Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) is committed to providing reliable maintenance and support to our building occupants. One way we do this is through proactive, Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) testing which is required by state law. ATS devices help critical equipment switch from main power to generator power during outages. By testing these switches proactively, we are safeguarding our facilities, including the valuable research work taking place in labs, studios and offices.
For years, this testing has been conducted by FOD at the Biomedical Research Tower (BRT) and Wexner Medical Center, including in labs and operating rooms. Our team was able to uncover failures ahead of time and make proactive repairs that can lead to significant financial savings if and when a real power outage occurs. We are now staffed appropriately to offer this safeguarding across the Columbus campus.
On September 1, 2024, FOD began rolling out ATS testing across 70 locations where backup generators support academic, administrative and research buildings (full building list is linked below). Building coordinators and zone leaders for these spaces will be notified in advance and encouraged to share the notification with building occupants. During testing, a power blip will occur at the beginning and end of the test. The two power blips should last less than one second each which is far less time than a normal power outage switching to backup generators.
Testing will occur while buildings are fully occupied during normal business hours so that should something occur that needs manual intervention, staff are there to report issues. In our years of testing at BRT and similar buildings, we have successfully performed these tests with little interruption to daily work. Issues to equipment or devices resulting from this monthly testing should be reported to Service2Facilities by calling 614-292-4357.
Our intent is to test each building once a month on a consistent day and time. A schedule will be distributed via email to building coordinators. Anyone with questions should reach out to your zone leader. We appreciate your support in ensuring this required testing is successful.
Buildings
Buildings A-G
209 W Eighteenth Ave
Adventure Recreation Center
Agricultural Engineering Building
Airport - Pump House
Aronoff Laboratory
Atwell Hall
Biological Sciences Building
Biomedical Research Tower
Biomedical Research Tower
Biotechnology Support Facility
Blankenship Hall
Bulk Chemical Warehouse
CBEC (0248) - 05 - 552M
CEARC
Celeste Laboratory of Chemistry
Cunz Hall
Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute
Dreese Laboratories
Evans Hall
Fisher Hall
Fontana Laboratories
Fry Hall
Gateway C
Goss Laboratory
Graves Hall
Graves Hall
Buildings H-P
Hagerty Hall
Heminger Hall
Hitchcock Hall
Howlett Greenhouses
Ice Rink
Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research
Jennings Hall
Knowlton Hall
Lazenby Hall
Library Book Depository
McPherson Chemical Laboratory
Mendenhall Laboratory
Mershon Auditorium
Mershon Center
Newman and Wolfrom Laboratory
Newton Hall (0275) - Other - GROUNDS
Non-Bldg
Northwood-High Building
Optometry Clinic
Page Hall
Parker Food Science and Technology
Pelotonia Research Center
Physics Research Building
Pomerene Hall
Postle Hall
Prior Hall
Psychology Building
Pump House
Buildings R-W
Recreation and Physical Activity Center
Riffe Building
Rightmire Hall
Scott Hall
Scott Laboratory
Sisson Hall
Stanton Veterinary Clinic
Stillman Hall
Stores and Receiving
Student Academic Services
Sullivant Hall
Thompson Library
Timashev Family Music Building
Tzagournis Medical Research Facility
Veterinary Medical Center
Veterinary Medicine Academic
Wilce Student Health Center
Wiseman Hall
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ATS
- An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically switches power from a primary source to a backup source in the event of a power outage.
What is the purpose of ATS testing?
- Ensuring proper functionality
- ATS transfer testing verifies that the ATS can reliably switch power from the primary source (e.g., utility) to the emergency source (e.g., generator) and back, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous power supply.
- Identifying potential issues
- Testing helps detect any malfunctions or problems with the ATS mechanism, control system, or connections before they cause a critical failure during a real power outage.
- Meeting regulatory requirements
- Testing is mandated to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
What happens during an ATS transfer test?
- Power Interruption
- During the test, two brief power interruptions will occur as the ATS simulates a power outage and switches to the emergency source (e.g., generator) and back to primary source (e.g., utility).
- Generator Start
- The ATS will initiate the backup generator to start and reach the correct voltage and frequency.
- Load Transfer
- The ATS will then switch the electrical load to the backup source (e.g., generator).
- Return to Primary Source
- After a set period of 30 minutes, the ATS will simulate the return of the primary source (e.g., utility). and switch back to it.
What is affected by testing?
- Normal power or primary source (e.g., utility) will not see a power interruption.
- Only circuits fed from the emergency power source (e.g., generator) will see a power interruption.
- Network connectivity may be lost on both transfers and take approximately 10 minutes to reset. This can be mitigated with the use of a UPS or by moving network switches to normal power.
- UPS that have not been serviced may fail on transfer.
- HVAC equipment may shut down during testing causing building pressure issues. FOD technicians will be on site to minimize the impact and restore HVAC equipment to normal operation.
- Elevators on emergency power may be affected for the duration of the test.
What is a UPS?
- A UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, is a device that keeps electronics running while there is a power outage. UPSs can protect computers, servers, routers and any departmental equipment that cannot tolerate a brief outage.
How is a power outage different than an ATS test?
- During a real-world outrage, only emergency circuits will have power from the generator.
- Normal power circuits or primary source (e.g., utility) will be without power until utility is restored.
- Equipment on emergency power will have a phased startup sequence to avoid placing too much demand on the generator as critical systems come back online.
- Emergency and egress lighting, stairwells, and mechanical spaces should remain illuminated during the outage, but lighting levels will be reduced.
Why not conduct ATS testing after normal business hours?
- ATS testing is conducted during normal business hours so that staff in the building can monitor critical equipment and report any failures while technicians are on site.
- Testing while staff is on site provides an opportunity to understand how an outage will impact operations and prepare accordingly.
- Testing during normal business hours reduces the response time for standby contractor support in the event of a critical failure.
What should I do if I encounter issues during testing?
- Report any problems
- If you experience any issues during the testing, such as prolonged power interruptions or equipment malfunctions, report them to the technicians on site performing testing or facility management.
- Contact your zone leader
- If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your zone leader for assistance.
- Contact Service2Facilities
- Report issues to Service2Facilities by calling 614-292-4357.