ASCO Group G Controller for Automatic & Non-Automatic Transfer Switches

User's Guide

Introduction

This manual provides information on the ASCO Group G Controller, designed for Automatic and Non-Automatic Transfer Switches (3ATS, 3ADTS, 3NTS, 3NDTS). The controller is microprocessor-based and includes a user interface for monitoring and control functions, accessible with the enclosure door closed for safety. Settings such as voltage pickup, dropout, and time delays can be configured via menus.

Safety Warnings:

DANGER: Indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

To prevent severe equipment damage, ensure the engine-generator set has automatic shutdown devices and the electrical system has protective devices. Refer to the transfer switch installation and wiring drawings for detailed connection information.

Table of Contents Overview

The document is structured into the following main sections:

Overview: Covers control overview, status information, source acceptability, screen navigation, and sequences of operation for different transfer switch models (3ATS, 3ADTS, 3NTS, 3NDTS).
Settings: Details settings for parameters like voltage, frequency, timers, general configurations, features, engine exercisers, event logs, and statistics.
Screen Messages: Lists and explains messages that can appear on the controller display.
Description of Operation: Explains the operational sequences for load transfer to emergency and retransfer to normal for various transfer switch models.
Accessories: Describes optional accessories such as software bundles, modules, and load shed functionality.
Appendix: Provides information on controller cover removal, DIP switch settings, power supply jumper cards, and logged events/causes.
Index: A comprehensive index for quick reference.

Overview: Control Overview

The ASCO Group G Controller features a user interface with a graphic display, control buttons, and indicator lights. Five buttons provide access to monitoring, control, and settings functions. Six indicator lights display source acceptability, transfer switch position, and alerts. The interface is organized into three levels, with some screens requiring password access.

User Interface Elements:

Up-Down Arrows: Navigate settings and adjust parameter values.
Enter/Save Button: Moves between menu levels, selects parameters, and saves settings.
Escape Button: Cancels changes and returns to the previous screen.
Transfer Button: Performs various functions including transfer tests, load transfers (3NTS/3NDTS), bypass timer, and abort operations. A padlock symbol indicates password entry is required.

Transfer Switch Status Lights:

Normal Source Accepted: Indicates the normal source is accepted (left light).
Emergency Source Accepted: Indicates the emergency source is accepted (right light).
Load on Normal: Indicates the load is connected to the normal source.
Load on Emergency: Indicates the load is connected to the emergency source.

Alert Light:

Illuminates when any alarm condition is present. More information is displayed on the screen.

Not in Automatic Light:

Indicates manual mode is active. Blinking signifies transfer inhibit. For 3NTS and 3NDTS, this light is always on, indicating a manual transfer switch. If Feature 6DL is active, it lights up when the load is transferred to emergency.

Overview: Status Information

The controller displays the status of both normal and emergency power sources and the transfer switch position. Navigation through these screens does not require a password.

ATS Status Screen:

This is the home screen, showing the current status of the ATS, including transfer sequence, running timers, connected source, and ATS position. A control message provides user guidance. Screens automatically return to the ATS Status screen after five minutes of inactivity.

Metering Screen:

Displays RMS voltage and frequency readings of power sources. Voltage unbalance and load current can also be displayed if enabled.

Alarm Screen:

Shows active alarm messages or indicates no active alarms. A control message appears below the alarm message. Acknowledging an active alarm requires pressing the Enter button; some alarms clear automatically.

Controller Screen:

Displays controller information like name, location, date, and time. A key symbol indicates the presence of an optional software key (dongle, Accessory 11BE).

Source Acceptability:

A source is considered unacceptable if voltage or frequency falls outside specified settings (detailed in the document). A source is considered acceptable again when all conditions are met. These settings are configurable and may require a password.

Overview: Screen Navigation

The controller's interface is navigated using buttons. A diagram illustrates the menu structure:

Main Menu leads to:

Overview (Home/Control Status, Metering, Alarms, Controller Information)
Event Log
Statistics
Settings (Settings Overview, Pick Up/Drop Out, Timers, General, Features, Engine Exerciser, Factory, About)

Navigation involves using arrow buttons to select options and the Enter/Save button to confirm. Some settings require a password, indicated by 'P' or 'FP' (Factory Password).

