BS 8519:2020 Compliant ATS Panels – What They Are and What GES Power Offers

For life safety and fire-fighting systems, an ordinary changeover panel is not enough. BS 8519:2020 is the British Standard code of practice covering the selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control systems for those critical applications.

It is about keeping essential systems running during a fire or mains failure – smoke control, sprinkler pumps, firefighting lifts, evacuation systems and similar plant. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) sits at the heart of that arrangement.

At GES Power Ltd we design, build and supply BS 8519:2020 compliant single and dual line bypass ATS panels for exactly this type of duty.

What BS 8519:2020 Expects from an ATS

In simple terms, the standard is there to stop critical plant going offline when it is needed most. Key points that affect panel specification include:

• The ATS should be based on switch technology (PC classification) to BS EN 60947-6-1, not assembled from contactors or circuit breakers.

• It should be a single type-tested assembly with an integrated controller from one manufacturer.

• Utilisation category should be AC-33A or AC-33B (motor or mixed loads including motors).

• The switch must be interlocked so both supplies cannot be connected at the same time, with clear indication of Normal / Off / Alternative positions.

• Voltage and frequency of both supplies should be monitored, with automatic transfer on mains failure and automatic return once the mains is stable.

• Where occupation of the building depends on the life safety / fire-fighting equipment remaining available, a single or dual bypass should be provided so the ATS can be maintained without losing power to the critical plant.

• Remote indication of ATS status should be available to the fire alarm panel or fire control room.

Bypass is one of the most important practical differences. Without it, servicing the changeover device can mean taking critical systems out of service. With a properly designed bypass, maintenance can be carried out while the plant stays supplied.

What We Offer at GES Power

Our BS 8519:2020 compliant single and dual line bypass ATS panels are built for continuity of service on critical and life safety applications.

Key features of our range:

• Specified to meet the intent of BS 8519:2020 for automatic changeover on life safety and fire-fighting supplies

• IEC 61439-2 type-tested assembly

• Switch-based (PC class) motorised changeover, not a contactor arrangement

• Single or dual line bypass options so the ATS can be isolated and maintained without interrupting the critical load

• Clear indication of switch position

• Monitoring of both supplies with automatic transfer and re-transfer

• Professional UK manufacture, installation and commissioning available

These panels start from £1,700 (excluding VAT), depending on rating and whether single or dual bypass is required. Special applications can be designed to suit the site.

Why This Matters on Real Sites

We still see older or lower-spec ATS panels used on systems that should be treated as life safety or fire-fighting supplies. Common issues include:

• Contactor-based changeover that nuisance trips or drops out on brown-outs

• No bypass, so the panel cannot be maintained without shutting down critical plant

• Poor clearances, inadequate shrouding and weak construction

• No proper remote indication or supply monitoring

For hospitals, residential towers, commercial buildings, car parks, industrial sites and anywhere occupation depends on those systems remaining available, that is not good enough.

A compliant bypass ATS panel gives the specifier, the installer and the end client a clearer, safer arrangement: automatic transfer when the mains fails, manual control if needed, and the ability to service the equipment without taking the building’s critical systems offline.

How We Work

GES Power can help at every stage:

• Advice on whether a BS 8519-style bypass ATS is the right solution for the application

• Supply of compliant single or dual line bypass panels

• Integration with standby generators

• Site survey, installation and commissioning

• Ongoing maintenance and 24/7 support

If you are specifying a new life safety or fire-fighting supply, replacing an ageing contactor ATS, or need a panel that can be maintained without losing the load, we can help.

Call 01246 380525Email hello@generator-man.co.ukView the range: BS 8519 2020 Compliant Single & Dual Line Bypass ATS Panels

GES Power Ltd – High-specification ATS panels for critical and life safety applications.