Phase switch. Types and work. Application and how to choose. Automatic phase switch. Connection diagrams and operating principle Subscribe! It will be interesting

In modern networks, a manual or automatic electronic phase switch is used to control phase voltage, protect against overvoltage and ensure the supply of a certain voltage. These devices are necessary for the smooth operation of equipment and the network as a whole. In manual switches, parameters must be set, but in electronic switches, the system itself adapts to the capabilities of the network.

Certain requirements for the functioning of various devices exist in almost all areas of our lives. You can achieve the desired indicators in several ways:

  • use of an automatic transfer line - ATS (three-phase installations);
  • ATS line with uninterruptible power supply units (single-phase installations);
  • phase switch (single-phase installations).

Operating principle and design of a phase switch

In general, a phase switch is a device whose main task is to connect, instead of the main phase, any other phase that has a voltage close to the rated values, when the power line is disconnected or the voltage surges above the established limits.

The design of this device means that three-phase power is supplied to its input terminals. In this case, only one phase is supplied to the output, the voltage quality of which is closest to the normal readings. The switch is activated in the event of a complete loss of a phase or during surges and sags in the power supply. It is important to consider that the phase switch requires a three-phase network to operate. In addition, as mentioned above, there are two types of such devices: automatic switches and manually switched models.

The principle of operation of a phase switch, for example, the PEF-301 model, is to sort through the power lines until the value that has the optimal voltage is found. Switching is carried out via a microcontroller, which directs a group of relays located inside the device body.

A manual phase switch is better known to many as a packet switch. This device is a cam mechanical switch (3-position). Modern industry also offers other types of packages, differing in the number of switches, it all depends on the goals and needs of the electrical network.

Equipment selection rules

When choosing an automatic phase switch, you should pay attention to the following technical characteristics of the device:

  1. Acceptable current parameters. This is the most important indicator when choosing a phase switch. You should not choose a model whose current parameters significantly exceed the rating of the input circuit breaker;
  2. Adjustment functionality. As a rule, on budget models of three-phase switches this functionality is completely absent. This indicates that there is no possibility of adjusting the threshold of the minimum and maximum voltage of the power grid. In addition, in modern models of switches, manufacturers provide a timer, which is configured by the user to attempt to switch to the main phase after a certain time interval;
  3. Indication and display of operating indicators and device settings. Simple switch models have minimal light indication. More modern devices are equipped not only with a segment indicator, but also with an LCD display, which displays the main parameters of the device settings, the voltage value, and the phase to which the connection is made.

It often happens that an existing phase switch cannot perform the assigned tasks. This problem can be solved:

  • purchasing a phase switch designed for high currents;
  • installation of a switch (electromechanical), and it must be connected in such a way that a contactor or coil starter is connected to its output terminals.

Important! It is necessary to carefully study the technical parameters of the equipment. There are big differences not only between household and industrial switches, but also between devices that are similar in scope.

Scope of application

Mainly, the phase switch is used to connect a backup power line, which, in turn, guarantees the uninterrupted operation of the equipment. Switching to the backup power line is automatically performed only at the moment if one of the transformer phases is overloaded.

The use of a phase switch in offices and in production is used to ensure the operation of automated systems, monitoring and control equipment, dispatch equipment, communications, and ventilation systems.

In medicine, an automatic phase switch is used to operate equipment such as life support devices, walking units for storing medicines.

In addition, the phase switch is used for the constant operation of equipment used in private houses and apartments for uninterrupted operation:

  • gas boilers;
  • security systems;
  • modern home control systems;
  • video surveillance.

Connection features

After the required phase switch has been purchased, it should be connected.

Note! Work on connecting and commissioning such equipment must be carried out by a specialist who has experience and permission to work with electricity and high voltage. Inaccuracies in connection and, accordingly, incorrect operation of the device can not only cause a short circuit between phases, but also lead to an emergency situation that threatens human health and life.

The phase switch itself is a modular device, installed at the required facility in a specially designed panel using a DIN rail. A three-phase switch (automatic) must be installed in front of the switch. The connection of secondary circuits directly depends on the selected switch model and its technical parameters. As a rule, the corresponding circuit is indicated in the accompanying documentation.

As an example, consider the connection algorithm for the DigiTOP PS-63A switch, which is used for a single-phase load of 220 W or one phase in a three-phase network for industry and home use. A microcontroller is used to regulate the voltage in the device. This element reflects the voltage readings on the equipment’s digital indicators for each phase. The output to the load goes through a relay.

