Standby Generators and transfer switches

[FaradayFF]

Hello,
Is it industry standard to specify a generator with its corresponding brand transfer switch? Say Cummins diesel generator with Cummins ATS?
Let's say I went with Eaton ATS on Cummins generator, would there be any challenges with programming the ATS and commissioning the system? What about other brands such as Kohler and CAT, do they play nice with Transfer switches made by other brands?
Thanks, EE

 

[d0nut]

Assuming you are talking about nicer commercial/industrial stuff and not super cheap residential or light commercial equipment, there should be no issues with programming the or commissioning the system beyond whose responsibility each portion is unless you are doing something like connecting the generator and transfer switches to a centralized control and monitoring system. Then you might need some additional middleware that you otherwise wouldn't need. It wouldn't have to be the same manufacturer, but I do see value in getting both the transfer switches and generator from the same supplier. It makes it easier to coordinate testing and training, and if there is an issue, you won't have the generator guy saying it is the transfer switch guy's problem and vice versa.

 

[hillbilly1]

On the smaller residential it matters because they have different control methods. Generac uses dumb switches, and the controls are built into the generator. Commercial generators usually use a smart switch which controls the generator (two wire start) The smaller Onan’s uses a three wire start because it needs a constant 12 vdc supply to power the switch controls. Most everybody else uses a universal two wire start, which is compatible with the majority of switches. I’ve used Eaton’s and Square D switches with Cat and Kohler. ASCO’s also.