Introduction and Safety
Automatic Transfer Switch Owner’s Manual
3
General Hazards
•
Any AC generator that is used for backup power if
a NORMAL (UTILITY) power source failure occurs
must be isolated from the NORMAL (UTILITY)
power source by means of an approved transfer
switch. Failure to properly isolate the NORMAL
and STANDBY power sources from each other
may result in injury or death to electric utility
workers, due to backfeed of electrical energy.
•
Extremely high power and dangerous voltages are
present inside an installed transfer switch. Any
contact with high voltage terminals, contacts or
wires can result in LETHAL electric shock, while
arc flash can cause blindness and severe burns.
DO NOT WORK ON THE TRANSFER SWITCH
UNTIL YOU HAVE CONFIRMED THAT ALL
POWER SUPPLIES TO THE SWITCH ARE
TURNED OFF.
•
Competent, qualified personnel should install,
operate and service this equipment. Adhere strictly
to local, state and national electrical and building
codes. When using this equipment, comply with
regulations the National Electrical Code (NEC),
CSA Standard; C22.1 Canadian Electric Code and
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) have established.
•
Never handle any kind of electrical device while
standing in water, while barefoot, or while hands or
feet are wet. DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK
MAY RESULT.
•
Because jewelry conducts electricity, wearing it
may cause dangerous electrical shock. Remove all
jewelry (such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc.)
before working on this equipment.
•
If working on this equipment while standing on
metal or concrete, place insulative mats over a dry
wood platform. Work on this equipment only while
standing on such insulative mats.
•
Never work on this equipment while physically or
mentally fatigued.
•
Keep the transfer switch enclosure door closed
and bolted at all times. Only qualified personnel
should be permitted access to the switch interior.
•
When an automatic transfer switch is installed for a
standby generator set, the generator engine may
crank and start at any time without warning. To
avoid possible injury that might be caused by such
sudden start-ups, the system’s automatic start
circuit must be disabled before working on or
around the generator or transfer switch. Then
place a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag on the transfer
switch and on the generator.
•
Any voltage measurements should be performed
with a meter that meets UL3111 safety standards,
and meets or exceeds overvoltage class CAT III.
