Emerson 185 User Manual

ASCO S

ERIES

185 Power Transfer Switches

24-hour protection no matter
when trouble strikes

ASCO Series 185 Power Transfer Switches

An Automatic Transfer Switch helps prevent...

• Your business or home from losing
power during bad weather or utility
power equipment failures

• The loss of valuable information
needed from your computer to
keep your business going or main­tain important personal data

• Frozen and ruptured water pipes,
flooded basements, as well as loss
of heat, well water, air conditioning,
sump pump, and other vital
systems

• Frozen foods from thawing, and
refrigerated foods from spoiling

ASCO is there for you even when you’re not

Computers, commu­nication and information
systems, security systems,
cash registers, heating
systems, water heaters,
refrigerators and freezers, air
conditioners, sump pumps,
well pumps...nearly every
system in your business or
home depends on electric
power. It’s easy to take that

2

power for granted, but when
it fails, the results can be
disastrous. Generators can
restore power to these vital
systems...but they can only
operate when someone
turns them on! So what
do you do when no one is
around?
ASCO SerieS 185
Automatic Transfer Switch

• Personal injury and generator
damage by eliminating the
possibility of connecting the
utility and generator at the
same time

products provide all the
intelligence your genera­tor needs to make sure the
power stays on when utility
power fails. It automatically
senses loss of utility power,
and signals your generator
to start and restore power to
your business or home. The
SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer
Switch will automatically

transfer your vital loads back
to utility power when it has
been restored.
Working hand in hand
with your generator, ASCO’s
SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer
Switch silently provides
dependable 24-hour protec­tion from a power failure,
and springs into action only
when needed.

ASCO Power Transfer Switch
Solutions for Powerful Peace of Mind

Power protection.

• Power outages cause millions of dollars of
damage to businesses and residences annually...
not to mention jeopardizing personal safety and
convenience.

• A generator is only one piece of the solution...
ASCO provides the other.

• An ASCO SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer Switch is
the vital electrical link that helps make continu­ous power virtually seamless...and hassle free.

• ASCO SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer Switches
are suitable for operation with most portable or
permanently mounted standby generators from
2 kW to 80 kW.

• Whether you’re home or not, an ASCO SerieS185
Automatic Transfer Switch and your generator
will provide the ability to maintain power to
your business or home.

3

Protect your home, business, and peace of mind with the
ASCO

series 185 Automatic Transfer Switch.

Why should you choose an ASCO
Automatic Power Transfer Switch?

Customer service, rock-solid dependability,
and the industry’s highest performance have
made ASCO the first choice in emergency
power for more than 80 years. Our power
transfer switches are used in more emer­gency power backup systems worldwide than
any other. ASCO is the name behind most of
the technological advances in transfer switch
design, and we have more patents than all
other manufacturers combined. ASCO trans­fer switches are the first choice for installa­tions of every kind, from homes and small
businesses to the largest financial data centers
and hospitals in the world.

What you should know about UL
1008—and your safety.

The SerieS 185—and every ASCO Transfer
Switch—meets or exceeds the stringent
requirements of UL 1008, the only UL trans­fer switch standard. It even says so right
on the front panel. If you don’t see the UL
“Automatic Transfer Switch” label...you’re
not getting the best protection money can
buy.

4

ASCO SerieS 185 Rated 200 Amps

Performance sets the series 185 apart

The SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer Switch incorporates
the latest technology developed by ASCO for depend­able operation in any environment

• When utility power fails for just 1 second or more,
the SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer Switch signals the
generator to start

• In less than 30 seconds your electrical power is
normally restored

System Diagram

• Once the SerieS 185 Automatic Transfer Switch senses
utility power has reached an acceptable voltage level
for a period of time, it automatically reconnects your
power

• It then smoothly shuts the generator down after an
adjustable 2 - 5 minute cool-down period to extend
generator life

• The user-friendly control panel also allows you to
manually run a test at the push of a button

• LED indicators let you know the availability of both
power sources and transfer switch positions

5

ASCO Series 185 Residential/Light Commercial
Automatic Transfer Switches

Product Features

• User-friendly control interface with intuitive
symbols and visual indicators to inform operator of
transfer switch and power source status

• Listed to UL 1008 for optional standby systems,
handling total system load including motors and all
other electrical loads

