At a Glance. The Socomec SIRCO is a manually operated load-break / changeover switch: an operator turns a front handle to open, close or transfer a circuit, and there is no control power or motor to fail. The Socomec ATyS is a motorized transfer switch with the drive integrated in the device — it switches between two sources (mains and generator, or two feeders) on a remote or automatic command, with positive break indication. The rule: infrequent, operator-driven changeover and lowest cost → SIRCO; remote or automatic source transfer for backup power → ATyS.
1. Head-to-Head Specification Table (3P 250 A class)
| Specification | SIRCO 3X250A F (manual) | ATyS r 3X250A F (motorized) |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Manual, front handle (J1 / S2) | Motorized, remote control (RTSE) |
| Motor drive | None | Integrated (replaceable) |
| Switching type | Changeover / load-break | I-0-II transfer, positive break indication |
| Rated current | 250 A | 250 A |
| Rated voltage | 415 VAC / 500 VDC (Ue max 500 V) | 380–690 VAC (Ue max 1000 V) |
| AC-21 / AC-23 at 400 V | 250 A / 250 A | 250 A / 200 A |
| Switching power (400 V) | 140 kW (AC-23) | 1600 kW |
| Short-circuit (Iq) | 50 kA | 50 kA |
| Frame / IP front | B4, IP20, 160×180×75 mm, 1.76 kg | B4, IP20, 160×328×244 mm, 8.93 kg |
| Reversing switch | No | Yes |
| Stock pages | SIRCO 3X250A F / 3X100A F | ATyS r 3X250A F / 3X125A F |
2. The Deciding Factor: Who (or What) Makes the Switch
The SIRCO is a pure manual device: it is delivered without a handle (the J1 direct or S2 external operator is ordered to match the panel door), and someone has to be physically present to change the source. That simplicity is a feature — no control supply, no motor, nothing to burn out, and the lowest installed cost in its class. It is the standard choice for maintenance isolation, manual genset changeover and safety/main switch duty (all rated "Yes" in the catalogue data).
The ATyS r trades that simplicity for automation: the motor drive is inside the device and switches I-0-II between two sources on a remote signal, with positive break indication so the position is unambiguous. When the site is unattended or the transfer must happen in seconds — a hospital, data centre, cold store or remote pump station — a manual switch is not an option; the motorized transfer switch is the answer.
3. Secondary Selection Criteria
- Transition control: if you need automatic transfer on mains failure (start generator, wait, transfer, retransfer), that is the full ATyS automatic range with an external controller — the ATyS r stocked here is the remotely-operated motorized version for sites that command transfer from a PLC or BMS.
- Footprint: the SIRCO is dramatically smaller and lighter (1.76 kg vs 8.93 kg at 250 A) — relevant for retrofit panels where depth is limited.
- Rating headroom: the SIRCO series runs to 3200 A and 5000 A frames; the ATyS r to 3200 A — both cover large LV boards, so the decision stays about operation, not availability.
- Cost of ownership: SIRCO has no wear parts and no supply; ATyS adds a replaceable motor and needs a control supply — budget for that on unattended sites.
4. Selection Summary
| Your situation | Recommended device |
|---|---|
| Operator-present manual changeover / maintenance isolation | SIRCO |
| Unattended site, remote or automatic source transfer | ATyS r |
| Genset backup with automatic start/retransfer logic | ATyS automatic range (controller) + ATyS r switch |
| Tight retrofit panel, minimal depth and weight | SIRCO |
| Reversing / motor-reversing duty | ATyS r |
5. Replacement and Cross-Reference
Typical replacement patterns:
- SIRCO VM2 → SIRCO: the catalogue data lists the former designation — for example SIRCO VM2 3X250A F corresponds to the current SIRCO 3X250A F. Match poles, current and front/rear operation.
- Legacy motorized changeover switches → ATyS r: confirm switching type (I-0-II), the number of poles and the control voltage; the ATyS r covers the standard 3-pole and 4-pole motorized class.
Send Glorient the old switch model and the application (manual vs automatic transfer) and we will confirm the closest in-stock Socomec equivalent within one business day.
6. FAQ
Is the SIRCO suitable as a safety or emergency switch?
Yes — the catalogue data marks the SIRCO as suitable for main, maintenance, safety and emergency-stop duty, and it is interlockable. Verify the exact emergency function against your local regulation before specifying.
Does the ATyS r transfer automatically on power failure?
The ATyS r is the remotely-operated version — it switches I-0-II on an external command. For fully automatic mains-failure transfer with generator start and retransfer, the ATyS automatic range with its controller is the correct device; we can supply it on request.
Why does the SIRCO have no handle?
Socomec ships the switch without the operating handle so each panel can fit the direct (J1) or external (S2) operator that matches the door. Order the handle type at the same time as the switch.
Need a quote? Browse in-stock Socomec power solutions — SIRCO load-break switches, ATyS transfer switches, UPS and switchgear — or send your board schedule for a same-week quotation.