Automatic Transfer Switch Panel Board with Multi-Pole Double-Throw Switches: An Innovation

Abstract

Frequent power interruptions in residential areas pose challenges to safety, convenience, and energy efficiency, particularly in households relying on multiple power sources. This study designed, developed, and evaluated an Automatic Transfer Switched Panel Board with Multi-Pole Double-Throw Switches as an innovative solution for seamless and reliable power-source transfer among utility power, generator, and solar energy systems. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design, using a product evaluation survey to assess the aesthetics, functional efficiency, and overall acceptability of the developed system. The innovation was subjected to three phases of testing, such as benchmark, pilot, and final tests, conducted in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly weighted mean scores. Results revealed an improvement across all testing phases, with the overall evaluation yielding an overall mean of 4.88, signifying high acceptability. Findings suggest that the developed ATS panel board provides efficient automatic power transfer, enhanced safety, and ease of use, while minimizing downtime during power interruptions. The study concludes that the proposed innovation is a reliable and practical solution for residential power management and recommends its adoption in communities experiencing frequent power outages, as well as further enhancement through innovative monitoring features.

Introduction

Electricity demand in the Philippines has increased significantly, particularly in the residential sector, highlighting the need for safe, reliable, and efficient power management systems. Panel boards and switches play a crucial role in distributing electricity, protecting circuits from overloads and short circuits, and ensuring operational safety. In situations of power interruption, an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is essential for automatically shifting electrical loads from the main power source to a backup supply, such as a generator or solar system, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical applications.

Despite existing studies on panel boards, circuit safety, and ATS functionality, limited research has focused on the integration and reliability of ATS panel boards using multi-pole double-throw (MPDT) switches. This study addresses that gap by developing and evaluating an ATS panel board with MPDT switches, emphasizing ease of use, aesthetics, functional efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

The research employed a quantitative, descriptive design conducted in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, involving residents who utilize three power sources: utility electricity, solar power, and generators. Data were collected using a validated survey questionnaire assessing aesthetics, functional efficiency, and overall acceptability. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS.

The results present the development process, materials used, and multiple stages of product evaluation, including expert assessment, pilot testing, and end-user evaluation. Overall, the findings indicate that the developed ATS panel board with multi-pole double-throw switches is acceptable to users, demonstrating effective functionality, safety, and usability, and offering a practical solution for seamless and reliable power transfer in residential settings.

Conclusion

The findings of the study confirm that the Automatic Transfer Switch Panel Board with Multi-Pole Double Throw Switches is a highly effective and reliable innovation for automatic power transfer. The consistent increase in mean scores from the benchmark test to the final test indicates a significant enhancement in the product performance and user satisfaction. The final evaluation results, rated highly acceptable, validate the innovation’s capacity to enable seamless and safe transitions between power sources, minimizing electrical downtime and improving overall energy system efficiency. It is recommended that the innovation be adopted in settings requiring a reliable backup power system, especially in areas prone to frequent power outages. Users and electricians may be provided with training materials to ensure proper installation, operation, and maintenance of the system. Moreover, future exploration may focus on scaling the design for larger or more complex power systems. Likewise, it may add features such as remote monitoring, system diagnostics, and mobile alert as add-ons to the product to enhance its functionality.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Emerson A. Aquino, Engr. Eric B. Guimbaolibot. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.