The switch operates through controlled phases. By pressing the button, you can see the upper voltage limit at which the switches are triggered and the network connected to the device is de-energized. The set values ​​are changed using the up and down buttons. Then, when you press the button, the lower shutdown parameters are displayed. To work you need:

  • select a priority phase;
  • set the time for the first switch-on delay (counting in seconds);
  • designate a delay period for returning to the required phase;
  • set the delay period based on the lower value.

If necessary, you can reset the indicators to factory settings by pressing a specific button.

Attention! The functionality of the equipment depends on the specified indicators for automatic phase selection.

So, a phase switch is a functional and highly economical solution that can effectively improve the stability of the power supply. This is especially true for owners of suburban real estate, where power surges and simple power outages are not uncommon.

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Content:

Ensuring stable operation of electrical equipment can be done in various ways. Among them, an electronic phase switch is used, the cost of which is significantly lower than that of uninterruptible power supplies. These devices are subject to various requirements; they can be used in single- and three-phase networks. Phase switches are the most important elements in backup power supply systems.

Basic functions of switches

The main purpose of electronic phase switches is to timely and automatically transfer power from an overloaded line to a freer one. Very often, this need is associated with voltage drops during which devices and equipment cannot function normally.

Most appliances, household appliances and other devices have individual technical characteristics that ensure their normal operation. This data is indicated in the product data sheets or operating manuals. First of all, the values ​​of the minimum and maximum voltage are displayed at which the device can operate normally, and the wiring will not be destroyed under the influence of loads.

Combating overloads is of great importance, so every automatic phase switch is configured to do just that. To ensure the correct response of the device, the response time must be set correctly. That is, the indicators are set in such a way as to exclude false alarms.

Standard phase switches allow adjustment of the most important parameters. First of all, the minimum and maximum voltage limits are set. In this case, it is necessary to exclude the intersection of the values ​​of the upper and lower areas, which can lead to unstable operation of the switch. It is recommended to set the upper and lower limits not by eye, but in accordance with the instructions and technical specifications of the equipment.

An important setting is the reset time, during which the switch attempts to return to its original position by resetting the contacts to the original power supply. However, this will be possible only if the voltage on this line returns to normal. Another setting is the turn-on time, where you set a certain amount of time after which the switch must attempt to turn on power after it has been completely unplugged. That is, after power appears on at least one line, the backup power source can be turned off.

There are other settings that can be used in various combinations. It all depends on the design, purpose and capabilities of the specific switching device.

General structure and principle of operation

The operating principle of a conventional switch is related to the distribution of contacts between the existing phases. As a rule, one main contact is selected, to which the main phase is connected, providing power to the equipment. It uses powerful copper wire to reduce electricity losses.

For other lines of minor importance, a simpler thin aluminum wire can be used. In this case, the backup line will still not immediately fail and will be able to work for 1-2 hours. These secondary phases are connected to the second and third contacts of the switch.

The number of contacts is determined by the number of phases in the industrial network. Typically three phases are used, with a voltage between them of 380 volts. Between the phases and ground, the voltage is 220 volts on each of them. All apartments and houses are powered with this voltage, and 380 V is not used at all.

If the main phase loses voltage, then at various time intervals the power is transferred to some secondary contact. If there is no electricity in all three phases, the switch performs a complete shutdown of the network. For such situations, it is recommended to generate a special signal, with the help of which. For this purpose, a separate electrical circuit is connected to the backup power source.

Each switch has a built-in device to extinguish sparks generated when the contacts operate. This allows you to significantly increase the service life of the device.

Automatic and manual switches

As already noted, the phase switch has settings that return it to its original state after a certain period of time. However, this feature is not available on every device. For example, an automatic three-phase phase switch has its own specific features. First of all, this concerns its active use in the production sector. After all, it can lead to failure of technological equipment. The same negative consequences arise as a result of short circuits, line failures and power surges.

It should be noted that automatic switches do not fully ensure the implementation of the noted tasks. Therefore, production often uses a manual three-phase batch phase switch, which does not require the purchase of expensive sensors and other monitoring and control equipment. For example, if you know about a power outage in advance, you just need to start a backup generator and wait for the main power to turn on. The phase switch is first manually set to the required line. After the electricity supply is restored, all installations are also manually returned to their place.

The manual type of switch control does not allow the use of other types of controls. The work is carried out mainly from three positions. The first two positions control the phases, and the neutral position is used when there is no voltage at the output. In such cases, a manual three-phase phase switch works in conjunction with contactors, which mechanically prevent the simultaneous operation of lines. This measure allows you to prevent the occurrence of various overloads on any of the phases.