Sequences of Operation

The document details the sequence of operations for different transfer switch models during normal source failure:

3ATS (Open-Transition Automatic Transfer):

Upon normal source failure:

Normal source is acceptable, load on normal.
Normal source becomes unacceptable.
Generator starts automatically.
Emergency source becomes acceptable.
Load transfers to the generator (emergency source).
Generator runs unloaded for cooldown (Feature 2E time delay).
Load switches back to the normal source upon its restoration.

This sequence involves various relays (SE, NR, ER, TS) and time delays (1C, 2B, 31F, 31M) as depicted in a flowchart.

3ADTS (Delayed-Transition Automatic Transfer):

Similar to 3ATS but includes a load disconnect step before transferring to the emergency source, managed by CN coil and load disconnect time delay.

3NTS (Open-Transition Non-Automatic Transfer):

Load transfer to emergency is not automatic. The generator must be manually started. The sequence involves manual start, transfer button press, and then load transfer to emergency.

3NDTS (Delayed-Transition Non-Automatic Transfer):

Similar to 3NTS but includes the load disconnect step before transferring to emergency.

Load retransfer to normal follows a similar pattern for all models, involving stabilization of the normal source and engine cooldown.

Settings

The controller offers extensive settings configurable via the user interface, often requiring a password.

Settings Overview:

Changes to settings can affect normal operation. Access is via the Main Menu, selecting 'Settings', then the desired parameter category.

Voltage and Frequency Settings:

These settings (dropout, pickup, over-voltage/frequency trip, unbalance) are factory-set but adjustable. They are expressed as percentages of nominal voltage/frequency or in volts/Hz.

Timer Settings:

Various time delays (e.g., Normal Source Outages, Transfer to Emergency, Engine Cooldown, Retransfer to Normal, Pre/Post Transfer Signals, Inphase Transfer, Load Disconnect) can be configured. These timers manage the timing of transfer operations and generator exercise.

General Settings:

Includes configuration for Date & Time, Communication (RS485 port, baud rate, address), Display (language, contrast), Other Parameters (password, external battery, current sensing, CT ratio), Common Alarms, and Name & Location.

Features Settings:

Allows configuration of various operational features such as bypass options, inphase monitor, load shed, fail accept timers, external features, Feature 6DL, serial communication, voltage unbalance, and output contacts.

Engine Exercisers:

Settings for periodic exercise of the emergency engine-generator, either with or without load transfer. Options include standard and programmable exercisers with configurable intervals, days, times, and durations.

View Event Log, Statistics, About:

These sections allow users to view logged events, system statistics, and controller information (voltage, frequency, serial number, software version).

Screen Messages

The controller displays various messages to inform the user about system status, alarms, and operations. These include:

Screen Messages: e.g., 'Access denied', 'Are you sure?', 'Normal OK', 'Sources Not Acceptable', 'Waiting for Inphase'.
Control Messages: e.g., 'Enter Password', 'Abort Transfer', 'Bypass Timer', 'Test Transfer'.

Each message is explained with its meaning and relevant page references.

Description of Operation

Detailed operational sequences are provided for different transfer switch types:

3ATS (Open-Transition Automatic): Describes load transfer to emergency and retransfer to normal, including relay operations and time delays.
3ADTS (Delayed-Transition Automatic): Similar to 3ATS but with an added load disconnect phase.
3NTS (Open-Transition Non-Automatic): Explains manual start and transfer operations.
3NDTS (Delayed-Transition Non-Automatic): Combines manual operation with the load disconnect phase.

Flowcharts visually represent these sequences, detailing the steps from source failure to load transfer and retransfer.

Optional Accessories

Several optional accessories enhance the controller's functionality:

Four-Function Software Bundle (11BE): Adds communication, programmable exerciser, event log, and common alarm output features.
5140 Quad-Ethernet Module: Provides Ethernet interface for monitoring and control.
Current Sensing Module: Measures and displays load current.
Relay Expansion Module: Expands output contacts for common alarms.
Uninterruptable Power Supply Module: Provides reserve power during outages.
Load Shed: Enables load shedding functionality from the emergency source.

Appendix

The appendix covers:

Controller Cover Removal/Installation: Instructions for accessing internal components.
DIP Switch Settings: Details for configuring voltage, frequency, phase, and transfer switch type using DIP switches.
Power Supply Jumper Card: Information on positioning the jumper card for system voltage.
Logged Events and Causes: Lists and explains event types and their causes.
Statistics Kept: Details on system statistics like total transfers, time on sources, and generator start times.

Index

A comprehensive index is provided for easy navigation throughout the document.

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