ASCO Series 300 Manual Transfer Switches (MTS)
J-design, 150 through 600 Amperes
Safety Information
DANGER is used in this manual to warn of a hazard situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING is used in this manual to warn of a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION is used in this manual to warn of a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Refer to the outline and wiring drawings provided with the ASCO Series 300 MTS for all installation details.
Rating Labels
The transfer switch contains a rating label to define operational limits. Refer to the label for specific values.
[!] Do not exceed the values on the rating label. Exceeding the rating can cause personal injury or serious equipment damage.
Catalog Number Identification
Image of an ASCO Series 300 Manual Transfer Switch, a large, industrial-looking electrical enclosure.
A typical Catalog Number is shown below with its elements explained. The example is for an J-design, solid neutral, 3 poles, 400 amps, in Type 1 enclosure:
| Category | Example Value | Available Options |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | J | J |
| Series | 03 | 03 |
| Type | MTS | MTS |
| Neutral | A-solid | A-solid, B-switched, blank-none |
| Poles | 3 | 2, 3 |
| Amperes | 400 | 150, 200, 230, 260, 400, 600 |
| Blank | 0 | 0 |
| Accessory | 00-No Accessory | 00-No Accessory, 0X-Accessory, OZ-Custom Accessory |
| Enclosure | C- Type 1 | C- Type 1, M- Type 3R secure, N- Type 4 secure, S- Type 3RX secure (316) SS, V- Type 4X secure (316) SS |
Installation
Overview
Series 300 Manual Transfer Switches (MTS) are factory assembled and tested. Installation requires mounting, connecting power conductors and auxiliary control circuits (if required.).
Supporting Foundation
The supporting foundation for the enclosure must be level and straight. Refer to the applicable enclosure outline drawing included with the transfer switch for all mounting details including door opening space.
If bottom cable entry is used, the foundation must be prepared so that the conduit stubs are located correctly. Refer to the enclosure outline drawing for specified area and location.
Provide clearance between field installed conductors and parts of the transfer switch. When a concrete floor is poured, use interlocking conduit spacer caps or a wood or metal template to maintain proper conduit alignment.
Mounting
Refer to the outline drawing furnished with this switch and mount the Series 300 MTS according to details and instructions shown.
[!] Protect the transfer switch from construction grit and metal chips to prevent malfunction or shortened life of the transfer switch.
Mount the Series 300 MTS to a rigid supporting structure. Level all mounting points by using flat washers behind the mounting hole locations to avoid distortion of the switch.
Line Connections
Refer to the wiring diagram provided with the transfer switch. All wiring must be made in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes.
[!] De-energize the conductors before making any line or auxiliary circuitry connections. Be sure that Source 1 and Source 2 line connections are in proper phase rotation. Place engine generator starting control(s) in the OFF position. Make sure all engine generator(s) are not in operation.
Testing Power Conductors
Do not connect the power conductors to the transfer switch until they are tested. Installing power cables in conduit, cable troughs and ceiling-suspended hangers often requires considerable force. The pulling of cables can damage insulation and stretch or break the conductor's strands. For this reason, after the cables are pulled into position, and before they are connected, they should be tested to verify that they are not defective or have been damaged during installation.
Connecting Power Conductors
After the power conductors have been tested, connect them to the appropriate terminals on the transfer switch as shown on the wiring diagram provided. Make sure the conductors being installed are suitable for use with the terminals provided on the transfer switch. Standard terminals are solderless, screw type and will accept the wire sizes and types listed on the drawings provided with the transfer switch. Be careful when stripping insulation from the cables; avoid nicking or ringing the conductor. Remove surface oxides from conductors by cleaning with a wire brush. When aluminum conductors are used, apply joint compound to them. Tighten terminals to the torque specified on the rating label.
Manual Operation
Procedure
The Series 300MTS has an external manual operating handle on the front left of the enclosure. Observe the switch position indicators - SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2 and DISCONNECTED. See Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.
[!] Close the transfer switch enclosure door and tighten the screws before you use the manual operating handle.
- Operate the manual operating handle to DISCONNECT the load or transfer to SOURCE 1 or SOURCE 2. The selected switch position is indicated with a yellow indicator window. See Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Provision for a padlock (not provided) allows the manual operating handle to be locked in the SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2 or DISCONNECTED position.
Operation of the Transfer Switch
[!] Operate the transfer switch only with the enclosure door closed!
To Transfer from SOURCE 1 to DISCONNECTED:
Diagram illustrating the manual operating handle. Instructions: Pull handle out. Turn handle counterclockwise until DISCONNECTED position is indicated.
To Transfer from DISCONNECTED to SOURCE 2:
Diagram illustrating the manual operating handle. Instructions: Push handle in. Turn handle counterclockwise until SOURCE 2 position is indicated.
To Transfer from SOURCE 2 to DISCONNECTED:
Diagram illustrating the manual operating handle. Instructions: Push handle in. Turn handle clockwise until DISCONNECTED position is indicated.
To Transfer from DISCONNECTED to SOURCE 1:
Diagram illustrating the manual operating handle. Instructions: Pull handle out. Turn handle clockwise until SOURCE 1 position is indicated.
Testing & Service
Transfer Test
Operate the switch monthly to ensure proper operation.
Preventive Maintenance
Reasonable care in preventive maintenance will insure high reliability and long life for the Series 300 MTS. An annual preventive maintenance program is recommended.
ASCO Power Services, Inc. is ASCO Power Technologies service organization for the United States and Canada. Call 1-800-800-2726 (ASCO) for sales or service and information on preventive maintenance agreements.
Annual Inspection Checklist
[!] Hazardous voltage capable of causing shock, burns, or death is used in this switch. Deenergize both Normal & Emergency power sources before performing inspections!
- Clean the enclosure. De-energize all sources, then brush and vacuum away any excessive dust accumulation. Remove moisture with a clean cloth.
- Check the transfer switch contacts. De-energize all sources, then remove the transfer switch barriers and check contact condition. The non-replaceable main contacts are designed to last the life of the transfer switch. Reinstall the barriers carefully.
- Maintain transfer switch lubrication. Under normal operating conditions no further lubricating is required. Renew factory lubrication if the switch is subjected to severe dust or abnormal operating conditions or if TS coil is replaced.
- Check all cable connections & retighten them.