In more advanced switches, all functions are performed literally at the touch of a single button. Here, the switching of electrical circuits is carried out in such a way that the phase transfer occurs according to a special signal. The type of control of the device should be clarified when purchasing it. An even more complex scheme is electronic control, when a variety of rather complex information passes along the line in both directions. In this case, you will need a compatible controller that provides all programmed functions.

A manual phase switch is often used as the cheapest option. However, it does not provide constant monitoring of the state of the lines without human intervention. Therefore, such switches are used together with other devices and. They monitor the presence of phase imbalances and determine the complete disappearance of voltage. These additional devices are found under the names of reversing switch, phase control relay, reversing and.

Recently, network companies very often began to issue technical specifications for connecting private houses to three-phase networks with a permitted power of 15 kW. That is, three phases come into the house and then in the home panel they are evenly distributed among single-phase consumers. Emergency situations when problems arise with one phase do happen. For example, a dangerously high voltage may appear on one phase or a phase may fail for a long time. This will disconnect all consumers that were connected to it. Based on this, we can conclude that there is a possibility of shutting down vital consumers, for example, a heating boiler controller and pumps, a security or fire alarm, a refrigerator, etc. This can bring some problems for comfortable living in the house and even in winter it can defrost the heating system. Therefore, it is necessary to back up the power supply of the priority load in some way.

There is such a device as an automatic electronic phase switch PEF-319. It is produced by Novatek-Electro. It can solve the problem described above. In this article you will find a complete description of PEF-319, detailed photographs, a connection diagram and an example of assembling a panel with it for a boiler room in a private house.

So, the automatic electronic phase switch PEF-319 is designed to power a priority vital single-phase load from a three-phase network. It also protects consumers from dangerous voltage fluctuations. In other words, this device automatically monitors the presence and quality of input voltage on all three phases and switches the single-phase load to the priority phase, which is within user-defined limits. That is, if the voltage in phase “A” is lost or goes beyond the established limits, then PEF-319 will automatically record this and switch the load to another phase, the voltage of which is normal. If there is dangerous voltage on all phases or there is no voltage, the device will turn off its output and display an error message. This will protect your equipment. It is worth considering here that although switching between phases occurs very quickly in 0.2 seconds, the load can still be de-energized for a short time and go into reboot. Therefore, for such consumers, the reboot of which cannot be allowed, it is necessary to install a UPS.

This is what the PEF-319 electronic phase switch looks like. Below are several photos of him from all angles.

It occupies 9 modules in the shield. All contacts for connecting wires are located at the bottom. PEF-319 is installed on a standard DIN rail. The maximum cross-section of the connected wire is 6mm 2. A PUGV 1x6 crimped with an NShVI tip fits very tightly into its contacts.

There is only one latch and it is plastic. So pull it carefully.

In this device, the built-in relays have contacts that can switch a maximum current of 30A. Therefore, single-phase loads up to 6.6 kW can be directly connected to it. If the load power is more than 6.6 kW, then it must be connected through contactors (magnetic starters). Therefore, PEF-319 must be protected with a circuit breaker up to 30A, i.e. at 25A. Unfortunately or not, there are no machines with a nominal value of 30A. The instructions for the device say that the time-current characteristic of the circuit breaker must be “B”. There is also a recommendation on the use of flexible (multi-wire) wires, which must be crimped with NShVI lugs. Here's an excerpt from the instructions...

If you are interested in this device, then it is better to download the complete instructions on the Internet and read it.

By the way, it turns out interesting. Network companies allocate a power of 15 kW to connect a home. This is a 25A input circuit breaker. The electronic phase switch PEF-319 can switch a maximum current of 30A. Accordingly, it can be freely used in private homes, even at the entrance.

The PEF-319 device has control knobs. If we count them from left to right, then:

  • handle 1 adjusts the minimum voltage response threshold;
  • handle 2 adjusts the response threshold for maximum voltage;
  • knob 3 adjusts the automatic restart time;
  • knob 4 adjusts the return time to the priority phase;

In the device, you can specify which phase is considered priority. This means that at rated voltage on all phases, the device will switch the load to priority. Therefore, when using several PEF-319, you need to configure priority on them for different phases in order to prevent overload of one phase.