• cUL Listed for Canadian installations

• Meets Article 702, NFPA-70 National Electric Code
(NEC) requirements

• Nominal service voltage 240V 50/60Hz, single
phase, 3 wire AC systems

• Available in 100 through 400A ratings

• 200A and 400A Service Entrance designs feature
disconnect circuit breaker on normal source

• True double-throw contacts with inherent
mechanical interlocking to prevent connection of
generator and utility sources

• Terminals for convenient connection of neutral and
ground conductors

• Available in NEMA Type 1 Indoor (steel) and Type 3R
Outdoor (aluminum) enclosures, with hinged door
designs

• Suitable for controlling standby generators with
2-wire automatic starting circuits

• Available in manually operated version, up to 230A

• Available from stock

• 24 hour support, call 1-800-800-ASCO

Time Delays

• Adjustable 1 or 3 second time delay to override

• Transfer to emergency time delay - fixed at 10 seconds

• Retransfer to normal time delay - fixed at 5 minutes

ASCO SerieS 185 Rated 400 Amps in

Type 1 indoor (steel) enclosure

momentary normal source outages to delay all
transfer switch and engine starting signals

External Power Connections

Switch Rating

(Amps)

100

200

230

400

1. UL listed for 200 or 230 amps with copper conductors

only.

For individual dwelling units as defined in NFPA 70 (NEC), in cases where
the transfer switch is between the service main disconnect and the lighting and
appliance branch circuit panelboard(s), NFPA 70 allows for a reductions in size of
the feeder conductors.
All other applicable requirements of NFPA 70 regarding conductor Ampacities
must also be adhered to. Always install electrical equipment to the require­ments defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

6

(2) 1/0 AWG to 250 MCM or

Wiring Size

Range

(1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

(1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

(1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

(1) # 4 AWG to 600 MCM

1

• Adjustable 2 or 5 minute unloaded running time delay
for emergency engine cooldown

• Four - second time delay to ignore momentary voltage
and frequency transients during initial genset loading

Withstand and Close-On Ratings

Switch Rating

(Amps)

100
200

230
400

When Used With

Current Limiting

Fuses

200 KA
200 KA

100 KA
200 KA

When Used

With Circuit

Breakers

10 KA
10 KA
10 KA

35 KA

ASCO Series 185 Enclosure Offerings and Optional Accessories

Type 1 Indoor Enclosure

• Listed to UL 50 standard for electrical

equipment enclosures

• Fabricated from 14 gauge steel

• Finish - textured RAL 7035 light gray polyester
powder coating which is aesthetically
conducive for residential applications

• Doors secured with captive fasteners

• Conduit knockouts on top/bottom, and both
sides

Type 3R Outdoor Secure Enclosure

• Door over door secure construction

• Listed to UL 50 standard for electrical
equipment enclosures

• Fabricated from heavy gauge aluminum alloy
suited to the size and Ampere rating of the switch

• Highly corrosion resistant

Optional Accessories

Strip Heater

A strip heater with thermostat
is recommended for extremely
cold areas to prevent condensa­tion and freezing of this con­densation. An external 120 volt
source is required1.

Strip Heater

p/n K732212-003

Accessory 14A/14B

Auxiliary contacts to indicate position of main contacts.
One (1) for normal and (1) for emergency positions

Auxiliary Contact Kit p/n K373314

Connectivity module and
remote annunciator kit

Annunciator mounts in a standard 4”x 4” gang wall box.
The Annunciator provides switch status, source
availability, audible alarm, and transfer test.

1

1,2

.

• Finish - textured RAL 7035 light gray polyester
powder coating

• Doors secured with captive fasteners

• Gasket enclosure minimizes ingress of water and
dust

• Internal dead front panel for user safety when
accessing controls

• Conduit knockouts on bottom, and both sides

Connectivity Module and remote annunciator kit

1. Available as kit only for mounting by end user.

2. Auxiliary contact kit available for 100-230 amp only.

ASCO Series 185 Ordering Information

Automatic Transfer Switch

Catalog

Number

185A2100F4C
185A2200F4C
185A2230F4C

185A2400F4C
185A2100F4M
185A2200F4M
185A2230F4M
185A2400F4M

1. Type 3R enclosures provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet and snow.
Additional protection may be required in locations subject to wind blown conditions.

