Operating a static transfer switch to eliminate transformer inrush current in the presence of residual flux

A method is provided for operating a static transfer switch to eliminate transformer inrush current in the presence of residual flux. The method includes: detecting an interrupt of electric power at an output terminal of the static transfer switch; controlling amplitude of voltage at the output terminal using phase fired control of one or more silicon controlled rectifiers interposed between a voltage source and the output terminal, where the amplitude of voltage is set at a value less than a peak value of the sinusoidal waveform; and increasing the amplitude of voltage at the output terminal incrementally until the amplitude reaches a peak value.