Let's move on to the PEF-319 connection diagrams. As it was said earlier, if the connected single-phase load has a power of up to 6.6 kW, then we can connect it directly. There are 15 contacts on the device, which are all numbered. It only switches phases. Zero PEF is needed only for its operation and it is connected to the very last pin “15”. The package also includes two jumpers, which are placed between contacts “2” - “7” and “5” - “10”. The phase for a single-phase load comes out from contact "4". Here is a visual diagram of connecting PEF-319 directly. I think everything is clear on it.

If the connected single-phase load has a power greater than 6.6 kW, then it is connected via magnetic starters. Here is a visual diagram of connecting PEF-319 through contactors. There is no need to install jumpers here. The PEF-319 device will control the starter coils. The three phases from the circuit breaker that supply the load are connected to three different contactors. These same three phases from the output of the contactors must combine. They should all supply one common single-phase load, but not all at the same time. Therefore, all three phases from the starter output must be connected to one common bus. It can be implemented on distribution blocks, for example, KBR-80 or more powerful ones. But this creates the possibility of an interphase short circuit. Suddenly, two phases will meet on this block, for example, when the contacts of the device stick. PEF-319 provides protection against this. It is necessary to run a conductor from contact “1” to this distribution block. In the diagram below, this is the purple line. Through this contact, the device monitors the presence of voltage at the output of the contactors. If there is voltage on contact “1”, this means that there is also voltage on the distribution block, so the device will not switch to another phase. Switching between phases is possible in the absence of voltage at contact “1”. This ensures that the relay contacts from the faulty phase are open.

If you still have questions about the connection diagrams for the electronic device of the PEF-319 phase switch, then ask them in the comments.

Now let's move on to the example of assembling a shield using PEF-319. I assembled it to order for a private house in the boiler room. The shield has already left for St. Petersburg and makes its owners happy)))

A few words about his scheme. The B20 limiting machine for the boiler room is located in the main panel. Therefore, there is a switch at the input, so as not to produce several machines one after another with the same denominations. In a specific case, it was decided to connect the entire boiler room through PEF-319. After the electronic device there is a 40A/30mA type A RCD, to which five 2-pole circuit breakers are connected. 2-pole circuit breakers were chosen so that if a leak occurs, you can freely disconnect the faulty line by turning off one circuit breaker without disassembling the panel. The owner of the house is often at sea, and his wife cannot unscrew the zeros by hand.

I removed the standard jumpers, since they were made of rigid cable, and made them from PUGV 1x6 wire. Here is a close-up of the PEF-319 connection.

Checking the operation of the circuit. I don't have three phases. Therefore, I applied the same phase to all three contacts. In the photo below you can see that the green indicator “L1” is on. this means that now everything is working from the first phase and it is considered a priority.

While checking, I turned off the phases one by one. After I turned off the first phase, the device switched to the second. This is indicated by the green indicator "L2".

Similarly, PEF switched to the third phase. When the jumper was returned to its place, the device switched to operation from the “L1” phase. Those. everything is correct. This is how it should have happened.

I definitely print color stickers for beauty and for a clear understanding of which machines are responsible for what.

Stickers close up. Here we have two controllers for two boilers, pumps, sockets and boiler room lighting.

Here we have such a beautiful shield.

The cost of the electronic phase switch PEF-319 for the fall of 2017 is 3500-4000 rubles.

If you need an electrical panel, then I am ready to develop a circuit for you and assemble it. When you order an assembly, I will develop a circuit for free. To order, write a request by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.

The energy sales company does everything possible to ensure that consumers receive high-quality energy. However, a large number of consumers using one source leads to uneven energy consumption. This causes a sharp or gradual drop in voltage. To minimize the consequences of consumer actions, an automatic phase switch (AP) is used.

Phase switch device

It should be noted right away that the switch does not affect the quality of energy in any way; uninterruptible power supplies, generators, batteries, and the like are used for this purpose. The PF itself only selects from three phases the one that is most suitable for operation. The conclusion follows from this: the use of the switch is possible only if there are at least two phases. Where only one phase is connected, installing a PF will not change anything.

Switches can be divided into two groups:

  • manual control;
  • automatic control.

The electric switch is installed after the meter, so if there is a single-phase meter, it will have to be changed to a three-phase one. The power consumption does not change, the tariff remains the same, therefore, the costs of installing a new meter will be associated only with its cost and installation price, as well as with the supply of additional phases.

Using manual type

A three- or four-position cam toggle switch can be used as a manual type PF. The principle of operation of a manual phase switch is reduced to alternately switching on pairs of contacts.


They are available in two types:

  • in the body;
  • unframed.

The switch consists of a rotating rod on which one or more cams are located. There is a stopper to secure the position. Several pairs of contacts are used:

  • movable;
  • motionless.