Enclosure

Type 1 Indoor
Type 1 Indoor
Type 1 Indoor

Type 1 Indoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor

Construction

Steel
Steel
Steel
Steel

1

Aluminum

1

Aluminum

1

Aluminum

1

Aluminum

Amps

100
200
230
400
100
200
230
400

Poles

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

14.25(362)

14.25(362)

14.25(362)

Width

in(mm)

22(559)
16(406)
16(406)
16(406)
24(610)

p/n K871966-002

Height

in (mm)

24(610)
24(610)
24(610)

45(1143)

24(610)
24(610)
24(610)

48(1219)

Depth

in(mm)

8.25(210)

8.25(210)

8.25(210)

7.5(191)
10(254)
10(254)
10(254)
10(254)

Weight

lb(kg)

44(20)
44(20)
44(20)
79(28)
49(22)
49(22)
49(22)

118(53)

7

ASCO Series 185 Residential Microprocessor Controller

The ASCO group 4 Microprocessor Controller
is used with all sizes of the S
Transfer Switches. Includes as standard all of the
voltage, frequency, control, timing and connectiv­ity functions required for most optional standby
power applications.

erieS 185 Power

Control and Interface Panel

Voltage and Frequency Sensing

• Adjustable single phase sensing on normal source

• Normal source pickup voltage is adjustable to either
198 volts or 209 volts; drop-out is adjustable to four
incremental settings, 154 volts, 176 volts, 187 volts,
or 198 volts

• Frequency sensing on emergency source. Pickup is
57 Hz (nom 60 Hz) or 48 Hz (nom 50 Hz), and dropout
is 51 Hz (nom 60 Hz), and 43 Hz (nom 50 Hz)

Standard Selectable Features

• Engine exerciser to automatically test backup

generator each week - Includes control switch for
testing with or without load

ASCO S

erieS 185

Microprocessor Controller

Remote Control Feature

Terminal provisions for connecting :

• Remote test switch

• Remote test switch with automatic transfer

• Remote time delay bypass switch

Control and Interface Panel -

User - friendly control interface with intuitive symbols
and visual indicators to inform operator of transfer
switch and power source status

• Selective load disconnect, double - throw contact to
operate at an adjustable 0 - 20 second adjustable time
delay prior to transfer and reset 0 to 20 seconds after
transfer

• 60 Hz or 50 Hz selectable switch

8

ASCO Series 185 Residential Microprocessor Controller

Battery maintains engine
exerciser clock settings

Simple and accurate

adjustment of voltage

frequency and time

delay settings without

need for meters and

variable power supplies

Transfer to emergency
xed time delay

Retransfer to normal
xed time delay

DIP switches for

enabling built in

control functions

Performance Features

240 volt spacing per UL and CSA standards

Meets or exceeds the requirements of the

following regulatory agencies:

• UL 1008

• CSA C22.2 No. 178

• IEC 60947-6-1

• NFPA 110

Communications Port

Customer Control
Interfaces

Meets or exceeds the requirements for

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

• IEC60947-6-1 and CISPR Radiated and
Conducted Emissions

• IEC61000-4-2 Electric Discharge

• IEC61000-4-3 Electromagnetic
Field Immunity

• IEC61000-4-4 Electrical Fast Transients

• IEC61000-4-5 Surge Immunity

• IEC61000-4-6 Conducted Disturbances

• FCC CFR 47 Part 15

9

ASCO Series 185 Residential/ Light Commercial
Manual Transfer Switches

Product Features

• Identical to the electrically operated type 185 except
operation is manually initiated

• Operation is achieved through direct manual quick­make/quick-break handle from the outside of the
enclosure

• True double-throw, inherently interlocked construction
to absolutely prohibit connecting both sources together

Utility

Line

Main Circuit

Breaker Panel

• Listed to UL 1008 for optional standby systems

• Ideal for those applications that have manual start gen­erators without provisions for automatic engine start

