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Instructional Booklet
Effective: March 2010 Page 3
Instructions for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of the 
Eaton ATC-600 Automatic Transfer Switch Controller
1.2  Background
Transfer switches are used to protect critical electrical loads 
against loss of power. The load’s normal power source is backed 
up by a secondary (emergency) power source. A transfer switch is 
connected to both the normal and emergency sources and sup-
plies the load with power from one of these two sources. In the 
event that power is lost from the normal source, the transfer 
switch transfers the load to the secondary source. Transfer can be 
automatic or manual, depending upon the type of transfer switch 
equipment being used. Once normal power is restored, the load is 
transferred back to the normal power source.
In automatic transfer switch equipment, the switch’s intelligence 
system initiates the transfer when normal power fails or falls 
below a preset voltage. If the emergency source is a standby gen-
erator, the transfer switch initiates generator starting and trans-
fers to the emergency source when sufficient generator voltage is 
available. When normal power is restored, the transfer switch 
automatically transfers back and initiates engine shutdown.
An automatic transfer switch consists of three basic elements:
1. Main contacts to connect and disconnect the load to and from 
the source of power
2. A transfer mechanism to affect the transfer of the main con-
tacts from source to source
3. Intelligence/supervisory circuits to constantly monitor the con-
dition of the power sources and thus provide the intelligence 
necessary for the switch and related circuit operation
This manual deals with the third basic element of the automatic 
transfer switch, the required intelligence/ supervisory circuits. 
Prior to the introduction of ATC-600, this function was performed 
by a door mounted logic panel. The logic panel could be the relay 
logic type or the solid state logic type. In either case, the panel 
consisted of a number of individually mounted and wired devices 
offering a limited amount of system flexibility, especially in the 
case of the relay logic design. ATC-600 brings intelligence, super-
visory and programming capabilities, never before available, to 
automatic transfer switch equipment.
1.3  Product Overview
The ATC-600 is a comprehensive, multi-function, microprocessor 
based automatic transfer switch controller. It is a compact, self-
contained, panel mounted device designed to replace traditional 
relay and solid state logic panels (Figures 1 and 2).
Designed to meet the needs of markets worldwide, ATC-600:
• Is a UL Recognized Component
• Meets Seismic Requirements of Uniform and California Building 
Codes (exceeding requirements of worst case Zone 4 levels)
• Complies with UL 991 environmental tests
• Complies with IEC 61000-4-2, 61000-4-3, 61000-4-4, and 
61000-4-5
• Complies with CISPR 11, Class A
• Complies with FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Class A 
ATC-600 provides an unmatched degree of programmed flexibility 
to address the needs of any system. It operates from most system 
voltages available worldwide at 50 or 60 Hertz. In addition, a 
period of no control power operation is provided. ATC-600 moni-
tors the condition of the 3-phase line-to-line voltage and frequency 
of both the Normal and Emergency sources. It can also be pro-
grammed for single phase operation. ATC-600 provides the neces-
sary intelligence to insure that the switch operates properly 
through a series of programmed sensing and timing functions.
A standard ATC-600 will:
• Monitor Normal and Emergency source voltages and frequen-
cies
• Provide undervoltage monitoring of Normal and Emergency 
sources
• Permit customer programming
• Display real time and historical information
• Permit system testing
• Offer Help Screen assistance
• Store customer/factory established parameters in nonvolatile 
memory
• Communicate using a PONI
• Provide faceplate source/load status indications
A wide array of additional features are available to address the 
most sophisticated system requirements, such as:
• Previously unavailable Load Monitoring and Delayed Transition
• In-phase Transition 
1.4  Functions/Features/Options
The primary function of ATC-600 is to accurately monitor power 
sources and provide the necessary intelligence to operate a trans-
fer switch in an appropriate and timely manner. In addition, 
ATC-600 provides useful present and historical data, reliable two-
way communications, and programming through the device’s face-
plate or communications option. ATC-600 features proprietary 
microprocessor technology to provide and maintain superior preci-
sion and versatility during both programming and data access.
1.4.1  Operational Simplicity
From installation to programming to usage, ATC-600 was 
designed with operational simplicity in mind. Only one style needs 
to be considered, regardless of input/output requirements or sys-
tem voltages and frequencies. ATC-600 provides the functionality 
of numerous other devices combined in one package that mounts 
in less than 7 by 11 inches of panel space.
The user friendly front panel interface simplifies routine operation, 
programming, data presentation and setting adjustments. An LED 
based display provides the flexibility of large character displays for 
enhanced visibility. The operation of front panel membrane push-
buttons moves the ATC-600 display from function to function or 
step to step within a function. Three LEDs at the top of the face-
plate provide an immediate indication as to the device’s operational 
mode. An integral Help Mode provides immediate user assistance in 
the form of English language message displays through the use of a 
front panel Help pushbutton.
With a Product Operated Network Interface (PONI), the ATC-600 
is communications ready and compatible with other devices in the 
IQ Family of products. The Communication Module (PONI) is avail-
able in three versions, the INCOM PONI, RS-232 PONI and PONI 
Modem. Reliable two-way communications can be provided over a 
twisted pair communications network. With the INCOM PONI, 
ATC-600 is compatible with the Eaton IMPACC system. 
1.4.2  Standard and Optional Features
A variety of programmable features are available to meet a wide 
variety of application requirements. Individual features or feature 
combinations provide the intelligence required to tailor switches to 
individual needs.