generator solution

Mar 24, 2010 4 Replies

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Jon 16 years ago

The Main is made up of 4 separate switches bound together with a rod so all of them go on/off at once.

When the Main goes off, I need a mechanism that will connect the generator into the circuits. I actually need to turn on the generator breaker when the other 4 n.c. Main switches go off.

The motion of turning the Mains off/on should be translated to turning on/off the generator breaker. This is a mechanical problem. Pivots and levers.

Why are there 4 switches for the Main?

It would be nice if only 2 were needed. Then I could flip the other 2 up-side-down, tie the switches together with the rod and be set to go.

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Tim Watts 16 years ago

Jon wibbled on Wednesday 24 March 2010 00:26

I'm looking forward to seeing this on

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This level of "innovation" is hardly suitable in a high energy system or in any system where safety matters, but you'll just ignore this like every other bit of sound advice you've every had.

That would ensure a predictable and consistent break before make action wouldn't it?

If I were you I'd stick to the maths.

*sigh*

Tim Watts Managers, politicians and environmentalists: Nature's carbon buffer.

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Martin Brown 16 years ago

Look at it this way - there will be no shortage of expert witnesses from s.e.d willing to testify against him for a manslaughter charge. Assuming that is he survives his attempts to install this abortion.

Regards, Martin Brown

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PeterD 16 years ago

Geeze, I'm thinking

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is more likely.

I'm of the conviction that he's a troll anyway, and won't do anything at all, good or bad.

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mpm 16 years ago

You need a transfer switch. (Manual or automatic) Automatic switches are more money, obviously. Either type will break all connections before making the other (utility / genset)

As for 4 switches, it depends on what you have. If for residential use, and you have a 4-pole switch, you can leave one of the pole unconnected. Most inspectors will pass this.

Single Phase Switches:

2 poles 3 wire - The switch is single phase 3 wire, with the 3rd wire being a neutral.

Three Phase Switches:

3 poles 3 wire - The switch is three phase 3 wire, with no neutral. 3 poles 4 wire - The switch is three phase 4 wire, with a neutral. 4 poles 4 wire - The switch is three phase 4 wire, with either a switched neutral or overlapping neutral.

Hope this helps! Don't kill yourself, or others.

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