Standby Generators

[neilsandiford1]

Hey guys,

Had a friend of the family ask me about Standby generators, he's in an area that gets a lot of black outs.

He has a small 5kw genny there but wants it connecting up to the cu on a changeover switch. I tried a few suppliers for a switch but they don't seem to know what I'm talking about. Does anyone know of any particulars for one?

Also reading a few posts on here I'm aware that I need to install an earth rod near the genny. would this need connecting to the gen or by 16mm to the main earth bar?

Cheers.

 

[Andy™]

change over switch

you will need to take an earth from genny to DB, along with live & neutral.

you will also need to install a rod at genny connected to earth

be aware that many small gennys are IT - you may have to make your own link between neutral and earth to get you a TNS supply

 

[sellers]

I'm supprised they don't know what one is, there quite common.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Distribution_and_Switchgear_Index/Change_Over_Switches/index.html

as for the earthing I'm not entirely sure.

 

[neilsandiford1]

cheers for that, yeh not sure why suppliers got no idea, i asked for a changeover switch but they'd never heard of it. just monkeys at WF i suppose.

Is it ok to use a 63A switch when the main isolator is 80A? or do I need an 80A changeover instead?

 

[Andy™]

you would need one that can take the load. if using the 63A one, supply would need changed to 63A fuse

another problem is you would have to turn off a number of circuits otherwise genny may be overloaded. so another option is to install a second board with essential circuits, and have change over switch only on that

another (more costly) option would be a 2NO2NC contactor, or 2x interlinked contactors, to auto change supply, and possibly switch off genny on mains return

 

[rugbymacc]

i did one last winter

using a briggs and stratton

found instructions and setup easy to understand , Also has built in rcd protection which helps out if customers cu doesn't have 1

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/details.php?cat=Power%20Generators&product=45018

 

[NozSpark]

Katko do a good range of change over switches

Here's one that I've fitted in the past

 

[neilsandiford1]

I do like the look of that briggs and stratton one.

 

[rugbymacc]

I do like the look of that briggs and stratton one.

pdf of fitting instructions

http://www.justgenerators.co.uk/pages/briggs%20generators/BST9200%20M%20Owners%20Manual.pdf

also its clearly marked up... so customer will not be ringing you when the power goes out