Different Choices for Source-Transfer Applications.

Customers have specified source-transfer gear for decades to provide enhanced continuity of service in critical-load applications. And S&C Electric Company has been a pioneer in this area, creating such innovations as the electromechanical EM Panel of the 1970’s to today’s microprocessor-based Micro-AT® Source-Transfer Control. S&C has continually adapted these products, whenever possible, to meet customer’s special needs. In addition, the 5800 Series Switch Control from EnergyLine, an S&C subsidiary, adds another dimension to S&C’s source-transfer offerings.

The S&C Micro-AT Source-Transfer Control was developed specifically for common-bus and split-bus applications in S&C Metal-Enclosed Switchgear, Source-Transfer Pad-Mounted Gear, and Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear, as well as outdoor weatherproof enclosure applications with S&C Alduti-Rupter® Switches. It has also been employed in special applications of S&C Scada-Mate® Switching Systems. In each instance, however, the two source switches cannot be located more than 50 feet apart. While SCADA control and communications functions are not inherent capabilities of the device, the Micro-AT Source-Transfer Control can be wired to an RTU and a communications device to achieve them.

The EnergyLine 5800 Series Automatic Switch Control was specifically designed to provide automatic fault sectionalizing and service restoration for distribution feeders. It provides the functions of a switch control and an RTU in one package. Two to seven switch controls with IntelliTEAM can be linked via communication devices to work together — without need for a master station. The control can also be set up to perform standard source-transfer functions, in both the common-bus and split-bus configurations. It may be installed in S&C Pad-Mounted Gear for use with Type PM Switch Operators as well as in Vista Underground Distribution Switchgear, and may also be used with Scada-Mate Switching Systems. Unlike the Micro-AT Source-Transfer Control, the distance between the source switches is limited only by the communication devices selected.

Like S&C, EnergyLine is continually adapting their products to meet customer’s changing needs. Just recently, EnergyLine redesigned their 5802 Control to be compatible for Overhead Distribution needs by outfitting it with two FIC 24-pin connectors. Now a single EnergyLine 5802 Switch Control can monitor and switch two closely sited S&C Scada-Mate or Automated Omni-Rupter® Switches. In the past, two 5801 EnergyLine Controls and associated communication devices would have been needed for the same application.