Outdoor ATS
Outdoor ATS
(OP)
We need to connect an entire existing buiding to a new generator located outside in a weatherproof enclosure. We are thinking that the simple solution is to put the ATS outside between the utility padmount transformer and the new generator. We have done this sucessfully on several projects in the southeast (US). This new project however is in the southwest, near Phoenix. It has been suggested, however that the ATS will get too hot and will malfunction in this heat, even though it will be in a outdoor (NEMA 3R) enclosure. I find it hard to believe that standard outdoor gear that works in Alabama and Florida would be unsuitable for Arizona. Does anyone have any experience with this?






RE: Outdoor ATS
Modern ATS has electronoic controls and PLCs which may be temperature sensitive. You can also ask for a relay based controls which are more forgiving ,if electronics is an issue.
RE: Outdoor ATS
Offhand, there will be some difference if the enclosure is in direct sunlight versus shaded. I agree with rbulsara—check with ATS manufacturers for their specific characteristics.
RE: Outdoor ATS
I have installed a 600 Amp ATS in a Type 3R enclosure between the Genset and the Tx, in the hot blistering Sun.The installation is two years old, and absolutly no problems at all.
I have used the ASCO 300 series switch, which in my opinion, if no logging or any special options are necessary, the 300 series will do just fine.It has minimal circuitry, and is a solenoid solid terminal based switch, that is electrically operated and mechanically held, as opposed to t he contact based relay type switches, which are usually electrically held.
If it is still a problem, I take it that a cooling fan can be installed at the some point of the enclosure, so the weather tightness wont be compromised.Fan would be thermostically controlled of course.See ASCo for the temp. ratings on its 300 series switches.
Regards
RE: Outdoor ATS
RE: Outdoor ATS
RE: Outdoor ATS
RE: Outdoor ATS
"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"