Our Jacksonville team completed valuable Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) training. Manager Chad Rowland organized the session, and Lead Technician Roy delivered hands on instruction covering service-rated vs non-service-rated ATS, NEMA ratings, poles, transition types, wiring, and startup procedures.
At Generator Source, we believe continuous training is the foundation of reliable backup power, installations, and exceptional customer service. In an industry where every detail matters, especially during Florida’s unpredictable storm season, keeping our team sharp on the latest equipment and best practices isn’t just important; it’s essential.
Recently, our Jacksonville team gathered for a focused training session on Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS). Jacksonville Manager Chad organized and led the meeting, bringing everyone together for this important skill building opportunity. The hands on technical training was expertly delivered by our Lead Technician Roy, who shared his extensive field experience and walked the team through the critical details every technician needs to master when installing, servicing, or troubleshooting ATS systems.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the key topics our team covered during the training:
1. Service-Rated vs. Non-Service-Rated ATS
- Service-rated: These ATS units can act as the main service entrance equipment. They include the utility to disconnect, overcurrent protection, and proper grounding in one UL-listed assembly.
- Non-service-rated: Installed downstream of the existing main service to disconnect. They handle only the transfer function between utility and generator power.
Roy emphasized the importance of choosing the correct type based on the site’s electrical setup and local code requirements.
2. NEMA Enclosure Ratings
Roy explained how to select the right enclosure for the environment:
- NEMA 1: General-purpose indoor use (dry, climate-controlled locations).
- NEMA 3 / 3R: Outdoor rain-tight and sleet-resistant – the go-to for most generator installations.
- NEMA Stainless (4X): Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction. Especially important in coastal Florida areas where salt air can quickly damage standard enclosures.
3. Pole Configurations and Switching Neutral
- 2-pole: Typically used on single-phase 120/240V systems.
- 3-pole: Standard for three-phase systems (switches the three hot legs).
- 4-pole: Switches the three phases plus the neutral – required when the generator is a separately derived system with its own neutral-to-ground bond.
Roy stressed that switching the neutral helps prevent ground loops and ensures code compliance in many generator applications.
4. Open Transition vs. Closed Transition
- Open Transition (break-before-make): The load is momentarily disconnected during transfer. Most common and cost-effective for standard applications.
- Closed Transition (make-before-break): The utility and generator briefly parallel, providing seamless power with no interruption. Best for critical loads but requires utility approval and additional controls.
The team got to see both types demonstrated live.
5. Startup Procedures and Wiring Basics
Roy walked the team step-by-step through proper ATS startup and verification:
- Checking Line, Load, and Generator sides
- Verifying voltage, frequency, and phase rotation
- Performing wiring correction (fixing swapped phases or incorrect neutral/ground connections)
- Understanding 2-wire start vs. 4-wire start signals
2-wire start: Simple on/off dry contacts. 4-wire start: Provides separate start, stop, and auxiliary signals for better generator control.
6. Voltage Considerations, High-Leg Delta, Phase Rotation, and Wire Sizing
- Identifying high-leg delta systems (the 208V “wild leg” on 240V delta setups)
- Confirming correct phase rotation (ABC vs. CBA) to prevent motors from running backwards
- Proper amperage ratings and wire sizing per NEC tables, including derating factors for temperature and conduit fill
Roy made sure every technician left with practical, job ready knowledge they can apply immediately on installations and service calls.
Thank You to Chad and Roy
We’re proud of our Jacksonville team for investing time in professional development. Special thanks to Branch Manager Chad for organizing the session and to Lead Technician Roy for sharing his deep expertise and delivering such a thorough, hands-on training.
This level of internal training directly benefits our customers; it means safer installs, fewer callbacks, faster troubleshooting, and backup power systems you can truly rely on.
Ready for expert ATS service, an upgrade, or a completely new installation in the Jacksonville area?
Contact our Jacksonville team today at 904-902-8116 or fill out our quick contact form. Whether you need routine maintenance, troubleshooting, or a full backup power solution, we’ll bring the same attention to detail that Roy taught in training straight to your site. Let us help you stay powered, no matter what comes your way.