Automatic standby power
Standby generator with automatic transfer switch (ATS)
An ATS — automatic transfer switch — ensures that on a power failure the generator starts and the supply is transferred automatically, without operator intervention. For operations where there is no time for a manual response.
- Automatic start and changeover
- Panels from basic to industrial
- Designed per operation
Overview
Automatic standby power
Both approaches exist — manual and automatic transfer — but they differ fundamentally in reaction time, reliability and demands on the operator. For most industrial and commercial operations a manual transfer is insufficient.
A standby generator with ATS is not a catalogue product — the right solution comes from analysing the specific operation. Every building has different requirements for output, transfer speed, wiring method and level of automation.
When designing, we take these key parameters into account. The result then matches the real operating conditions — and the standby works reliably at the moment you need it.
Where it fits
When a standby generator with ATS is suitable
Manufacturing
Stopped CNC machines, presses or a production line during an outage bring direct financial losses and scrap. The ATS transfers the supply automatically — after the start and stabilisation window.
Server rooms and IT
A UPS bridges the first seconds of an outage. The generator with ATS starts and automatically takes over the supply before the UPS is depleted — without interrupting servers and network infrastructure.
Building critical infrastructure
Server rooms, access systems, lifts, camera systems and air-conditioning — critical building infrastructure requires automatically assured standby power.
Hotels
A power outage in a hotel hits the reception, lifts, kitchen, security systems and guests. An ATS prevents the situation where staff must handle a standby source manually in the middle of the night.
Logistics and cold storage
Cold stores, automated racking systems, loading terminals and parcel sorters — an interruption of power has an immediate financial impact.
Agriculture
Irrigation systems, stable ventilation, cooling boxes and dairies — everything depends on a supply that must not fail regardless of the hour or the weather.
Industry and SCADA
Industrial control systems, SCADA, telecom nodes and automation lines — operations where every unplanned outage threatens continuity and safety.
Comparison
ATS vs. manual transfer — the practical difference
Automatic transfer — ATS
- The ATS continuously monitors the voltage and frequency of the distribution grid.
- On an outage or a drop below the set threshold it raises an alarm and initiates the generator start.
- The generator starts after the outage is detected; the start and stabilisation time depends on the engine, system and settings. The transfer happens only after stable voltage is available.
- After stable voltage and frequency are reached, the ATS transfers the load from the grid to the generator.
- When the grid returns, the ATS transfers back and the generator shuts down in a controlled way.
Manual start and transfer
- Somebody must be present, notice the outage and start the generator.
- The transfer happens only when staff intervene — minutes to hours depending on attendance.
- Suitable for agricultural operations, smaller commercial buildings, office buildings and backing up technological circuits.
- For most industrial and commercial operations the manual response is too slow.
Design factors
What matters when designing an ATS solution
Generator sizing
Sized for the real and expected load — with a reserve for motor and compressor starting currents.
Load character
Resistive, inductive or mixed load. Each type influences the sizing and ATS setting.
Transfer time
The transfer window depends on the engine start, stabilisation and system settings — always an interruption. Loads that cannot tolerate it need a UPS bridge, designed per project.
Fuel autonomy
Tank size determines how long the generator runs without refuelling — from 8 hours to several days according to operational priorities.
Connection point
The ATS is connected to the main or a subsidiary switchboard. The connection method depends on the existing installation and the number of protected circuits.
Placement
Indoor or outdoor placement, a container solution or a machine room. We consider noise, heat radiation and service access.
Control level
From a simple two-position transfer switch to a control panel with GSM alarms, remote diagnostics and integration with the building management system.
Testing and service
The standby must work exactly at the moment of the outage. We design the solution with respect to the service plan and regular load tests.
System solution
Which ATS panels we supply
We design ATS solutions according to the required current, installation type, load character and level of automation. Available variants range from smaller ATS panels for simpler standby applications to solutions for demanding industrial and energy operations.
Basic ATS panels
For simpler standby applications and smaller operations. Reliable automatic changeover without extended monitoring — suitable where a basic automatic response is sufficient.
Mid-range panels
Typical use in hotels, logistics centres, warehouses and mid-size production and commercial operations. Extended monitoring and alarm options; configuration per project.
Industrial and energy-grade solutions
For industrial production halls, data centres, larger logistics areas and operations with higher continuity requirements. Designed for high current demands and complex switching schemes, with coordination of building and process control systems.
Large project configurations
For large industrial complexes, energy projects and critical infrastructure with high current requirements. Parallel and redundant configurations addressed per project, with load tests and commissioning included in the delivery.
Process
How the delivery of a standby solution proceeds
- Step 1
Operation analysis
We identify the character of the building, its technology and the criticality of the supply. We also account for situations where the outage arrives without warning.
- Step 2
Sizing and ATS selection
We determine the suitable generator output, ATS type, connection method and configuration according to the required reaction time.
- Step 3
System design
We design the ATS as part of a comprehensive solution — from a simple transfer switch to control systems with monitoring.
- Step 4
Delivery and installation
We arrange transport, generator placement and turnkey installation. For international customers we supply the equipment with complete documentation.
- Step 5
Commissioning and service
ATS setup, test start under load and handover to the operator. We also offer regular service and emergency support.
FAQ
Useful information for your project
Does ATS guarantee a no-break supply?
No. The ATS starts the generator and transfers the load, but the transfer always takes time — the window depends on the engine, system and settings. Loads that cannot tolerate any interruption need a UPS to bridge the transfer window; no-break critical supply is an engineered UPS + generator architecture, not an attribute of the ATS.
Is there a universal start time?
No. The start and transfer time depend on the generator model, its configuration and the ATS setting. The actual transfer time of your system is confirmed during project design and verified by load testing — treat it always as an interruption, bridged by a UPS where required.
What do we deliver?
We do not deliver a catalogue product. Every solution is designed according to the specific operation, load and automation requirements. We help with choosing the output, the ATS configuration and optional equipment — without unnecessary complexity. We have experience from projects in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and commercial buildings, and we offer regular maintenance, service inspections and fast response — because the standby must work at the moment of the outage.
By power
Related generator power pages
Ratings are indicative, not a full-facility guarantee — the required PRP or ESP rating is confirmed from your load profile, starting loads and critical circuits during project sizing.
Keep reading
Related topics and pages
Czech projects — scope as agreed
For Czech projects the delivery may include, as agreed: generator supply, design of the installation, commissioning on a prepared site, turnkey realization and a service contract. The scope is always clarified together during consultation and confirmed in the quotation.
International supply — EXW CZ/NL
International direct sales are preferably EXW Czech Republic / Netherlands; transport is agreed individually. Installation and service abroad are possible in agreed cases and are always confirmed individually by location and model. Manufacturer warranty.
We will design a standby generator with ATS
Send us your specification or call us — we will assess the output, ATS type and connection method and propose a concrete tailor-made solution.