ASCO TRANSFER SWITCHES Are are the only power transfer switches that conform to the stringent IEC 60947-6-1 regulation
Energy distributor Vert Energy was in March appointed the distributor for industrial control products supplier ASCO Power Technologies, whose products will form part of Vert’s range of energy efficient electric power generation (EPG) products in Southern Africa.
Being a subsidiary of power control systems company Emerson Electric Company, ASCO’s power switching and control components now form part of Vert Energy’s extensive products for generator set builders, panel builders and numerous applications that require switching between different power sources.
Vert Energy notes that its EPG products are energy efficient, as they are used to ensure that there is no interruption in power supply because of load-shedding or mains failure.
Owing to this, Vert Energy MD Grant Robertson says, through ASCO, the company provides advanced solutions to efficiently handle the transfer of critical loads from a primary to a secondary and/or emergency source.
He notes that the power switching and control components are flexible and designed to protect critical loads of electricity to significantly enhance Vert Energy’s specialist solutions service to diverse sectors. These sectors include data, financial and telecommunications centres, as well as process manufacturing, transportation, fire pump applications and healthcare facilities.
“In the event of an interruption to electrical power or a complete power failure, it is possible that life safety, financial loss, valuable information and convenience can be compromised,” notes Robertson. Therefore, mission-critical applications depend on reliable automatic power transfer switches (ATS) to ensure a seamless load transfer for continuous power supply, he adds.
Each ATS features a controller that is set up with certain parameters and will send a signal to that switch, should there be a problem with voltage, frequency or phase shift.
Subsequently, Vert Energy has extended its range to include ASCO transfer switches and controls, along with global load banks manufacturer Froment and Avtron. “The load banks are mainly used to provide a dummy load on a generator so that the settings are correct in testing before delivery to site,” Robertson says.
Froment and Avtron load banks are designed to replicate working-load conditions, providing electrical loads for testing power sources that include generators and uninterruptible power supplies.
“These devices are also used to reduce wet stacking and glazing problems in diesel engines of power generating systems. Glazing problems are induced by a build-up around the pistons when the generator runs way below its capability,” notes ASCO Power Technologies sales manager Michael Navarria.
Robertson highlights that ASCO ATSs are the only power transfer switches available that conform to the stringent International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60947-6-1 regulation, which specify that transfers at full load for alternating current and direct current must be done seamlessly, which was a compelling factor for Vert Energy in selecting this range.
Navarria notes that the circuit breakers, contactors and load break switches commonly used in industry are not compliant with IEC 60947-6-1 specification. “This regulation actually calls for an ATS and circuit breakers, so that the ATS does the switching and the circuit breakers protect the line,” he explains.
The extensive ASCO ATS range encompasses the Series 230, which consists of an intelligent controller and a modular load transfer switch that automatically transfers the load to the emergency power source. This happens when the normal power source is under or over voltage, under or over frequency or when there is a phase loss. The series has a maximum capacity of 800 A and is available from 208 V to 415 V, 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
The ASCO 7000 Series is available up to 4 000 A and from 208 V to 600 V.
ASCO surge protection products complement its ATSs to ensure optimum protection of ancillary equipment used in critical power applications.
Vert Energy is the exclusive representative in Southern Africa for other premium electric power generation brands, including industrial alternators specialists Leroy Somer, power control solutions provider Deif, and global supplier of engine cooling systems Covrad heat exchangers.
The company’s service to the electromechanical power generation sector also encompasses a repair and maintenance facility. Vert Energy has invested substantially in skills training, says Robertson, to ensure its technicians can efficiently service and support products throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, the company holds a comprehensive range of standard products and spare parts to support the local market.
“Highly skilled technicians assist with inspections, diagnostics and repair procedures, reassembly, installation and commissioning, as well as the implementation of preventative and predictive maintenance programmes,” concludes Robertson.