A.T.S. Automatic Transfer Switch

ups.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10491592#post10491592 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lakee911
You can't parallel relays to increase the contact amperage. Unless it's specifically designed for paralleling, you'll get one closing a split second faster and cause arcing with extra high load. This can damage the contacts (increases resistance) and eventually cause a fire.

Someone suggested a contactor and that's what should be used. It needs to be rated for load breaking.

Don't share a nuetral. Completely isolate your system from the utility.
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Well yes and now, reason is relays are made to be switching on and off, now if a 1/10 th of a second makes a difference I doubt that, you can always use 2-25 amps fuses at the input of the load side of the relays. A much better choice is like I stated a single 50 Amps relay.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10494335#post10494335 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 0 Agios
Well yes and now, reason is relays are made to be switching on and off, now if a 1/10 th of a second makes a difference I doubt that, you can always use 2-25 amps fuses at the input of the load side of the relays. A much better choice is like I stated a single 50 Amps relay.
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I would advise againt using parallel relays to increase current capacity for any reason. Aside from the slight delays on coil activation causing a current imbalance, a failed coil or contact in one of the relays would spell disaster.

A contactor is multiple sets of contacts driven by a single coil. You COULD use a multiple pole relay and parallel the poles to get the same effect.

Bean
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10493631#post10493631 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
ups.jpg
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What turns on and off the inverter? Or the inverter is on 24/7 ? I would turn on the inverter only at the time of need. I see I also don't have that relay in my diagram :D Let me revise it so that the converter draws only at the time of need, therefore not discharging the battery all the time.:smokin:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10490311#post10490311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 0 Agios
That diagram is totally wrong. I will explain later. :D now I am going to work .....
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The BIG problem with that diagram is it will back feed into the electrical panel.
 
A 3 pole relay could be used to turn off the inverter (I have the schematic, but did not post it for the sake of simplicity). The inverter will be "on" but not passing any current. The output transistors will therefore not be under load and thus not be stressed. This is safe and standard operating mode for most decently designed inverters. There is little or no wasted energy because the inverter is not doing any work.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10494925#post10494925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
A 3 pole relay could be used to turn off the inverter (I have the schematic, but did not post it for the sake of simplicity). The inverter will be "on" but not passing any current. The output transistors will therefore not be under load and thus not be stressed. This is safe and standard operating mode for most decently designed inverters. There is little or no wasted energy because the inverter is not doing any work.
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The only problem with inverters in they have a burden of at least 300ma even if they don't do nothing.
 
Agios,
yes, that 1/10 of a second does make a difference. In fact, a major manufacturer even warns not to as well. (http://relays.tycoelectronics.com/appnotes/app_pdfs/13c3236.pdf) Of course, they've got a good point that your FormC contacts in parallel could make before break. Your inverter probably wouldn't like you very much if this happens.

I'm not sure where you get the 300mA from. It really depends on the inverter. Some are less than 100mA. Could be 1A if it's pretty big. That could, or maybe could not be a big deal.

Using a 3P relay would fix that situation up or you could even drive a seperate relay for control of the inveter. Ideally you'd have an enable input of some sort so you wouldn't have to pass all that current through a relay.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10495209#post10495209 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lakee911
Agios,
yes, that 1/10 of a second does make a difference. In fact, a major manufacturer even warns not to as well. (http://relays.tycoelectronics.com/appnotes/app_pdfs/13c3236.pdf) Of course, they've got a good point that your FormC contacts in parallel could make before break. Your inverter probably wouldn't like you very much if this happens.

I'm not sure where you get the 300mA from. It really depends on the inverter. Some are less than 100mA. Could be 1A if it's pretty big. That could, or maybe could not be a big deal.

Using a 3P relay would fix that situation up or you could even drive a separate relay for control of the inverter. Ideally you'd have an enable input of some sort so you wouldn't have to pass all that current through a relay.
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OK I will agree with that, a 3 pole relay will also do the job, if I have time tomorrow I will do one with a 3 pole relay. The 300ma is typical, different inverters different burden, but enough to keep the battery constantly charging, not too good for the life of the battery.
 
Why not just open the inverter and wire a relay to the inverter switch. Then you don't need a 50 amp or whatever amperage your inverter pulls relay. A 700 watt inverter can draw in excess of 80 amps. I would think a relay to handle that is going to get expensive.

Depending on which inverter you buy some even have remote turn on switches so you don't even have to crack it open.
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10495497#post10495497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsw686
Why not just open the inverter and wire a relay to the inverter switch. Then you don't need a 50 amp or whatever amperage your inverter pulls relay. A 700 watt inverter can draw in excess of 80 amps. I would think a relay to handle that is going to get expensive.

Depending on which inverter you buy some even have remote turn on switches so you don't even have to crack it open.
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I did that to my work vehicle so that when I turn on the car the inverter turns on also. That's a good idea for those that can do it.
 
The Xantrex XPower PowerSource products look nice. They are a UPS but built to run for extended times. Only thing is its a modified sinewave. Most inverters are unless you spend a good amount.

Depending on what you want to run when the power goes out a battery bank of inverters with the ATS might be a better idea. If you only want to run power heads in the tank this could be an excellent solution.

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/204/p/2252/pt/32/product.asp

Office Applications Watts/Runtime
Laptop 25/15h
Inkjet printer 8/55h
Cell phone 5/92h
Wireless modem/router 6/81h
Table lamp 40/9h
Desktop computer 67/5h
17ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ LCD monitor 35/10h

Emergency Power Applications Watts/Runtime
Cordless phone 5/92h
Clock radio 8/55h
13ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ CRT TV 50/7h
13ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ LCD TV 38/10h

http://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-Techn...68-2269707?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1186488216&sr=8-9
 
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