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Working with the ATS

Drop both models in and they find each other. No wiring.

The switch searches for a model named CAT_Gen and takes the nearest one, so several generator/switch pairs scattered around a map sort themselves out. To pin a specific pairing, drag the generator into the switch's Values > Generator slot.

What passes between them

Three things pass between them, continuously.

flowchart LR
  ATS[Cat ATS] -- Remote Start --> GEN[CAT_Gen]
  GEN -- volts and hertz<br/>only while Breaker is closed --> ATS
  ATS -- building load<br/>on transfer --> GEN
  • Start signal. The switch drives the set's Remote Start.
  • Sensing. The switch reads the set's volts and hertz, but only while its Breaker is closed, so it cannot transfer to a set that is still warming up.
  • Load. The switch hands over the building load the moment it transfers, and takes it back on retransfer.

Before you test

  • The set is in AUTO (Auto = true)
  • The model is named CAT_Gen and sits in Workspace
  • Only one switch is commanding this generator

The set must be in AUTO

Leave it in STOP and the switch calls for a start, gets nothing, and alarms GEN FAIL TO START after 60 seconds, which is exactly what a real one does.

One switch per generator

Two switches pointed at the same set will fight over its start signal and its load, writing opposite values every frame. If you need several switches on one generator, keep one as the commanding switch and have the others follow its output.

Redundant feeds

A switch can command two generators for a redundant life-safety feed: both start on an outage, and the load moves between them if one fails. That is set up on the switch, not here; see the ATS manual.