I use alternating relays from macomatic for the start signal. Mainly to balance hours between two generators. Gen A runs, then next time it's Gen B. I'll usually make a control circuit so that if the generator that is called to start, doesn't, the alternate generator starts. The ATS see's voltage at either S1 or S2 terminals and switches to which ever one is energized, so no control circuit there.If the device or inverter that initiates the start command does not have the ability to end with a cool down period (essential for modern diesel gensets) then I'll control the start stop circuit with a time delay relay and contacor. It's a bit complicated but it goes like this: two wire start circuit closes, simultaneously that circuit closes a relay controlling a contactor on the load side of the ATS. Loads are powered. Two wire circuit opens (stop), contactor de energizes (load passed off to inverter while a time delay relay is triggered for off delay in the generator start circuit for cooldown.
On Thu, May 28, 2026 at 7:28 PM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches < [email protected]> wrote: > I have several customers asking about auto switching generators. Typically > I wire up off grid generators with a manual transfer switch to another > generator or a short cord with a male twist lock plug. Both AC output and > two wire auto start need to be switched. > Anyone know of any off the shelf > equipment that can do this? > > John Blittersdorf > > > > On Thu, May 28, 2026 at 4:25 PM Michael Welch via RE-wrenches < > [email protected]> wrote: > >> Hi there. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me off-list. >> >> Message sizes are restricted to 4 megabytes (4,000 kb). That includes >> text and any file attachments. Any larger message will be held by the >> server and sent to me for review. >> >> And a reminder to not post off topic items. >> >> 1. Don't post jokes, thanks, apologies, simple agreements, news items, >> chit-chat, events, politics, marketing, virus info, leads, jobs, items for >> sale, or anything else that is off-topic. >> >> 2. Don't respond on-list to others' off topic posts. >> >> 3. Don't post items that are available for sale or free, but it's OK to >> send them to the RE-Markets list. >> >> 3a. From time to time people post items that they need but are having >> problems locating (like an older model PV module to replace a broken one), >> but these requests should be responded to off-list. And these requests >> should state within them, something like: "if you have one, please contact >> me off list." >> >> 4. If you have a message that is intended for individuals who are on the >> list, like "thanks" or "yes, I have one of those things you are looking >> for," don't send it to the whole list -- just send it to the individuals. >> >> 5. Do not post administrative inquiries, but rather send them to me >> off-list. >> >> 6. Never post leads or job openings of any kind on the list. >> >> Thank-you. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >> >> List Address: [email protected] >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the >> other: >> https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > -- Michael Morningstar Morningstar Electric Inc PO Box 1494 Mount Shasta, CA 96067 530-921-0560 CSLB 1116835 [email protected]
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