G&W Motor Actuators

ATC controls are available for all types of G&W multi-way witchgear. Switches can be vault, pad, or pole mount styles with either solid dielectric or SF6 insulation. The two incoming source switches may be located in one switch, or in two separate switches for added redundancy. Automating a manual switch for ATC applications begins with the actuators. Motor actuators provide the means to remotely and automatically open and close the two incoming source switches. G&W provides 3 types of actuators – each providing a different operation speed.

Standard Motor Actuators
Motor actuators are externally mounted devices that attach to the operating shaft of a G&W switch. The motor turns to charge the operating springs of the switch mechanism and then reaches the toggle point when the mechanism latch throws and operates the switch. Open and close position indication is sent back to the ATC control. Typical operation speed of the motor actuator is 3 seconds. This translates into a total transfer time of approximately 8 seconds*

Motor Actuators with Cock-and-Trip Mechanism
Motor actuators may also be provided with SF6 switches incorporating an internal stored-energy mechanism. In this offering, the actuator springs inside the switch are already charged. When the control sends an operation command to the switch, the mechanism latch is released and the switch operates immediately. The motor actuator then recharges the springs, awaiting the next operation command. Typical operation speed of the motor actuator with the cock-and-trip mechanism is under 2 cycles. This translates into a total transfer time of approximately 10 cycles*

Magnetic Actuators
Powerful and efficient magnetic actuators may be provided for fast auto transfer switching. Like the cock-and-trip mechanism, it is charged and ready to operate immediately upon a control command. However, this mechanism does not have a 3 second motor recharge delay prior to its next operation. Typical operation speed of the magnetic actuator is about 1 cycle. This translates into a total transfer time of approximately 8 cycles*

*Total transfer time is the sum of the voltage sensing time, twice the mechanism operating time (for a true open transition sequence), and the control processing time. This value will vary only slightly with different combinations of sensors, mechanisms and control packages.