• Padlocking provisions on operating handle to prevent
unauthorized operation

• Same withstand and close-on ratings as
185 automatic version

SerieS

ASCO SerieS 185 Manual
or Automatic Transfer
Switch

Standby Power

Circuit Breaker

Panel

10

Power

Inlet Box

Engine

Generator

Generator

Line

Typical Backup
Power Circuits

Sump Pump
Freezer
Water Heater
Heating System
Air Conditioner
Security Systems

185 Manual Transfer
Switch Door Open

External Power Connections

Switch Rating

(amps) Range

100 (1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

185 Manual

Transfer Switch

200 (1) #14 to 4/0 AWG
230

1. UL listed for 200 or 230 amps with copper conductors
only.

For individual dwelling units as defined in NFPA 70 (NEC), in cases where
the transfer switch is between the service main disconnect and the lighting and
appliance branch circuit panelboard(s), NFPA 70 allows for a reductions in size of
the feeder conductors.
All other applicable requirements of NFPA 70 regarding conductor Ampacities
must also be adhered to. Always install electrical equipment to the
requirements defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

Ordering Information

Manual Transfer Switch

Catalog

Number

185A210000C
185A220000C

185A223000C
185A210000M
185A220000M
185A223000M

1. Type 3R enclosures provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet and snow.
Additional protection may be required in locations subject to wind blown conditions.

2. Manual operating handle extends 2-1/2 inches on left side of enclosure.

3. QMQB manual operator is not available for 400 Amp rated switch.

4. See page 7 for optional features.

Enclosure

Type 1 Indoor
Type 1 Indoor

Type 1 Indoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor

Construction

Steel
Steel
Steel

1,2

Aluminum

1,2

Aluminum

1,2

Aluminum

Amps

100
200
230
100
200
230

Poles

2
2
2
2
2
2

1

Wire Size

(1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

Width

in(mm)

14.25(362)

14.25(362)

14.25(362)
16(406)
16(406)
16(406)

Height

in (mm)

24(610)
24(610)
24(610)
24(610)
24(610)
24(610)

Depth

in(mm)

8.25(210)

8.25(210)

8.25(210)
10(254)
10(254)
10(254)

Weight

lb(kg)

44(20)
44(20)
44(20)
49(22)
49(22)
49(22)

11

ASCO Series 185P Standby Transfer Load Center

The ASCO 185P Standby
Transfer Load Center is a
completely integrated package
suitable for Residential
applications. The 185P
incorporates the
Automatic Transfer Switch with
microprocessor controller. A
Square D QO Load Center to
accept branch circuit devices.
And optional transient voltage
surge suppression for protec­tion of loads.

SerieS 185

Utility

Line

The ASCO
the intelligence to automatically
start your generator when the
utility fails and transfer critical
loads to standby power.

Available with 125 amp rating,
120/240 VAC, 60 Hz single phase,
3 wire.

The load center includes a
20 - position sub panel to
facilitate ease of installation
and maintenance.

SerieS 185P provides all

Main Circuit

Breaker Panel

ASCO SerieS 185P
Rated 125 Amps
in Type 1 indoor
(steel) enclosure

Power

Inlet Box

ASCO 185P
Standby Transfer
Load Center

Generator

Line

Typical Backup
Power Circuits

Sump Pump
Freezer
Water Heater
Heating System
Air Conditioner
Security Systems

Engine

Generator

12

ASCO 185P Product Features

• Residential Load Center is listed UL 67

• Automatic Transfer Switch Rated 125
Amperes is listed to UL 1008 for optional
standby systems

• True double-throw contacts eliminate simul­taneous connection to utility and generator

• Test switch with time delay bypass option

• Convenient terminals to connect neutral and
ground conductors from service and load
feeders

• Generator exerciser timer

• All components are pre - wired and factory
tested for easy installation

• Space saving modular design provides easy
access and one-source service responsibility

• Available in Type 1 indoor (steel) enclosure

• Square D QO Load Center (branch breakers
by others)

Ordering Information

Catalog Number

185PQ22125F4C QO 20 Type 1 Indoor (steel)

2. QO Branch Breakers supplied by others

Load

Center

Circuits

2

Enclosure

Optional Features

SQD Surge Breaker Secondary Surge Arrester

• Plug on design requires two pole spaces

• LED indicates operational status

• Available as a plug-in kit only for customer
installation

• Specify kit K752139 For QO Load Center

• See page 7 for additional optional features

1. Surge protection devices will protect against electrical power surg-

es caused by lighting or the electric utility for “major household appli­ances”, but not sensitive electronic equipment. Electronic equipment
may need additional protection by installing plug - in TVSS devices at
the point of use.

