When it comes to servicing your Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), LionHeart has expert mechanics who are committed to providing unparalleled service. Sheppard, is EGSA certified and is one of our team experts on the operation of the ATS.
Below is a fireside Q&A with LionHeart’s favorite ATS Professor.
How did you get interested in electrical engineering?
While growing up, I was fascinated by my uncle George who was an electrician and all-around handyman and mechanic. In school, I was involved in math and science classes and later, I was more interested in physics and applied science, which led me to electrical engineering.
While in college at UIC, what prepared you for your role as a Field Service Engineer (FSE)?
One of the electives I took included “Three Phase Power and Industrial Motors.” It wasn’t a popular class at the time, but I thought it was very interesting.
During your time at GE Zenith, what did you design?
I was on the design team for the microprocessor-based controllers, where I designed for the specific needs of customer orders. I also helped the senior engineers by bringing the practical aspects from the field service and end user standpoint to the table, which really helped the team.
What courses did you teach for GE Zenith?
I taught classes on relay logic and electro-mechanical workings of the transfer switch.
What do you like most about working for LionHeart?
I really enjoy working with all the other Field Service Engineers and I take pride in answering questions from them. Encountering new challenges and going to different places each day, is another great benefit of working at LionHeart. It’s nice to see how everything is doing on a site that you go to on an annual basis.
Kevin Q&A on importance of servicing your Automatic Transfer Switch.
What is the most important part of properly maintaining an ATS?
Lubrication has a lot to do with diagnosis. The lubricants used in the factory gather dirt and dust, which causes it to become less of a lubricant and stickier. In addition, testing the ATS on a regular basis is key to maintaining it as well as making sure it’s transferred. For instance, hospitals are required by law to test, so the switch is more likely to work when called upon.
What environmental factors should clients do their best to avoid?
Dirt and dust is bad for the ATS. One big problem is that a new ATS will get installed during the building construction phase and after it is installed, there is drywall, tapers, painters, carpenters, electricians and other trades on the scene. If it doesn’t accidentally get physically damaged, plaster, dust, paint, and other debris can sneak in the cabinet which becomes a mechanical drag on the system. Start-ups and clean-ups after the construction process is very important for the health of an ATS.
What are some of the nuances of the modern ATS?
With the device now, there is less longevity and everything being designed to be more cost effective in the modern ATS. Earlier, when things were relay logic you could find the part or relay at Grainger and get the ATS working again. Now there is a microprocessor board and a need for a version of software. The problem might not be a component anymore, it could be the whole controller.
Here’s what our clients and team members say about Kevin:
“Kevin represents LionHeart tremendously in the field. He is very knowledgeable, and I truly appreciate his methodical and analytical nature. Also, he is a great technician and he surely knows his stuff.”
LionHeart Client
“Kevin is Mr. Emergency. He is willing to interrupt his family life to take care of our customers. It is ridiculous how much our customers love him. Kevin is an example of the type of person we strive to bring on the team and is someone our younger FSE’s can model themselves after.”
LionHeart President, Don Ritter
“Kevin is a fountain of knowledge and an absolute pleasure to work with. Always open to ideas and has a levelheaded approach to troubleshooting. Fun, laid back, confident and professional. That’s our Kevin.”
EGSA’s Technician of the Year, Rob Plane
“Elevator folks, electricians and engineers speak very highly of Kevin. And they are not the types to dole out compliments.”
LionHeart Client
To learn more about servicing and maintaining your generator, contact us 24 hours a day at 844.LHPOWER.
