As part of the building infrastructure, life safety systems in buildings are essential components designed to protect occupants from various hazards, including fire, smoke, and other emergencies. From fire alarms to emergency lighting, various systems work together to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals within a building in the event of emergencies. Among these, Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) ensure continuous power supply to critical life safety systems.
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) are devices commonly used in electrical systems to automatically transfer power supply from one source to another in the event of a power outage or other electrical fault. They are crucial components in ensuring continuous power supply to critical systems, including life safety systems.
Continuous Power
The core focus for an ATS is providing a seamless transition from primary to backup power within a building to make sure functionality can remain as required. ATS detects the loss of primary power and swiftly switches to an alternate power source, such as a generator or battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted electricity flow to life safety systems.
Reliable Operation of Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are the first line of defence against fire emergencies. Smoke detectors, heat sensors, and alarm panels work tirelessly to detect signs of danger and alert occupants. However, without power, these systems become silent sentinels. ATS provide the necessary power to keep fire alarm systems operational even during power outages, enabling timely evacuation and continuous access for firefighting emergency services.
Constant Illumination with Emergency Lighting
Visibility is key to safe evacuation. Emergency lighting systems illuminate escape routes, stairwells, and exit signs, guiding occupants to safety in the dark. ATS ensures that these lights remain on when the main power source fails, preventing disorientation and facilitating swift evacuation.
Safeguarding Elevator Operations
For occupants with mobility challenges, elevators are lifelines during evacuations. However, elevators rely on electricity to function. ATS ensures that elevators have backup power, allowing them to continue operating during power outages and facilitating the safe transport of occupants to designated evacuation levels.
Ensuring Security and Communication
Access control systems, surveillance cameras, and communication devices play crucial roles in managing and responding to threats. ATS ensures uninterrupted power to these systems, enabling effective communication with occupants and safeguarding building security.
The integration of an ATS within life safety systems is essential for ensuring reliability and functionality during power disruptions. Regular maintenance, testing, and adherence to relevant codes and standards, are critical to ensuring the effectiveness of both ATS and life safety systems in buildings.
It is important to ensure that the Automatic Transfer Switch is properly sized, installed, and maintained to guarantee seamless power transfer in case of an emergency. This ensures that critical life safety systems remain operational during power interruptions, reducing risks to occupants and property.
Craig & Derricott offer a wide range of Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) suitable for life safety systems, including both our Mercia ATS range and the latest addition to the product offering: Dual Line Bypass Form 3 Type ATS.
This range of life safety form 3 motorised automatic transfer switches with no-break dual line bypass, rated 32A to 630A, in SPN (230V) and TPN (400V) AC 50/60Hz variants. ATS allow safe automatic transfer of loads from a primary supply to a standby generator or secondary power supply. Each unit is supplied in a light grey (RAL 7035) sheet steel enclosure with removable gland plates, offering up to IP65 protection degree from dust and water ingress.
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