23.02.2026
On February 18, Energy Club hosted an online meeting titled “Technologies and Solutions for Community Energy Security.” Amid constant power outages, a fast and safe transition to backup power sources has become a critical necessity. Volodymyr Muzyka, Product Manager for the “Protection and Switching of Electrical Networks” direction at Vector VS, discussed the risks of using outdated manual switches and presented modern Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS).
Volodymyr Muzyka began his presentation by introducing the capabilities of Vector VS — a Ukrainian commercial engineering company that has been operating in the market for 23 years. During this time, the company has gained the trust of over 5,000 clients across Ukraine.
Today, the Vector VS portfolio includes more than 50 brands (primarily of European manufacture), as well as its own equipment lines. Thanks to an extensive network of over 10 representative offices and a large warehouse complex in Kyiv (over 2,000 sq. m), the company is capable of shipping most items on a “same-day” basis.
In addition to logistics, the company places a strong emphasis on technical support:
— All technical documentation (datasheets, manuals) is fully translated and adapted into Ukrainian.
— For the convenience of designers, drawings are provided in DWG (for AutoCAD) and STEP (for 3D modeling) formats.
— Vector VS service engineers work 24/7, promptly assisting clients even on weekends in case of emergencies or non-standard situations.
Moving on to the problematic issues, the expert emphasized that the use of manual transfer switches carries four key threats to enterprises:
1. Dependence on the human factor. Switching to a generator requires the physical presence of an employee, which critically delays the process during nighttime accidents or bad weather.
2. Risk of counter-voltage. An error during manual manipulation can lead to the failure of expensive equipment.
3. System “blindness.” No manual device analyzes the quality of the electrical grid: voltage levels, distortion, imbalance, or phase loss go unnoticed.
4. Maintenance complexity. The need to constantly maintain personnel on-site solely to perform switching tasks.
The response to these challenges was the introduction of automatic transfer switches under the Vector VS private label. This is a ready-made “3-in-1” solution that combines the functions of a switch, a multimeter, and a protection relay.
Key advantages of the presented equipment:
— “Out-of-the-box” readiness and extended warranties. The device comes fully equipped (with handle, partitions, measurement cables, and current transformers). The company provides a 2-year warranty on these devices, whereas the market standard usually does not exceed 1 year. The line is constantly expanding and will soon cover ratings from 40A to 3200A.
— Fast installation. On-site installation takes only a few hours. For example, in the “Sofia Kyivska” residential complex, the system was mounted and powered from an inverter in just 4 hours.
— Deep monitoring and integration. The ATS controls voltage, current, frequency, and power. Thanks to the RS-485 module, the devices easily integrate into dispatching systems (SCADA).
— Fire safety. The system has an integration function with fire alarms: when the sensor is triggered, the switch instantly disconnects the main grid and gives a command to start the backup generator to power fire pumps.
Responding to a question from Energy Club Vice President Artem Martyniuk regarding the use of such systems in everyday life, Volodymyr Muzyka explained the company’s position. Vector VS equipment is primarily oriented toward industry and collective consumers. The expert noted that for individual apartments, it is more appropriate to use simpler solutions, while automation should be installed centrally — for an apartment building, a heating point, or to power elevators. The company deliberately refuses to import cheap modular ATS for private apartments due to the high percentage of defects in the global market, focusing exclusively on reliability and safety.
