ASCO Offers NEC®-Compliant Engine Start Circuit Monitoring Solution

- Cable cuts or short circuits can prevent start signals from reaching backup engine-generators.

- Article 700.10 of the National Electrical Code® requires engine start circuit monitoring.

- ASCO's two-wire 5101 Engine Start Monitoring System continually monitors circuit integrity and provides real-time notification of start circuit problems.

News provided by

ASCO Power Technologies

Jun 23, 2020, 09:00 ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., June 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

Summary

An emergency engine-generator must start automatically when it receives a signal from an automatic transfer switch (ATS). Without engine start circuit monitoring, facility managers might never become aware of cable cuts or short circuits that could prevent start signals from reaching engine controls, leaving facilities at risk of outage. For this reason, the National Electrical Code® requires monitoring of engine start circuits to reduce the risk of outages.

The ASCO 5101 Engine Start Monitoring System provides electronic modules at engine-generator and ATS controls to continually monitor engine start signal wiring. If a control circuit is opened or shorted, the engine automatically starts, and an alarm relay activates indicators at the generator and any remote annunciators.

Key Attributes

The ASCO 5101 Engine Start Monitoring System is comprised of electronic modules placed on each generator and ATS.
Each ASCO 5101 Generator Module can monitor up to eight 5101 ATS modules.
Continuous monitoring provides real-time notification of start circuit conditions.
Works with any generator, regardless of brand.
Can be retrofitted to existing ASCO automatic transfer switches
Available on all new ASCO ATSs.

"The 5101 modules are the easiest solution for fully complying with the NEC requirement," says Mario Ibrahim, ASCO's Director of New Products & Innovation. "Because the modules are linked through the engine start circuit, they provide the most direct method for detecting problems that could lead to outages."

"The last thing anyone wants is for a generator to fail to start," says ASCO Product Manager, Victor Bonachea. "Our solution installs directly on existing two-wire systems with no additional modifications. We're excited to offer a simple, effective, low-cost solution for complying with NEC requirements."

More Information

Additional detail about the ASCO 5101 Engine Start Modules includes:

The product data sheet
The product video
The ASCO White Paper - Monitoring the Integrity of Engine Start Signal Circuits

For additional information, contact a local ASCO Power Technologies representative or ASCO Customer Service at +1 (800) 800 ASCO (2726).

About ASCO Power Technologies

ASCO Power Technologies has provided power reliability solutions for more than 125 years. The firm designs, manufactures, services, and supports automatic transfer switches, power control equipment, load banks, and critical power management systems. ASCO products serve mission-critical functions in data centers, healthcare facilities, telecommunication networks, commercial buildings, and industrial operations. To learn more about any of ASCO's premium products and services, call (800) 800 ASCO (2726), [email protected], or visit www.ascopower.com.

SOURCE ASCO Power Technologies