Automatic transfer switch control and power distribution system

A switching system for automatically switching between a primary electrical power source and a secondary electrical power source to power an electrical load, comprising:

• a transfer switch connected to the primary electrical power source, the secondary electrical power source, and the electrical load, the transfer switch configured to electrically connect the electrical load to either the primary electrical power source or the secondary electrical power source;
• a controller in communication with the transfer switch and configured to control the transfer switch in order to control whether electrical power is directed to the electrical load from the primary electrical power source or the secondary electrical power source;
• and
• a controller power supply circuit in communication with the primary electrical power source, the secondary electrical power source, and the controller, the controller power supply circuit configured to provide electrical power to the controller using power from at least one of the primary electrical power source and secondary electrical power source;
• wherein the controller and the controller power supply circuit are configured such that:
• if electrical power from the primary electrical power source is available, then:
• the controller power supply circuit powers the controller using electrical power from the primary electrical power source;
• the controller provides power to the secondary electrical power source to hold open a normally-closed contact associated with the secondary electrical power source so that the secondary electrical power source does not operate;
• and
• the controller controls the transfer switch to provide electrical power to the electrical load from the primary electrical power source.

A method comprising:

• providing electrical power to a controller via a primary electrical power source through a primary controller switch;
• providing electrical power to an electrical load via the primary electrical power source through a transfer switch;
• maintaining a normally-closed secondary controller switch in an open position when electrical power is provided to the controller via the primary electrical power source;
• and
• upon the primary electrical power source no longer able to provide electrical power to the controller:
• providing power to the controller via a secondary electrical power source through the secondary controller switch, the secondary controller switch being in a closed position;
• and
• controlling the transfer switch to provide electrical power to the electrical load via the secondary electrical power source.

A method comprising:

• receiving electrical power from a primary electrical power source through a primary controller switch;
• controlling a transfer switch to provide power to an electrical load via the primary electrical power source;
• maintaining a normally-closed contact associated with a secondary electrical power source in an open position to prevent operation of the secondary electrical power source;
• maintaining a normally-closed secondary controller switch in an open position when receiving power from the primary electrical power source;
• upon ceasing to receive electrical power from the primary electrical power source:
• stop holding the normally-closed secondary controller switch in the open position;
• stop holding the normally-closed contact associated with the secondary electrical power source in the open position so that the secondary electrical power source operates;
• receiving electrical power from the operating secondary electrical power source through the normally-closed secondary controller switch, the normally-closed secondary controller switch being in a closed position;
• and
• controlling the transfer switch to provide electrical power to the electrical load via the secondary electrical power source.