Amp Sentry

Feature Description,
How to Apply &
Customer Value Enhancement

AmpSentry

The Problem

An emergency electrical system that includes

a generator set, feeder conductors and a
transfer switch are required by Code to have
overload and short circuit protection and be
coordinated to minimize hazards to personnel
and equipment.

AmpSentry

Traditional Solution
ATS

800 Amps

Genset

800 Amps

Utility
Loads

Circuit Breaker Sized

to Protect System

Circuit breaker protects alternator, feeder conductors and transfer

switch from overloads and short circuits.

AmpSentry

Circuit Breaker Problems

Generally, circuit breaker characteristics do not match the protection

requirements of the generator set alternator.

If the circuit breaker is to sensitive, there are nuisance trips.

If the circuit breaker is sized to large, the alternator can be
damaged.
The generator set may not have sufficient available fault current to
trip the circuit breaker during a fault.

Multiple molded case circuit breakers within an electrical system can

be difficult, if not impossible, to coordinate properly.

100% rated circuit breaker assemblies can be expensive and still not
provide adequate protection.

80% rated circuit breakers should not be operated at 100% of their

rating on a continuous basis.
AmpSentry

The Solution: AmpSentry

AmpSentry is a UL Listed protective relay feature of Power Command

Gensets.
AmpSentry replaces the trip point provided by the circuit breaker in
the traditional protection system.
AmpSentry provides the trip point for the emergency electrical
protection system by continuously measuring current, voltage
and frequency of the generator set.
When AmpSentry is tripped, the alternator is de-energized, effectively
protecting the alternator, feeder conductors and transfer switch
from the effects of the fault.

AmpSentry

AmpSenty Application
Use a disconnect device with the genset when It is required by Code.
The customer wants an isolation device.
A disconnect device is not required by Code when
There is a single isolated genset installed indooors within sight of the
transfer switch.
Used with gensets that incorporate paralleling circuit breakers.

AmpSentry

Solution with no Disconnect

ATS

800 Amps

Utility
Loads

Power Command Genset

Generator set is installed indoors within sight of the transfer switch.

Circuit breaker trip point is replaced by the AmpSentry trip point.
Protection is provided by de-energizing the alternator. This fully
protects the alternator, disconnect switch, feeder conductors and
transfer switch.
Transfer switch can be opened to isolate genset from loads.

AmpSentry

Solution with Disconnect

AmpSentry Output

ATS

800 Amps

800 Amps

Utility
Loads

Disconnect Switch

Power Command Genset

Generator set is installed outdoors.

Circuit breaker trip point is replaced by the AmpSentry trip point.
Isolation and lockout/tagout features can be provided by a disconnect
switch.
Protection is provided by de-energizing the alternator. This fully
protects the alternator, disconnect switch, feeder conductors and
transfer switch.
AmpSentry

Solution for Paralleled Gensets

AmpSentry Output

800 Amps

Power Command Genset

Paralleling Circuit
Breaker

ATS

Utility

AmpSentry Output
1600 Amps

Loads

800 Amps

Power Command Genset

Paralleling Circuit
Breaker

Circuit breaker trip point is replaced by the AmpSentry trip point.

No nuisance trips.
Alternator is safe from damage.
Generator set can be isolated from the loads by either the
paralleling circuit breaker or the transfer switch.
AmpSentry

Smart Protection
AmpSentry is UL Listed as a protective relay for emergency electrical
systems.
AmpSentry is far smarter and more sophisticated than a traditional
circuit breaker.
AmpSentry will provide active current limiting to protect the generator set
alternator, disconnect switch, feeder conductors and transfer switch.
In a short circuit condition, AmpSentry provides 3x rated current for a
short time to guarantee Code mandated downstream circuit breaker
coordination.

AmpSentry

Customer Value
AmpSentry provides customers with Code mandated and third party
(UL) certified electrical power system protection and coordination
matched to the characteristics of the generator set alternator.
AmpSentry eliminates nuisance circuit breaker trips.
AmpSentry provides additional protection a circuit breaker cannot
provide.
AmpSentry saves money by replacing the circuit breaker with a less
expense disconnect device or in some cases by the elimination of the
circuit breaker.

AmpSentry

AmpSentry Solution
AmpSentry is the best technical and most cost
effective solution for the protection and
coordination of a facilities emergency electrical
system.

Isnt that what emergency electrical systems are all

about?

AmpSentry

AmpSentry

Backup Slides
The following slides illustrate thermal-mag breaker
performance.
AmpSentry is designed to provide the highest level
of power system protection. Thermal-mag
breakers are not designed to specifically match
the damage characteristics of an alternator.

AmpSentry

AmpSentry
BREAKER TRIP CURVE

TIME

ALTERNATOR
DAMAGE CURVE

Molded Case Breakers Usually

Cant Fully Protect Alternator

RATED AMPS

Breakers Can Nuisance Trip

AMPS

AmpSentry

AmpSentry
PowerCommand
Protection is Based
on Alternator Thermal
Damage Curve
Provides Improved
Breaker Coordination
Fault Regulation
Protects Alternator
During Common
Fault Conditions

Three Phase
Decrement Curve
RATED AMPS

TIME

AmpSentry
Operation Curve

Not Instantaneous
AMPS

AmpSentry