WCQ2G-100 2P 16A Dual Power Automatic Transfer Switch

It is a low-voltage, two-pole automatic transfer switch (ATS) from Westhomes Electric, rated at 16A, designed to automatically switch a single-phase load between two independent AC power sources — typically the utility mains and a standby generator or second feed. It continuously monitors both sources and transfers the load without any manual operation when the preferred source fails.

An ATS removes the human element from backup power. It detects a mains failure within milliseconds, starts the standby generator, waits for stable voltage and frequency, and transfers the load automatically — even when no one is on site. This prevents downtime, back-feeding hazards, and the delays and mistakes that come with manual changeover during an outage.

"2P" means the switch has two poles — it breaks and makes both the line (phase) and the neutral conductor of a single-phase circuit. It is intended for single-phase 220/230V installations, such as homes, small shops, offices, and light commercial loads. For three-phase systems you would select the 3P or 4P version of the same series instead.

A 16A ATS at 230V carries about 3.6 kW of continuous load. It is suitable for essential single-phase circuits — lighting, a refrigerator, a furnace/boiler control, a small office server, or a few critical sockets — rather than a whole house with central air conditioning. Always size the ATS to the actual load current, and add margin for motor inrush.

The controller monitors voltage and frequency on the mains input. When mains drops below the set threshold for the adjustable delay (typically 1–5 seconds to ride through brief flicker), it sends a start signal to the generator, waits until the generator output is stable, then opens the mains contacts and closes the generator contacts. When mains returns and stays stable for the re-transfer delay, the load switches back and the generator is signalled to cool down and stop.

The mechanical contact transfer itself is typically under 100 ms to a few hundred milliseconds on this class of compact ATS. The overall outage experienced by the load depends on the generator start and warm-up time (commonly 5–15 seconds), because the switch waits for the standby source to stabilise before closing. The adjustable time delays are what prevent nuisance transfers on momentary sags.

It mounts on a DIN rail or panel enclosure, with two power inputs (Source 1 mains, Source 2 generator) and one load output. A licensed electrician connects the phase and neutral for both sources and the load, bonds the enclosure to the facility earth, and runs a separate screened control cable to the generator start contacts. Phase rotation and source priority must be verified before energising.

Yes. Although it is an automatic device, the WCQ2G-100 includes a manual pushbutton/selector and a manual operating handle so maintenance staff can force the switch to Source 1, Source 2, or off. This is used for commissioning, testing, and isolating the switch for service without losing the ability to transfer automatically in normal operation.

The WCQ2G-100 series is designed and type-tested to IEC 60947-6-1, the international standard for low-voltage transfer switching equipment (TSE) up to 1000 V AC. This covers construction, dielectric properties, short-time withstand, making/breaking capacity, and endurance. It is also typically CE-marked for sale in EU and many other export markets.

A manual changeover switch is a simple 1-0-2 rotary device that requires a person to walk to the panel and flip it, and it cannot start a generator on its own. The WCQ2G-100 ATS adds a microprocessor controller, sensing electronics, an actuator, and a generator-start contact, so transfers happen unattended and in seconds. The manual switch is cheaper but only suitable for attended sites with infrequent outages.