To return to their original position, the moving contacts have a spring. The contacts themselves are usually coated with a layer of silver, which can withstand high temperatures. This is necessary so that when large currents are opened, the contacts do not burn out or fail.

The switch works as follows: when the shaft rotates, the cam closes one pair of contacts through the insulating rods. Further rotation causes the first pair to open and the second to close. Some designs have a position where all contacts are open. This position is called “off” and is designated “0”.

In other designs, the bar is moved not by a cam, but by a recess. The position at which one of the pairs of contacts is closed is designated by the number 1,2 and so on. As a rule, the switch shows a diagram of the contacts and the sequence of their closure.

Automatic control

Enterprises produce three-phase automatic phase switches in huge quantities. What should you pay attention to when purchasing? First of all, for switching current. This is the maximum current this device can carry. After all, switching occurs without removing the load. What current is used in the room can be determined by the machines that are located in front of the meter (if the meter has not been changed for a long time, then after it).

The second thing that will help you realize your preferences in setting is the display method. According to this feature, devices can be divided into:

  • LED;
  • liquid crystal.

In the first case, the indication is made using LEDs; the color of the glow is different, but most often green. Installed at the input of each phase, thereby indicating which phase is currently in use. The liquid crystal display allows, among other things, to monitor the actual voltage.

An automatic three-phase switch works as follows: all connected current sources are under constant control, and the voltage value is measured. As soon as the readings of the main line go beyond the established values, the load is transferred to the reserve phase.

Monitoring of the main line continues, and after its readings return to normal, reverse load transfer occurs. To switch the load, magnetic starters are used, they are also called phase switching relays.

Directions for use and precautions

Manual and automatic switches differ somewhat in their purpose. If electrical appliances in the house are protected from strong voltage surges, and the disappearance of current will not lead to serious consequences, then you can safely use a manual PF.

This device is much cheaper. It is more reliable because it is guaranteed that it will not be able to connect two phases at once. By design, only one pair of contacts can be closed. Visible contact breakage also contributes to a single-phase connection. The latches will not allow spontaneous switching to occur. Can switch quite powerful loads.

The disadvantage is that a person is required to switch. But the worst thing is that the load has no overvoltage protection. Even if there are people in the house, they will not be able to turn off the power to the house or apartment quickly enough, and the result may be a burnt-out electrical appliance.

Automatic switch completely takes control and decision on switching. A person cannot always notice an overvoltage, but an automatic machine does it with lightning speed. He also switches much faster than a person.

The disadvantages include high cost. However, a more serious drawback is that during a thunderstorm the device may fail. Semiconductor parts included in an electronic circuit are very susceptible to electromagnetic influence. This can lead to disruption of the entire structure.

It is dangerous to create an automatic switch yourself without proper knowledge of electrical and electronics engineering. This can be dangerous not only for electrical appliances and the network as a whole, but also for human life.

Uninterrupted operation of electrical appliances is always a pressing task for electricians and energy supply specialists. Requirements for uninterrupted operation are imposed in production, in medical institutions, security complexes and at home. This requirement can be met in different ways: using (ATS) from an additional line, ATS with uninterruptible power supplies, or a phase switch. The first option is most often used in three-phase installations, the second and third in single-phase ones. In essence, a phase switch is an ATS, where additional lines are taken from one of the two unused phases of a regular three-phase network. However, this is said in a generalized form, let's take a closer look at the device and operating principle of the phase switch.

Design and principle of operation

A phase switch is a device that connects, instead of the main phase, any other phase in which the voltage is closer to normal, when the power on the main line disappears or goes beyond the established limits. If you still don’t understand what this device is for, let’s take a closer look.

From the definition it follows that the input terminals of the phase switch receive three-phase power, and one output comes out of it, the voltage quality of which is closest to normal. The switching itself occurs during surges, drawdowns or complete disappearance of the main one. The choice of the main line depends on the specific option. This implies a limitation - the phase switch must operate in a three-phase network. It can also be used for a generator, but then you need to think about how to generate a control pulse to start it. The device can be manual or automatic.

The principle of operation is to sort through the lines until the one with the optimal parameters is found by switching a group of relays with a microcontroller.

In addition to automatic phase switches, manual options are also often found. The manual switch is a 3-position cam switch, sometimes called a "packet." At the same time, both 2-position and 4-position switches are found on sale, depending on the needs of the consumer.

