Cummins generator auto transfer switch info needed

Propane Cummins 70kw 3phase 208v genset. Plan is to wire in as grid power backup for an industrial building on a 400amp breaker. Need automatic switch that sends signal to generator to start then transfers from grid power to genset in a power outage. Called Cummins they can get a new switch but is 13 week wait time. I’m finding used transfer switches Cummins brand for the correct 400amps and voltage 208/120 3ph configuration. But they have a different part number then the sales guy provided for the recommended new switch. How do these work, are these just older units? Are they generator specific or will a Cummins switch with the correct voltage and amperage work for any Cummins generator? Pic below of my generator info. Any help advise is appreciated.

Skip Cummins if you can and put an Asco switch in. Should be a standard 2 wire start at TB1 at the generator. May need to install a battery charger since Cummins liked to put them in the ATS.

Ok thanks I’ll look into this. better charger off AC shore power to keep up with power demand digital switch has?

This switch? Is it better than the Cummins? More money. Not sure on availability just quick google search

I brought it up since you posted that there was a wait time for the Cummins, and the Asco should be readily available. The 300 Series switches are solid. Realistically any 3ph ATS in your amp range will have 2 wire start and work for your setup. If you're looking at other models of used Cummins switches, they will work. Just be aware of the cost of replacement boards, and can commonly run into failed micro switches. Yes, battery charger to maintain the starting battery. Run an outlet to the generator and a simple 6 amp maintainer works fine.

Right ok copy thanks for that suggestion. All good info. Thank you very much

Do the ASCO switches have exercise function programming to set the generator to run and warm up the generator every couple weeks?

Can you weigh in on all these options with the asco switch. Strip heater, who needs this? Gets cold here occasionally but not northern Canada cold.. Quad Ethernet, I do have Ethernet close by, but not sure I need any Ethernet monitoring if that is what this is about? Alarm horn silence? If the gen doesn’t start horn goes off? We will know if power is out and investigate. UPS 30 sec? Saves settings if generator doesn’t start, settings are lost? Probably not likely or big deal? Relay expansion? Not sure what this would be for. Power meter? I believe genset shows load per phase Annunciatior? Thanks in advance if you can help with any of these!

Yes, the Group G controller can adjust time delays and program exercise for whatever schedule you want. Need to find out if there is a disconnect after the meter or if a service rated ATS is needed before buying anything. If you look on the Schneider Electric site, they have all the brochures with info on options. I wouldn't worry about the add-ons, but don't know what kind of facility you're looking to install in. ASCO SERIES 300 Group G Power Transfer Switch | Schneider Electric USA Schneider Electric USA. Browse our products and documents for ASCO SERIES 300 Group G Power Transfer Switch - For Commercial or Light Industrial Use www.se.com

Ok awesome great info, yeah we are not service entry scenario, have a disconnect before. I’ll look at Schneider electric site. Thank you very much! Wealth of knowledge to say the least. Happy Holidays!

We had great experiences with Thomson Technology transfer switches and battery chargers. (Head office out of Langley BC). The new stuff just needs power from the line side to run everything. The only thing I would make sure you get is true 3 phase power loss detection. I believe most of the newer digital controllers have that. We had some sites that were prone to losing only 1 phase and sometimes the 2 phases that are detecting power loss are still on. 20 yrs ago TTI had great customer service, now they are bigger, it is only good due to an increase in bureaucracy.

Thnx I’ll look them up also

For the love of God, skip Thomson. The TSC900 controllers freeze up on the regular and need a manual hard reset. Something no one should have to deal with on an ATS (especially in a life safety situation). They have a current class action going with those controllers.

MarshallPowerGen said: For the love of God, skip Thomson. The TSC900 controllers freeze up on the regular and need a manual hard reset. Something no one should have to deal with on an ATS (especially in a life safety situation). They have a current class action going with those controllers. Click to expand... in your opinion is a $1500 used functional older model Cummins switch a good buy? Or is it a ticking time bomb for components total that are hard to source, and worth it to spend the money on a new ASCO? We are tight on coin, but same time not looking to fix something we don’t know a ton about. Your opinion is appreciated

Wasn't Thomson bought by somebody else like 8-10 years ago? I used to use them occasionally but have not in many years.

I have been away from the industry for 5 yrs so I don’t know. I did notice that the culture changed a lot about 10 yrs ago. Used to be on a first name basis with the lead shop tech. Could get spare cards in hours to get a problem resolved. One of the guys even had a brand new 100a 208/3 phase switch to replace a failure picked up within an hour. When I retired, you couldn’t get more than 10 feet inside the building at the shipping door. We only had a couple of the digital controllers and I never had any issues. We only had a few of the older ASCO switches and they never caused issue.