RP Power LLC News

Next Generation MPAC 1500™ Controller Featured in KOHLER® Transfer Switch

KOHLER, Wis. - December 2005 - Kohler Power Systems continues to expand its transfer switch offerings with an upgraded controller that packs flexibility, convenience and several industry firsts with its new KOHLER MPAC 1500 controller.

Available by spring 2006, all industrial KOHLER transfer switches will include the most technologically advanced controller that features an incredibly flexible design to provide the customer a platform to accommodate future power system adaptations. Communication to critical power systems provides essential monitoring through Ethernet or RS-485 LAN line and both are standard with the MPAC 1500. This allows the user to interface to their own management system’s or KOHLER’s Monitor III™ software program to see critical information essential to keeping their system optimal. Whether the power system is local, remote or connected directly to the customer’s management system, the MPAC 1500 allows for a simple, integrated interface with the KOHLER power system. In addition, the MPAC 1500 provides the transfer switch with multiple language capabilities.

“Flexibility and versatility were an intentional part of the design to allow this controller to make any modifications and changes in the field,” stated George Henegar, product manager-transfer switches, Kohler Power Systems.

The KOHLER MPAC 1500 also features the industry’s first USB port for convenient, inexpensive and simplified data loading and downloading capability. For example, all of the settings, maintenance records and the last 99 events (such as power disturbances and exercise periods) can be downloaded for viewing or archival storage.

Viewing and customizing operating parameters can be achieved with secure passwords and through the controller-mounted display and dynamic push buttons. The user interface utilizes a bright, “at-a-glance” LED screen to indicate contactor position, source availability, system alert and “not-in-automatic” operation.

The KOHLER MPAC 1500 continues to include exceptional features that lead the industry and that end-users have come to expect. These include:

Precise and complete monitoring of both sources of power to ensure that critical loads are adequately supplied
All the necessary operational delays to insure maximum efficiency for load control and power system stability
Versatility in setting exercise and testing of the essential power system with up to 21 exercise periods for automatic testing or three-mode manual test sequences (load/no load and preset time)
The MPAC 1500 input/output modules can be programmed-on-the-fly to add maximum flexibility with the way the MPAC 1500 interfaces to external devices for control and annunciation. Potential scenarios that could apply include inhibiting transfer in complicated multiple genset systems, stepping motor loads for a cost-effective system or grouping failures for external annunciation.

Kohler Power Systems is a division of Kohler Co., and provides complete power systems, including generators (stationary, mobile and marine), automatic transfer switches, switchgear, monitoring controls, and accessories for emergency, prime power and energy-management applications.

Kohler Power Systems delivers energy solutions for markets worldwide. Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of kitchen and bath products, utility engines and power generation systems, home interiors and hospitality services.

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