Voltage Rating of Relay Boards used in ATS Panels
The voltage rating of relay boards used in ATS panels can vary depending on the specific application and design of the ATS system. However, typical voltage ratings for relays in ATS panels generally fall within the following ranges:
Control Voltage:
- Common Control Voltages: 12V DC, 24V DC, 48V DC, 120V AC, 240V AC
- Purpose: These control voltages are used to activate the relay coils, which in turn control the switching mechanism.
Contact Voltage Rating:
- Low Voltage Applications: Up to 240V AC or DC
- Medium Voltage Applications: 480V AC
- High Voltage Applications: 600V AC or higher (in industrial and specialized applications)
- Purpose: The contact voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage that the relay contacts can safely switch or interrupt.
Application of a 4-Channel Relay Board in an ATS Panel for Building and Infrastructure
Scenario: High-Rise Office Building
In a high-rise office building, ensuring a reliable power supply is critical for safety, operatio nal continuity, and tenant comfort. An ATS panel equipped with a 4-channel relay board can manage the transition between utility power and backup generators effectively.
Configuration and Application
- Channel 1: Utility Power Relay
- Channel 2: Generator Power Relay
- Channel 3: Critical Load Relay
- Channel 4: Non-Critical Load Relay
Detailed Explanation
Channel 1: Utility Power Relay
- Function: Controls the connection to the primary utility power.
- Operation:
1. Normal Conditions: When the utility power is stable, this relay remains closed, maintaining the connection to the grid.
2. Power Outage: When a power outage is detected, the ATS panel signals this relay to open, disconnecting the building from the utility power to prevent back-feeding.
- Example:
Situation: During normal operations, the office building runs on utility power. This relay ensures a continuous connection to the grid, supplying power to all building systems.
Channel 2: Generator Power Relay
- Function: Manages the connection to the backup generator.
- Operation:
1. Power Outage: Upon detecting a utility power failure, the ATS panel signals this relay to close after ensuring the generator has started and is providing stable power.
2. Power Restoration: Once utility power is restored and stable, this relay opens to disconnect the generator.
- Example:
Situation: During a power outage, the ATS panel initiates the start-up of the building’s backup generator. This relay then closes to transfer the load from the utility power to the generator, ensuring continuous power supply.
Channel 3: Critical Load Relay
- Function: Ensures that critical systems remain powered during the switch to backup power.
- Operation:
1. Power Outage: This relay is prioritized and remains closed to ensure critical systems like emergency lighting, fire alarms, and essential IT infrastructure are continuously powered.
2. Load Shedding: During power transfer, this relay does not disconnect, ensuring critical loads are always supported.
- Example:
3. Situation: In the event of a power outage, critical systems such as emergency lighting and fire alarms must remain operational. This relay ensures these systems receive uninterrupted power from the generator , UPS or Battery powered system.
Channel 4: Non-Critical Load Relay
- Function: Manages non-essential loads that can be temporarily disconnected to conserve generator capacity.
- Operation:
1. Power Outage: This relay opens to shed non-critical loads, reducing the load on the generator.
2. Power Restoration: After utility power is restored, this relay closes to reconnect non-critical loads.
- Example:
Situation: During a power outage, non-essential systems like general office lighting, HVAC in common areas, and non-critical office equipment are temporarily disconnected to ensure the generator can adequately support critical systems. This relay controls these non-critical loads, shedding them during the transfer to backup power and reconnecting them once utility power is restored.
Sequence of Operations During a Power Outage
1. Power Outage Detection:
- The ATS panel detects the loss of utility power.
- Channel 1 (Utility Power Relay) opens to disconnect the building from the utility power.
2. Generator Start-Up:
- The ATS panel signals the generator to start.
- Once the generator is running and stable, Channel 2 (Generator Power Relay) closes to connect the generator to the building’s electrical system.
3. Load Management:
- Channel 3 (Critical Load Relay) remains closed to ensure critical systems stay powered.
- Channel 4 (Non-Critical Load Relay) opens to shed non-essential loads, reducing the load on the generator.
4. Restoration of Utility Power:
- The ATS panel detects the restoration of stable utility power.
- Channel 2 (Generator Power Relay) opens to disconnect the generator.
- Channel 1 (Utility Power Relay) closes to reconnect the building to the utility power.
- Channel 4 (Non-Critical Load Relay) closes to reconnect non-essential loads.
Connectwell CIMRE: The Next Generation Relay Interface Modules
To further enhance the performance and reliability of ATS panels, Connectwell CIMRE (Connectwell Next Generation Relay Interface Modules) offers cutting-edge features designed to meet the demands of modern electrical systems.
- Fully-enclosed IP20 Rated Design: Ensures no-shock hazards and protects critical components from heat or dust deterioration.
- Custom Configurations up to 32 Channels: Accommodates last-minute changes or circuit extensions without replacing the existing module.
- True 10 Amperes Performance: Guarantees a load current of 10 amperes with proven 70-micron PCB track and screw connection technology.
- Ease of Wire Entry, Clearly Visible Status Indicators: Large guided wire entry points ensure quick, easy, and error-free wire insertion, with individually assigned LEDs for relay status indication.
- Pre-installed Long Tail Jumpers: Enable quick and easy creation of common negative circuits with a safe IP20 socket design.
- Industry-First Long-Life Laser Marking for Circuit Identification: Provides high-visibility and long-lasting laser markings on the module.
- Compact and Secure Mounting: Offers 35% volumetric saving with a robust, spring-loaded latching mechanism for secure.