Critical Power - Australia
Automatic Transfer Switches Australia
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) keeps your critical equipment powered when a primary power source fails - switching to a secondary source automatically, with no manual intervention required. Indigi Power and Cooling supplies PowerShield and Eaton ATS units for server rooms, data centres, comms rooms and critical IT environments across Australia, from 3kVA to 6kVA single phase.
A UPS protects against power outages through its internal battery but battery runtime is finite. For sites where an outage may last longer than the UPS battery can sustain, or where two independent mains feeds are available, an automatic transfer switch provides a second layer of power continuity by automatically switching to the secondary supply as soon as the primary fails.
The PowerShield PSATS range also combines three functions in one 1U rack unit: automatic transfer switch, maintenance bypass switch and power distribution unit making it a highly space-efficient solution for single-feed critical devices.
How an Automatic Transfer Switch Works
An ATS unit sits between two power sources and a critical load. Under normal operation, the load runs from the preferred (primary) source. The ATS continuously monitors both inputs. When the primary source fails or drops outside acceptable voltage or frequency limits, the ATS automatically transfers the load to the secondary source without any manual switching and without interrupting power to connected equipment.
Key advantage for single-input IT equipment: most servers, network switches and storage devices have only a single power supply input. An ATS provides these single-input devices with the redundancy benefit of dual-corded equipment two independent power paths feeding one input without replacing the equipment.
The PowerShield PSATS units also function as a maintenance bypass switch, allowing a UPS to be taken offline for servicing or replacement while the connected load continues to receive power from the secondary source. This means live UPS maintenance with zero downtime for the critical load.
Three Functions in One Unit
The PowerShield PSATS ATS combines three distinct functions:
| Function |
What It Does |
| Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) |
Monitors two input power sources and automatically transfers the load from primary to secondary when the primary fails or falls out of tolerance |
| Maintenance Bypass Switch (MBS) |
Allows the connected UPS to be taken offline for maintenance, repair or replacement while the load continues to run from the secondary supply -- zero downtime for critical equipment |
| Power Distribution Unit (PDU) |
Provides multiple IEC output connections from a single hardwired input, distributing power to connected equipment within the rack |
ATS Units We Supply
PowerShield PSATS6K -- 6kVA Automatic Transfer Switch
The PowerShield PSATS6K is a 6kVA single phase automatic transfer switch, maintenance bypass switch and power distribution unit in a compact 1U 19-inch rack format. It is designed for server rooms and data centre environments where power continuity, UPS serviceability and rack space efficiency are all requirements.
| Parameter |
PSATS6K |
| Capacity |
6kVA (6000VA) single phase |
| Form Factor |
1U 19-inch rack mount |
| Input |
Hardwired (dual inputs -- primary and secondary) |
| Output |
6 x IEC outlets plus hardwired output |
| Communications |
USB, RS232, AS400 dry contacts, optional SNMP card |
| Dimensions |
438 x 330 x 44 mm / 5 kg |
| Warranty |
2 years |
View PSATS6K and Request a Quote
PowerShield PSATS3K -- 3kVA Automatic Transfer Switch
The PowerShield PSATS3K delivers the same ATS, maintenance bypass switch and PDU functionality as the PSATS6K in the same 1U form factor, at a 3kVA capacity. Suited to smaller server rooms, comms rooms and edge deployments where total IT load does not exceed 3kVA.
| Parameter |
PSATS3K |
| Capacity |
3kVA (3000VA) single phase |
| Form Factor |
1U 19-inch rack mount |
| Input |
Hardwired (dual inputs primary and secondary) |
| Output |
IEC outlets plus hardwired output |
| Communications |
USB, RS232, AS400 dry contacts, optional SNMP card |
| Warranty |
2 years |
View PSATS3K and Request a Quote
Eaton ATS -- EATS115 and EATS16N
Eaton's single phase ATS units provide automatic transfer switching for Eaton UPS installations requiring dual-source input redundancy. The EATS16N (16A single phase) is currently in stock. The EATS115 is currently sold out contact us to discuss availability or an alternative.
