INTRODUCTION

The Changeover Switch is a device used to switch OFF a power supply and subsequently switch on
another power supply. Basically it is aimed at switching on a more convenient power supply to the load.

Since it switches on power to the load, precautions has to be taken while choosing the type of
Changeover Switch, while selecting the appropriate size, the control of arcing has to be put into
consideration.

A good switch should be the one whose contact is made in such a way as to limit the arc formation by
having no contact-bounce and by having contacts made of good conductive, corrosion resistance and
wear resistance materials.

A good change over switch must have adequate insulation and must be so constructed and located as
not to constitute a potential hazard.

A good change over switch should also have tight contact points so as to limit or eliminate the possibility
of partial contact at the contact point. The partial contact leads to overheating of the components and
may lead to fire outbreak in the entire room.

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

This project is on the design and co of automatic change over and how it can be used to change from
one power sources to the other automatically. The design comprises some arrangement that senses the
power failure form either of the power sources and drives the electro mechanical switching device
(relay) that is capable of changing two poles (live and neutral) to give out light or be on stand by to
generator side.

Power instability or outage in general does not promote development in the public and private sector.
The investors do not feel secure to come into a country with constant or frequent power failure. These
limit the development of industries. In addition, there are processes that cannot be interrupted because
of their importance for instance, surgery operation in hospitals, transfer of money between banks and
lots more. Power instability and outage in developing countries (Nigeria) creates a need for alternative
sources of power to backup the mains supply.

Automatic changeover switches find a wide application scope wherever the reliability of electrical supply
from the utilities is low and it is used in lighting/motor circuits wherever continuity of supply is
necessary, for switching to an alternative source from main supply and vice versa.

Electronic components such as relay transformer diodes were used thereby making the project less
expensive for the implementation of the project and commercial application.

Moreover, the cost suitability and availability of the required components for the project circuitry were
some of the major factors considered by the designer.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

To design a circuit that will automatically change over from main power supply (PHC) to power
generating set and vice versa, and using a relay control to ON/OFF the generator set with the help of
electro mechanically switching device that is being controlled by electronics component.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The automatic change over switch, the switch aimed at achieving the following automatic actions;

To change power over to generator

To change back to PHC

To change the generator.

The automatic change over unit can be operated in single or three phase system. The automatic change
over switch has the following advantages;

It minimizes damages to lives/equipment since it has its own monitoring system and its switching
requires no human contact with the switch, thus eliminating human error.

It reduces its change over timing to the minimum due to its fast response to power outage.

It maintains high quality of service through its fast and prompt response.

Moreover, the size and captivity of the unit will depend upon the load for which it will be used. The unit
is also portable, easy, convenient and safe to install.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

In every home, office or industries, automatic power changeover plays a vital role, that is, It provides a
means of switching from utility AC mains to generator in the case of power failure; This project has been
improved on the existing types of electromechanical device that has being in use over the years.

In the course of designing this project, different kinds of problem was notice such as:

Difficulty in troubleshooting with circuit without the circuit diagram

Difficulty in connecting the output without short-circuiting, until a multiplexing circuit was gotten.

Difficult in wiring because of the strong wiring the project required.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of this project is to maintain constant supply to the main circuit that is being supplied by
making-up for the time lapse or delay that usually accompanies the manual switching from one source
to another. The design comprises of the power connection circuit and control connection circuit. The
main components to be used include; contactors, relays and timer.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

CHANGEOVER: Generally, a changeover switch is a system which could be operated manually or

automatically , that changes one source of power supply to another source in case of power failure from
either of the two sources.

RELAY: relay is one of the major components used in this work which is an electrical device, typically
incorporating an electromagnet, which is activated by a current or signal in one circuit to open or close
another circuit.

POWER FLUCTUATIONS: is a periodic dip or spikes in the electrical current of any given circuit.

POWER FAILURE: is a short- or long-term loss of the electric power to an area.