In previous blogs, we have spec’d and described a UPS and a remote start, dual fuel generator for our Poor Man’s Generator System. We only need connection lines and one more hardware component, an ABT (Automatic Bus Transfer) switch, to complete our design.
For less than $50.00, Amazon sells the switch shown above. It has three connections: 1. The normal power line coming in, 2 A line from the new generator, and 3. A line going to the UPS into which your Liberty Cycler is plugged. See the lead graphic. This particular switch has an approximate switch time of 20 seconds.
In other words, You have your Cycler plugged into the UPS, which is in turn plugged into the Load Terminal of the ABT switch. You have your generator output plugged into the Master Terminal on the ABT. And lastly, you have normal wall socket power going to the remaining ABT terminal.
In normal operation, power for the cycler comes in the wall socket, through the ABT to the UPS, and thus to the Cycler. Should power sag or intermittently drop, the UPS will pick up the load independent of the ABT. Should the power drop, using the remote start option of your new generator, turn it on. Until you get your generator up and running, the UPS will keep the Cycler going for up to 30 minutes or so. As soon as the generator comes up to speed and is capable of carrying the load, the ABT will automatically switch over to generator power. Assuming you have set the ABT up so shore power is the primary power source, as soon as the electric company’s power comes back up, the ABT will switch to it. You will have to shut down your new generator then.
Depending on how long your power line runs from the generator to the UPS specs, what size extension cord do you need? For a relatively short run, say up to 50 feet, a cord with size 14 wire should be okay. Think of 12 gauge extension cords for longer runs to preclude too much line loss.
Those who are not “Poor Men” can always opt for the $15,000 plus Generac Whole House system. You have to dig a hole in your yard big enough to bury a 500-gallon propane tank (if you are not on city gas), and pay a professional to hook everything up. But it’s a nice system. For our home, we have a 13kw dual fuel generator that runs into our main breaker box via which we can power most everything in our home should the power go out. But it is a manual system not automatic like the Generac and does not have a remote start such as I spec’d for the above system.
Leave a Reply