In Kenya, power outages are common, with some areas experiencing prolonged power cuts that can last several hours. Various factors, such as faults in the transmission and distribution networks, vandalism, or overloading of the grid, can cause these power cuts. Such outages can result in significant business losses, inconvenience households, and even threaten human lives, especially in critical facilities such as hospitals.
To mitigate the impact of power outages, many Kenyan businesses and households have invested in backup power systems, such as generators and UPSs. However, the effectiveness of these backup systems mainly depends on the transfer switch’s speed and reliability. Without an ATS, the power transfer between the primary and secondary sources may require manual intervention, which can be time-consuming, unreliable, and potentially dangerous.
Uses of Automatic Transfer Switches in Kenya
The use of ATSs in Kenya has increased significantly as businesses and households seek to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to their critical loads. In the industrial sector, ATSs are commonly used in data centers, manufacturing plants, and hospitals. These facilities rely heavily on electrical power for their operations, and any interruption in the power supply can lead to significant losses or even endanger lives.
In the residential sector, ATSs are increasingly becoming popular, particularly in upscale neighborhoods where residents are willing to invest in backup power solutions. These ATSs are typically integrated with standby generators or solar power systems, providing homeowners with a reliable power source during power outages.
Types of Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)
Automatic transfer switches come in various sizes and configurations, ranging from small residential units to large industrial systems. They are available in three types of transfer switch configurations: open-transition transfer switches, closed-transition transfer switches, and delayed-transition transfer switches.
Open-transition transfer switches
These are the most common type of automatic transfer switches. They work by interrupting the power supply from the primary source before switching to the backup power source. This type of transfer switch is suitable for loads that can tolerate a brief power interruption during the switching process.
Closed-transition transfer switches
These switches transfer power between sources without interrupting the power supply. This type of transfer switch is ideal for loads that cannot tolerate a power interruption, such as medical equipment and data centers.
Delayed-transition transfer switches
These switches delay the transfer of power between sources for a specified period. This delay ensures that the backup power source is stable and ready to take over before transferring the load. This type of transfer switch is suitable for loads that require a stable power supply, such as industrial equipment and critical infrastructure.
Companies that provide Automatic Transfer Switches in Kenya
Several companies in Kenya provide Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) for both industrial and residential applications. Some of the notable companies include:
Powerhouse Engineering
Powerhouse is a leading electrical services provider in Kenya. The company offers both manual and automatic transfer switches, as well as a variety of electrical power solutions.
Schneider Electric Kenya
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation, with a presence in over 100 countries. The company provides a range of ATSs, including open transition, closed transition, and bypass-isolation switches.
Davis & Shirtliff
Davis & Shirtliff is a well-known water and energy solutions provider in Kenya. The company offers a range of ATSs for various applications, including data centers, hospitals, and residential homes.
Atlas Copco Kenya
Atlas Copco is a global provider of industrial equipment and solutions, including power generators and ATSs.
Power Technics Limited
Power Technics is a Kenyan-based company that provides power generation equipment and services. The company offers a range of ATSs for industrial and commercial applications, including closed transition and bypass-isolation switches.
These are just a few of the companies that provide ATSs in Kenya. When selecting an ATS provider, it is essential to consider factors such as product quality, after-sales support, and installation services. It is also essential to ensure that the provider has the necessary licenses and certifications to operate in Kenya.
In Conclusion
Automatic Transfer Switches are electrical devices that automatically switch the power supply from the primary power source to a secondary power source in the event of a power outage or voltage drop. They are commonly used in backup power systems, particularly critical facilities requiring a continuous power supply. ATSs are available in different modes, sizes, and ratings and can be integrated with other electrical devices to provide a complete backup power solution.
Selection, installation, and maintenance of ATSs require specialized knowledge and skills, and only licensed electrical contractors are recommended to handle these tasks. Our professional teams listen to your needs to deliver the best quality on time. Contact us today!