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PASSEDinfrastructure / generator_transfer_switch_failure
Generator Transfer Switch Failure During Power Outage
During a utility power outage, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) fails to engage the backup generator, leaving the entire facility on UPS battery power with only 15 minutes of runtime remaining.
Pattern
UNKNOWN
Severity
CRITICAL
Confidence
95%
Remediation
Remote Hands
Test Results
| Metric | Expected | Actual | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern Recognition | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | |
| Severity Assessment | CRITICAL | CRITICAL | |
| Incident Correlation | Yes | 26 linked | |
| Cascade Escalation | Yes | Yes | |
| Remediation | — | Remote Hands — Corax contacts on-site support via call, email, or API |
Scenario Conditions
Facility with 500kVA generator. ATS failed to transfer (contactor stuck). UPS batteries providing bridge power. Battery runtime: 15 minutes at current load. Generator running but ATS not switching. Manual bypass available but requires technician.
Injected Error Messages (3)
automatic transfer switch failure — ATS failed to transfer to generator during utility power outage, ATS contactor stuck in utility position, transfer command sent but mechanical switch did not engage, ATS status: utility source (offline) selected but no power available, generator running and ready but ATS not switching load, entire facility power path: UPS battery only
UPS battery runtime critical — facility running on UPS battery only due to ATS transfer failure, UPS battery charge: 34% and declining, estimated runtime at current load: 15 minutes, UPS load: 78% (390kVA), UPS alarm: low battery warning, all servers and network equipment will lose power when batteries deplete, orderly shutdown should begin immediately
generator operational but disconnected from load — generator running at idle, frequency: 60.0Hz, voltage: 480V, generator ready to accept load but ATS mechanical failure preventing transfer, generator fuel: 90% (48 hours runtime), generator health: normal, ATS manual bypass handle accessible but requires on-site technician, generator output not reaching facility electrical panels
Neural Engine Root Cause Analysis
The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) has experienced a mechanical failure where the contactor is physically stuck in the utility position despite receiving proper transfer commands. While the generator is running and ready, and the transfer logic is functioning (command was sent), the mechanical switching mechanism has failed to engage, leaving the facility running solely on UPS battery power during a utility outage. This is a hardware failure requiring physical inspection and likely mechanical repair or replacement of the ATS contactor assembly.
Remediation Plan
1. Immediately dispatch qualified electrical technician to facility for emergency ATS inspection 2. Verify generator status and fuel levels while technician en route 3. Monitor UPS battery levels and estimate remaining runtime 4. Prepare for potential controlled shutdown of non-critical systems if battery levels become critical 5. Technician to perform visual inspection of ATS contactor mechanism and attempt manual transfer if safe 6. If manual transfer fails, replace faulty contactor assembly 7. Test ATS functionality under load before declaring resolution 8. Schedule comprehensive ATS maintenance review to prevent recurrence
Tested: 2026-03-30Monitors: 3 | Incidents: 3Test ID: cmnckailp0802obqe1dnz45qe