1

External Power Connections

Switch Rating
(amps) Range

125 (1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

Wire Size

185P Dimensions and Weights

Enclosure

Type 1 (Indoor) steel

Width in(mm)

14.25(362)

Height in(mm)

36(914)

Depth in(mm)

6(152)

Weight lb(kg)

46(21)

13

ASCO Series 185SE Service Entrance Power Transfer Switch

The ASCO 185SE Residential
Service Entrance Power
Transfer Switch combines the

erieS 185 automatic

S
transfer switch with circuit
breaker disconnect device
for normal source. In addi­tion, main jumper is provided
to connect both the neutral
and ground conductors in
accordance with NEC require­ments for service entrance
equipment. The ASCO 185SE
is suitable for use on Optional
Standby Systems as defined
by NFPA 70: National Electrical
Code (NEC).

Utility

Line

Service entrance rated transfer
switches are generally installed
at locations that have a single
utility feed and a single emer­gency power source.

The ASCO 185SE Service
Entrance Automatic Transfer
Switch uses the same reliable
transfer switching mechanism
and controller as the S
product platform.

erieS 185

ASCO 185 SE
Service Entrance 200 Amp
Power Transfer Switch

ASCO 185 SE Service Entrance

400 Amp Power Transfer Switch in

Type 1 indoor (steel) enclosure

Power

Inlet Box

Engine

Generator*

*NOTE: the generator must
be rated to handle the entire
building load in these applications

14

Load Center

(by others)

Generator

Line

ASCO 185SE
also available
in Type3R
outdoor
(aluminum)
enclosure

ASCO 185SE Product Features

• Suitable for use as service entrance equipment

Series 185SE AIC Rating

• The ASCO S

erieS 185 is listed to UL 1008 for optional

standby systems, and meets all NEC requirements for
service entrance equipment

• 100, 200, and 400 Amp rating

• Circuit Breaker disconnect on the normal source for
isolation of transfer switch and other electrical
equipment

• Bonding jumper on Neutral and Ground

• Silver plated copper ground and neutral bus

• Solderless screw type terminals for External Power
Connections

• Available in either UL approved Type 1 indoor (steel)
enclosure or Type 3R outdoor (aluminum) enclosure.

• Available with a solid neutral

• Available with optional standby source breaker,
specify 1APS

• See page 7 for additional optional accessories

Switch Rating AIC Rating

(amps) @ 240V

100 10,000
200 10,000
400 35,000

Ordering Information

Catalog Number Enclosure

1AUSA2100F4C Type 1 Indoor Steel
1AUSA2200F4C Type 1 Indoor Steel
1AUSA2400F4C Type 1 Indoor Steel
1AUSA2100F4M Type 3R Outdoor
1AUSA2200F4M Type 3R Outdoor
1AUSA2400F4M Type 3R Outdoor

2. Type 3R enclosures provide a degree of protection

against falling dirt, rain, sleet and snow. Additional
protection may be required in locations subject to
wind blown conditions

185SE Dimensions and Weights

Switch Rating

100
200
400
100
200
400

Enclosure

Type 1 Indoor
Type 1 Indoor

Type 1 Indoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor
Type 3R Outdoor

Construction

2

Aluminum

2

Aluminum

2

Aluminum

Poles

Width in(mm)

2
2
2
2
2
2

16(406)

16(406)
36(913)
16(406)
16(406)
36(913)

External Power Connections

Switch Rating

(Amps)

100

200

400

(2) 1/0 AWG to 250 MCM or

Wiring Size

Range

(1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

(1) #14 to 4/0 AWG

1

(1) # 4 AWG to 600 MCM

1. UL listed for 200 or 230 amps with copper conductors
only.

For individual dwelling units as defined in NFPA 70 (NEC), in cases where
the transfer switch is between the service main disconnect and the lighting and
appliance branch circuit panelboard(s), NFPA 70 allows for a reductions in size of
the feeder conductors.
All other applicable requirements of NFPA 70 regarding conductor Ampacities
must also be adhered to. Always install electrical equipment to the requirements
defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

Height in(mm)

36(913)

36(913)

47(1193)

36(913)
36(913)

47(1193)

Depth in(mm)

6(152)

6(152)
8(203)
8(203)
8(203)
8(203)

Weight lb(kg)

61(28)
61(28)

177(82)

45(21)
45(21)

144(67)

15