A diesel generator doesn’t provide automatic backup power on its own. To achieve seamless, hands-free operation during a blackout, you need two critical components working together: the Control Panel and the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).
Here is a straightforward guide to what they do and how they protect your business.
Caption: A modern digital control panel on a BenMa PE diesel generator, monitoring real-time performance.
- The Control Panel: The Generator’s Dashboard
Think of the control panel (often featuring brands like Deep Sea or ComAp) as the generator’s brain and dashboard combined. It has three main jobs:
Monitoring: It displays real-time engine and electrical data, including voltage, frequency (Hz), oil pressure, and coolant temperature.
Protection: If it detects a critical issue (e.g., low oil pressure or over-speeding), it instantly shuts down the engine to prevent costly damage.
Communication: When set to “Auto” mode, it waits for a signal from the ATS to start or stop the engine.
- The ATS: The Bridge to Your Building
The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is installed between your utility grid, the generator, and your building’s electrical panel. It is the component that actually switches the power source.
How it works during an outage:
Detects Failure: The ATS constantly monitors grid voltage. If the grid fails, it signals the generator control panel to start the engine.
Transfers Load: Once the generator reaches stable voltage and frequency (usually in 10-15 seconds), the ATS safely disconnects your building from the dead grid and connects it to the generator.
Restores Power: When the utility grid returns and stabilizes, the ATS switches your building back to grid power, and tells the generator to begin its cool-down and shutdown cycle.
- Two Rules for Choosing an ATS
When buying a standby generator system, ensuring the ATS is sized correctly is crucial:
Match the Amperage: The ATS must be rated for your total electrical load. If your main facility breaker is 800 Amps, you need an 800A ATS.
Match the Voltage: Ensure the ATS matches your system’s voltage and phase (e.g., 3-phase 400V for industrial use).
Conclusion
A reliable control panel and a properly sized ATS guarantee that your backup power kicks in exactly when you need it, without requiring any manual intervention.
👉 Need a complete power solution? [Contact BenMa PE] today. Our engineers can configure the perfect generator and ATS package for your specific requirements.
