Indicators:

1. Provide remote pilot lamps to show transfer switch position.
2. Provide remote manual test switch to simulate normal source failure.
3. Provide remote contact to bypass retransfer time delay to normal
source //.

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SPEC WRITER NOTE: Add subparagraph "G"

below when 40 horsepower and larger motors
are connected to the emergency system.

//G. In-Phase Band Monitor: Monitor shall control the operation of the
transfer switch. It shall monitor the voltage and frequency of the
normal and emergency voltage //.
H. Auxiliary Relay: Provide an auxiliary pre-signal relay on all automatic
transfer switches, which will feed elevator loads for use as elevator
control.
2.4 TRANSFER SWITCH OPERATION
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Use Paragraphs A, B, and
C for single transfer switch
installations, and paragraphs D, E, F, G
and H for multiple transfer switch
installations.

//A. A voltage decrease in one or more phases of the normal power source to
less than 70 percent of normal shall initiate the transfer sequence. The
transfer switch shall start the engine-generator unit after a time delay
of two or three seconds to permit override of momentary dips in the
normal power source. The time-delay shall be field adjustable from zero
to fifteen seconds.
B. The transfer switch shall transfer the load from normal to emergency
source when the frequency and voltage of the engine-generator unit have
attained 90 percent of rated value.
C. The transfer switch shall retransfer the load from emergency to normal
source upon restoration of normal supply in all phases to 90 percent or
more of normal voltage, and after a time delay. The time delay shall be
field adjustable from five to twenty-five minutes (preset for twenty-
five minutes). Should the emergency source fail during this time, the
transfer switch shall immediately transfer to the normal source whenever
it becomes available. After restoring to normal source the generator
shall continue to run for five minutes unloaded before shut down. Time
delay shall be adjustable from zero to fifteen minutes. //
//D. Engine Start: A voltage decrease, at any transfer switch, in one or more
phases of the normal power source to less than 70 percent of normal
shall start the engine-generator unit after a time delay of two to three
seconds. The time delay shall be field adjustable from zero to fifteen
seconds.
E. Transfer to Emergency (Emergency System Loads): Transfer switches for
emergency system loads shall transfer their loads from normal to

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emergency source when frequency and voltage of the engine-generator unit

have attained 90 percent of rated value. Only those switches with
deficient normal source voltage shall transfer.
F. Transfer to Emergency (Equipment System Loads): Transfer switches for
equipment system loads shall transfer their loads to the generator on a
time delayed staggered basis, after the emergency system switches have
transferred. Total delayed transfer time of an equipment system switches
shall not exceed two minutes. Time-delay relays shall be field
adjustable zero to two minutes.
G. Retransfer to Normal (All Loads): Transfer switch shall retransfer the
load from emergency to normal source upon restoration of normal supply
in all phases to 90 percent or more of normal voltage, and after a time
delay. The time delay shall be field adjustable from five to twenty-five
minutes (preset for twenty-five minutes). Should the emergency source
fail during this time, the transfer switch shall immediately transfer to
the normal source whenever it becomes available. After restoring to
normal source the generator shall continue to run for five minutes
unloaded before shut down. Time delay shall be adjustable from zero to
fifteen minutes.
H. Exercise Mode: Transfer to emergency power source shall be accomplished
by remote manual test switches on a selective basis. //
2.5 BYPASS/ISOLATION SWITCHES
A. Provide two-way bypass/isolation manual type switches. The switches
shall conveniently and electrically bypass and isolate automatic
transfer switches, which could not otherwise be safely maintained
without disruption of critical loads. Bypass and isolation shall be
possible under all conditions including where the automatic transfer
switch may be removed from service. Bypass/Isolation switches shall
comply with NFPA 110, and shall be factory tested.
B. Operation: The bypass/isolation switch shall have provisions for
operation by one person through the movement of a maximum of two handles
at a common dead front panel in no more than 15 seconds or less. Provide
a lock, which must energize to unlock the bypass switch, to prevent
bypassing to a dead source. Provide means to prevent simultaneous
connection between normal and emergency sources.
1. Bypass to normal (or emergency): Operation of bypass handle shall
allow direct connection of the load to the normal (or emergency)
source, without load interruption or by using a break-before-make

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design, or provide separate load interrupter contacts to momentarily

interrupt the load.
a. Assure continuity of auxiliary circuits necessary for proper
operation of the system.
b. A red indicating lamp shall light when the automatic transfer
switch is bypassed.
c. Bypassing source to source: If the power source is lost while in
the bypass position, bypass to the alternate source shall be
achievable without re-energization of the automatic transfer
switch service and load connections.
2. Isolation: Operation of the isolating handle shall isolate all live
power conductors to the automatic transfer switch without
interruption of the load.
a. Interlocking: Provide interlocking as part of the bypass/
isolation switch to eliminate personnel-controlled sequence of
operation, and to prevent operation to the isolation position
until the bypass function has been completed.
b. Padlocking: Include provisions to padlock the isolating handle in
the isolated position.
c. Visual verification: The isolation blades shall be visible in the
isolated position.
3. Testing: It shall be possible to test (normal electrical operation)
the automatic transfer switch and engine generator with the isolation
contacts closed, and the load bypassed without interruption of power
to the load.
C. Ratings: The electrical capabilities and ratings of the bypass/isolation
switch shall be compatible with those of the associated automatic
transfer switch, including any required additional withstand tests.
D. Enclosure Construction: Enclosure construction shall be in accordance
with UL standards. The bypass/isolation switch shall be mounted in a
separate enclosure or separate compartment from the automatic transfer
switch.
E. Diagrams: The manufacturer shall provide specific information on the
interconnection and installation of the bypass/isolation switch and
automatic transfer switch.
F. The bypass/isolation switch shall also meet all the requirements as
specified for an automatic transfer switch.

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2.6. SPARE PARTS

A. Provide six control fuses for each automatic transfer switch of
different rating.
B. Provide six pilot lamps of each type used.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Install automatic transfer switch(s) in accordance with the NFPA and as
shown on the drawings.
B. Level and anchor the automatic transfer(s) switch to floor or wall.
C. Ground equipment as shown on the drawings and as required by NFPA 70.
3.2 START UP AND TESTING
A. After the complete system has been installed, and before energizing the
system, check all components of the system, including insulation
resistance, phase to phase and phase to ground, complete electrical
circuitry and safety features according to the manufacturer’s written
instructions
B. After energizing circuits, test the interlocking sequence and operation
of the complete system, including time delays of transfer from normal
source to emergency and back to normal source, pick-up and voltage drop,
and function of bypass/isolation switch in the presence of the Resident
Engineer prior to the final inspection.
C. When any defects are detected, correct the defects and repeat the test
as requested by the Resident Engineer, at no additional cost to the
Government.
3.4 DEMONSTRATION
A At the final inspection in the presence of a VA representative,
demonstrate that the complete auxiliary electrical power system
operates properly in every respect. Coordinate this demonstration
with the demonstration of the engine-generator set.
3.5.TRAINING
A. Furnish the services of a competent, factory-trained engineer or
technician for one four-hour period for instructing VA personnel in
operation and maintenance of the equipment, including review of the
operation and maintenance manual, on a date requested by the Resident
Engineer. Coordinate this training with that of the generator training.
- - - E N D - - -

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