ATS vs UPS Choosing the Right Solution
An ATS and a UPS serve different purposes and are frequently used together:
| Factor |
UPS |
ATS |
| Has internal battery |
Yes |
No -- switches between external sources |
| Power source on failure |
Own battery bank |
Secondary mains or generator feed |
| Runtime limit |
Battery capacity typically minutes to hours |
Limited only by the secondary source (mains or generator) |
| Maintenance bypass function |
Requires separate bypass panel |
Built in (PowerShield PSATS models) |
| Best used |
Single-source power continuity during outages |
Dual-source redundancy and UPS bypass |
Who Needs an Automatic Transfer Switch
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Server rooms with dual mains feeds (A+B power) -- an ATS automatically switches single-input devices between two independent mains circuits if one fails
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Sites using a UPS plus generator -- the UPS covers the instant outage, the ATS transfers to the generator once it starts and stabilises
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Facilities requiring live UPS maintenance -- the built-in maintenance bypass switch allows UPS servicing without powering down critical loads
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Data centres, colocation and hosting environments -- where N+1 or 2N power path redundancy is a design requirement
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Healthcare and emergency services -- where power continuity is a safety and regulatory requirement
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Telecommunications and network operations centres -- where extended outages could affect service availability
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Remote and regional sites -- where grid reliability is poor and a generator provides the backup supply managed by the ATS
ATS Supply and Installation Across Australia
Indigi Power and Cooling supplies and installs automatic transfer switches across Australia from three national service hubs:
Brisbane CBD, Woolloongabba, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Townsville, Cairns, regional QLD
ATS supply and installation across Southeast Queensland and regional QLD. Same-day emergency response for Brisbane metro.
Sydney CBD, Parramatta, North Ryde, Macquarie Park, Western Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Canberra (ACT)
ATS supply and installation for data centres, enterprise IT and government infrastructure across NSW and ACT.
Melbourne CBD, Port Melbourne, Dandenong, Tullamarine, Geelong, Ballarat, regional Victoria
Healthcare, manufacturing, financial services and data centre ATS installations across Victoria.
Perth and WA
Perth CBD, Fremantle, Kalgoorlie, Pilbara, Kimberley, regional and remote WA mine sites
ATS supply and installation for mining, resources and industrial facilities across Western Australia.
Adelaide and SA
Adelaide CBD, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Olympic Dam, regional SA
Defence, resources and government ATS installations across South Australia, serviced from our Melbourne hub.
Darwin and NT
Darwin CBD, Palmerston, Katherine, Alice Springs, remote NT sites
ATS supply for government, defence and remote infrastructure in the NT. Our technicians travel from Brisbane for NT engagements.
Tasmania and Pacific Islands: we supply ATS units to Hobart, regional Tasmania and Pacific Island nations. Contact us to discuss logistics and scheduling.
Automatic Transfer Switch FAQs
What is an automatic transfer switch (ATS)?
An automatic transfer switch connects a load to two independent power sources. When the primary source fails or falls outside acceptable limits, the ATS automatically transfers the load to the secondary source -- maintaining uninterrupted power to connected equipment without manual intervention.
What is the difference between an ATS and a UPS?
A UPS contains an internal battery and provides backup power from that battery during an outage. An ATS does not store energy -- it switches between two external power sources. The two are often used together: a UPS provides instant, short-term backup on the primary feed, while the ATS allows a secondary mains feed or generator to serve as the longer-term backup source once it is stable and online.
Can an ATS also work as a maintenance bypass switch?
Yes. The PowerShield PSATS3K and PSATS6K function as both an automatic transfer switch and a maintenance bypass switch. The user-selectable front panel allows the connected UPS to be taken offline for maintenance or replacement while the load continues receiving power from the secondary source -- with no interruption to connected servers or critical equipment.
What size ATS do I need?
Add the total wattage of all connected equipment and select an ATS whose VA rating exceeds that total by at least 20 percent to handle startup inrush. The PSATS3K handles up to 3kVA and the PSATS6K handles up to 6kVA. Both are 1U rack-mount units for standard 19-inch rack deployment.
Do I need a licensed electrician to install an ATS?
Yes. An automatic transfer switch connects directly into your electrical distribution system via hardwired inputs and must be installed by a licensed electrician in Australia. Indigi Power and Cooling provides supply-only or full supply and installation for ATS units across Australia.
Does the PowerShield ATS support remote monitoring?
Yes. The PowerShield PSATS3K and PSATS6K include USB and RS232 ports for local monitoring, plus AS400 dry contacts for BMS integration. An optional SNMP card enables network-based remote monitoring and alerts.
What is the transfer time of the PowerShield ATS?
The PowerShield ATS provides seamless power switching designed specifically for IT equipment including servers and network devices with a single power supply input. The transfer is engineered to avoid disrupting connected equipment during switchover between primary and secondary sources.
Related Services
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Get an ATS Quote or Technical Assessment
Tell us your total load, number of input feeds, and rack space available. We will recommend the right ATS unit and can arrange licensed installation anywhere in Australia. Indigi Power and Cooling is an Indigenous and Veteran-owned business -- Supply Nation and ICN Gateway registered for government and defence procurement.
Contact Indigi Power and Cooling
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