Transfer switches with dual mechanism control and related assemblies and methods

A method comprising:

• providing a transfer switch, the transfer switch including a contactor assembly comprising:
• first and second electromechanical operating mechanisms;
• a first contact assembly in an open state, the first operating mechanism configured to change the first contact assembly from the open state to a closed state;
• a second contact assembly in an open state, the second operating mechanism configured to change the second contact assembly from the open state to a closed state;
• and
• a mechanical central control system coupled to each of the first and second operating mechanisms;
• selectively closing one of a primary power source and a secondary power source by actuating the central control system to place one of the first and second contact assemblies in the closed state;
• and
• locking the other one of the first and second contact assemblies in the open state in response to selectively closing one of the primary power source and the secondary power source.

A contactor assembly for a transfer switch, the contactor assembly comprising:

• a housing;
• first and second electromechanical operating mechanisms in the housing;
• a first contact assembly in the housing and adjacent the first operating mechanism, wherein the first operating mechanism is configured to change the first contact assembly from an open state to a closed state, and wherein the first contact assembly is electrically connected to a primary power source and configured to close the primary power source in the closed state;
• a second contact assembly in the housing and adjacent the second operating mechanism, wherein the second operating mechanism is configured to change the second contact assembly from an open state to a closed state, and wherein the second contact assembly is electrically connected to a secondary power source and configured to close the secondary power source in the closed state;
• and
• a mechanical central control system in the housing and interlocking the first and second operating mechanisms, the central control system comprising a primary power source actuator and a secondary power source actuator, the central control system configured to (i) direct the first operating mechanism to change the first contact assembly to the closed state and to lock the second contact assembly in the open state in response to actuation of the primary power source actuator and (ii) direct the second operating mechanism to change the second contact assembly to the closed state and to lock the first contact assembly in the open state in response to actuation of the secondary power source actuator.