Automatic Transfer Switch Installation — Generator Control Panel Design & Build
A power failure at a critical commercial site does not announce itself. It happens at 2am, mid-production, or during a security handover, and if your backup generator requires someone to physically walk to a panel and turn a switch, your operation is already offline.
Most businesses that call us about an automatic transfer switch installation are not starting from nothing. They already have a generator. What they have is a manual changeover system that depends on a member of staff being available, alert, and on site at the moment mains power fails. A manual transfer switch must be operated by the owner in the situation of a blackout, which means a certain downtime, and it is up to you whether you can handle that or not. For critical sites, the answer is no.
If you have a generator that cannot afford to go down, call us on 020 8455 9020 today or complete this form and we aim to respond within the same business day.
Why a Manual Generator Changeover System Fails Critical Commercial Sites
Newspaper print facility in Central London had been operating with a manual backup generator changeover system. For most businesses, a manual system is an inconvenience. For a security operation and live print environment, it is a critical risk.
The existing panel required staff to physically intervene whenever mains power failed. Identifying the fault, manually switching supply sources, and then switching back when mains was restored. In a security environment where continuous power to access control, CCTV, and alarm systems is non-negotiable, any delay in that process represented a direct threat to site security.
For the print operation, an uncontrolled power interruption mid-run risked not only lost production but equipment damage and missed print deadlines.
The client needed a fully automatic transfer switch system that required zero human intervention, transferred load seamlessly on mains failure, and was built to last.
Bespoke ATS Control Panel Design and Build — Deep Sea Electronics DSE334 & Siemens Contactors
The new system was engineered around the Deep Sea Electronics DSE334 Auto Transfer Switch Controller — a dedicated ATS module designed specifically for applications where reliable, automatic source switching is critical. The DSE334 continuously monitors both mains and generator supply, initiating an automatic transfer sequence the moment mains voltage falls outside acceptable parameters, and returning to mains supply automatically once it is restored and stable.
The main changeover is handled by a Socomec Sircover CD 250A four-pole changeover switch — a mechanically interlocked unit that physically prevents both supplies from being connected simultaneously, eliminating any risk of back-feed. Supply is fed via 4c 95mm² XLPE/SWA/LSF armoured cable from both the mains distribution board and the generator.
Siemens contactors were selected for the control circuit, providing the reliability and longevity that a 24/7 critical environment demands. The full panel was designed, built, wired, and tested in-house by DB Site Services engineers — every component chosen for performance and long-term dependability.
A separate gatehouse changeover panel was also installed to manage the gatehouse supply independently, with clearly labelled supply positions for mains (DSSR TX3 side) and generator, ensuring site security systems at the perimeter remain protected even during a main building power event.
Fully Automatic Generator Backup for Security Centres and Critical Commercial Sites
The completed installation gives the security centre and print facility a fully automatic power resilience system that requires no staff involvement at any point in the failure or recovery sequence.
On mains failure, the DSE334 detects the loss of supply, signals the generator to start, confirms generator voltage and frequency are within tolerance, then executes the transfer, all without anyone needing to be present or alerted. When mains supply returns and stabilises, the system transfers back automatically and signals the generator to stop.
For the security operation, this means access control, CCTV, alarms, and communications remain live throughout any mains power event. For the print facility, it means production continuity and protection of equipment from uncontrolled power interruptions.
The panel was built entirely from new components, fully labelled, and tested on completion. All work was carried out by NICEIC-approved engineers and fully certificated.
Fully Automatic Generator Backup for Critical Commercial Sites
If your business relies on a backup generator and you are still operating a manual changeover system, you are one power failure away from an uncontrolled outage. We design and build bespoke ATS control panels for commercial and industrial sites across London — fully automatic, fully certificated, and built to your specific load requirements.
Call us on 020 8455 9020 or [contact us here] to discuss your requirements.
Is Your Site Still Running a Manual Generator Changeover?
If your backup generator requires manual intervention to switch over, you are one power failure away from an uncontrolled outage. Tell us about your site and an engineer will call you back within the same business day.