Low-power mechanical switch models are needed not for switching the load, but for switching the line measured by a voltmeter. The switching order may differ, for example 0-1-0-2-0-3, where 0 means all phases are disabled, and 1, 2 and 3 are the number of the selected line. Powerful models are convenient to use for reversing the engine or connecting a load; switching can be done under voltage.

Be careful, the 3-position switch is not a fact that it will switch three phases, perhaps its positions are 1-0-2, i.e. the first pair of contacts is closed, the second pair of contacts is also disconnected. Read the documentation for it and check the switching diagram; if there is no documentation, you can check it with a regular continuity test.

How to choose a phase switch

We've looked at how a phase switch works, now let's find out what to look for when choosing automatic models. In addition to power parameters, functions are added to the PF that simplify the setup and operation process.

The first and most important thing is current. In order for the phase switch to fit your power supply system, the main criterion that you need to look at when choosing is the permissible current. You should not buy a device whose current exceeds the rated current of the input circuit breaker. Although it should ensure safe operation, it would not be superfluous to bring the electrical network into compliance with the permissible current and power.

Second parameter - possibility of adjustment. On cheap switches there is generally no way to set the minimum and maximum voltage in the power supply network at which switching occurs and the priority phase is selected. The minimum set of adjustments is to set the minimum voltage at which the devices can operate, or the maximum. In more advanced models, you can adjust the time after which you need to try to switch to the main phase and other settings.

Third parameter - display and indication method. Simpler models have LED indication, usually one LED per phase and an additional “EMERGENCY” indicator. When the line is normal and a load is connected to it, the corresponding LED lights up, for example, green; when the line is normal, but it is in reserve, the LED flickers; when there are problems on all lines, the “EMERGENCY” indicator lights up. More advanced models have a seven-segment indicator or LCD display. The purpose of the indicators is to display the voltage value, settings parameters, enabled and priority phase. The least visual indication method is individual LEDs, and the most obvious is an LCD display.

The fourth parameter is functional. The simplest PF has a set of preset parameters of the supply network, accepted as the norm, and strives to adhere to them. But each electrical appliance requires an individual approach to power supply, usually 220 +/- 10% V, and in some cases the tolerance can be increased, or vice versa - reduced. In more advanced models, these values ​​are set by turning screws or knobs to the desired position, according to the graduation. The most functional are models with display and touch controls. At the same time, you should not assume that the simpler the worse; it is often not worth overpaying for functions that are not useful.

If the power of your switch is not enough to meet your needs, there are two ways to solve this problem:

  1. Buy a switch designed for higher current.
  2. Install the electromechanical switch so that a coil or is connected to the output terminals of the phase switch. Thus, the entire load will fall on the power contacts of the latter.

Application area

Let us repeat that before ordering a switch, you should know that it requires 3 phases to operate. Reserve lines are taken from additional phases. Between phases the voltage is 380 Volts, it is called “linear”, and between phase and zero it is 220 Volts, it is called “phase”. They are related, but within the scope of this article we will not delve into. The main thing is for you to understand that to connect to electrical networks you need a three-phase network of 380 Volts.

As already mentioned, this device is used to connect a backup line. This only works if one of the transformer phases is overloaded or a imbalance has occurred. In cases where a “bad” voltage is supplied to the input transformer, automatic input of a reserve is required from another line; a phase switch will not help in this situation.

Units with continuous operation are powered from a phase switch. I propose to consider the scope of application in illustrative examples.

In medicine:

  • life support devices;
  • refrigerators with medicines in pharmacies;

In production and in offices:

  • automation tools;
  • control and monitoring equipment, recording signals;
  • communications equipment, stationary radio stations, dispatch equipment;
  • ventilation systems;
  • a gas boiler;
  • security system;
  • CCTV;
  • “smart home” system;

Connection diagram

After purchasing, you may have difficulty with how to connect the phase switch. If you do not have experience working with electricity, it is better not to try, since you will have to work with high voltage in a three-phase network - 380 Volts. In addition, improper use and connection of such equipment can lead to a short circuit between phases.

The phase switch is a modular device that is installed in a panel at the site. A three-phase circuit breaker is installed in front of it. After installing the primary circuit, we move on to the output circuit. But how to connect the secondary circuits depends on the switch model. The connection diagram must be indicated in the technical data sheet or other similar documentation and may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

A phase switch is a low-cost method that will increase the stability of the power supply; this can be especially important outside the city in a cottage or holiday village, where there are usually power outages. We talked about how to connect and where to install, as well as all the parameters of such devices. The choice of uninterrupted supply is yours based on your needs and budget.