Re: [RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 9, Issue 129

[Jordan Solar Sales]

For off-grid generators I have found that the Onan propane RV units like
model #HGJAB are a great unit. (Onan is owned by Cummins, same units as
Cummins Commercial series I believe) These are only 6500 watt units but
they are low RPM, very quiet, fuel efficient, and start great in cold
temps. (the 5500 watt model is the same unit but runs lower rpm=lower
power) they do need an external battery and charger (and battery cables...)
and you have to build a stand to set them on.

We sometimes have to "oversize" generators just so the customer can run
large loads while the batteries are charging, which leads to the need for
the 10kw (or bigger) generators. I have not found a good option for these
either. In my opinion, these big gennys are very inefficient at battery
charging, cost a lot, are hard to start, difficult to service/replace, and
come with all the electronics issues mentioned earlier. I find if I can
educate the customer to wait to run big loads until after the initial bulk
charge cycle they can often get by on the 6500 watt unit and they are
happier in the long run. If I can't win on this, I try to get them buy
their own genny so it is their problem!

I wish we had a decent AC coupled generator option!

Travis Jordan
tra...@jordansolar.net
tra...@mtsolar.us
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

[Solar]

So an AC disconnect in the inverter output between the inverter and panel or 
utility disconnect if required doesn't work for him or her? The locking 
provision is always in place on a standard AC disconnect. 

Jesse Dahl

NABCEP PV Installation Professional
IBEW Local 292 - Electrician 
Electrical/Solar PV Instructor - HCC

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 28, 2016, at 5:58 PM, jay  wrote:
> 
> HI August,
> 
> I guess my question is.  
> Are they asking for a lockout AC disconnect on a AC circuit IE from the AC 
> panel?
> or
> are they asking for a lockout from the inverter AC at the inverter?
> 
> thanks
> jay
> 
> peltz power
> 
> 
>> On Apr 28, 2016, at 3:11 PM, August Goers  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Wrenches,
>>  
>> We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a lockable AC 
>> disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he 
>> wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little 
>> NEC background info:
>>  
>> 2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device
>> The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a 
>> manually or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the 
>> following features:
>> (1)Located where readily accessible
>> (2)Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with 
>> live parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand in 
>> the event of a power-supply failure
>> (3)Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position
>> (4)Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault 
>> current to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both 
>> sides, a marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the 
>> disconnect equipment might be energized.
>> Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment, 
>> including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from 
>> both directions. See 240.40.
>> (5)Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit
>> (6)Capable of being locked in the open (off) position
>>  
>> NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means:
>> Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in 
>> this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The 
>> provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock 
>> installed. 
>>  
>> Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with 
>> 705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one shown 
>> for Square D:
>>  
>> http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf
>>  
>> Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock 
>> attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old types 
>> of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is requiring 
>> that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the time of 
>> our inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues?
>>  
>> Best,
>>  
>> August
>> Luminalt
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Roy Rakobitsch]

Does the generator need to feed an inverter /charger input? In other words,
does it need to provide AC/60hz?

If it can be a DC genset (which is usually easier on the system) check out
Polar Power.  http://www.polarpower.com/


Roy Rakobitsch
NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer®
Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue
Wind/PV Design Engineer
Windsine LLC
631-514-4166
www.windsine.org




On Thu, Apr 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM, jerrysgarage01 
wrote:

> Have you looked at Cummins,  we have have great luck and no programming
> issues but battery charging needs to be added foroff grid
> Jerry
>
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
>  Original message 
> From: Ray Walters
> Date:04/28/2016 7:28 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?
>
> FYI,  generally we haven't had cold start issues with propane units, as
> long as the pipe is sized properly ( as mentioned in another recent post)
> and the starter battery is kept fully charged.
> This is based on about 20 years experience in the Rockies with temps below
> 0, but not 40 below.  We don't use block heaters, carb heaters, etc.
> We currently have been using Generac Ecogen, but not that happy with them.
> Cheap air cooled motor, way too many computer gizmos, no on board charging
> (must have AC power or PV to charge the starting battery)  We even had to
> call customer service to get an authorization code to set up remote start.
> This is off grid with no internet or cell service; ridiculous.  I hope
> Generac reps are lurking here, because these are really not much better
> than the crop of stand by generators.
>  IMO  no off grid generator should have a phantom load, or require cell
> service to commission.  What happened to the old water cooled Kohlers?
>
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760
>
> On 4/28/2016 11:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez wrote:
>
> Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana
> 12.5 kW w Subaru
>
> Jeremy Rodriguez
> Solar Installation And Design Expert
> All Solar, Inc.
> 1463 M St
> Penrose Colorado 81240
>
> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
>
> On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky < 
> l...@nunatakenergy.com> wrote:
>
> I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid
> propane generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6
> yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.
>
> We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and
> we run into 2 main problem areas:
>
> First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid
> use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1
> year).
>
> Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the
> "off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather
> kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start,
> but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on
> all the time from Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the
> Kohler tech support it takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do
> battery charge only during the day, and have the carb heater on a manual
> switch, but it sounds like we can't really get at these circuits anymore
> since they're all pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset
> computer.
>
> The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA
> considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are
> held to tougher emissions standards.
>
> Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these
> days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES
> from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going
> back to the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how
> are cold climate folks dealing with the heating issue?
>
> Any suggestions appreciated!
>
> Lena Wilensky
>
> www.nunatakenergy.com
> 970-642-5554
> NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
> Cert. #R02907-17
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

[Jerry Shafer]

I cant say l have seen a single phase delta, open delta, use two of the
three legs but not on pumps, can someone explain,  what am l missing as the
term delta is three points
Jerry
On Apr 28, 2016 3:50 PM, "Jay"  wrote:

Great inverter but this is single phase.
Jay

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 28, 2016, at 3:10 PM, jerrysgarage01 
wrote:

What about an SMA Tri Power inverter
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: Chris Mason
Date:04/28/2016 8:52 AM (GMT-10:00)
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

You will use a 240:480v step up transformer
On Apr 28, 2016 14:17, "jay"  wrote:

> HI All,
>
> I have a question from a person wanting to do a intertie on a commercial
> water pumping site with
>
> 480v single phase delta configuration.
>
> PV will be in the 10kw range.
>
> Anybody have an idea of what equipment will work for this?
>
>
>
> thanks
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

[jay]

HI August,

I guess my question is.  
Are they asking for a lockout AC disconnect on a AC circuit IE from the AC 
panel?
or
are they asking for a lockout from the inverter AC at the inverter?

thanks
jay

peltz power


> On Apr 28, 2016, at 3:11 PM, August Goers  wrote:
> 
> Hi Wrenches,
>  
> We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a lockable AC 
> disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he 
> wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little NEC 
> background info:
>  
> 2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device
> The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a manually 
> or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the following 
> features:
> (1)Located where readily accessible
> (2)Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with live 
> parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand in the 
> event of a power-supply failure
> (3)Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position
> (4)Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault 
> current to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both 
> sides, a marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the 
> disconnect equipment might be energized.
> Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment, 
> including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from both 
> directions. See 240.40.
> (5)Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit
> (6)Capable of being locked in the open (off) position
>  
> NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means:
> Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in this 
> Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The 
> provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock 
> installed. 
>  
> Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with 
> 705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one shown 
> for Square D:
>  
> http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf
>  
> 
>  
> Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock 
> attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old types 
> of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is requiring 
> that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the time of our 
> inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues?
>  
> Best,
>  
> August
> Luminalt
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

[William Miller]

August:



You might make the case that a standard load center is externally operable
(external as in outside the dead-front) and is lockable (with a lockout
kit).



Sounds like another renegade building official.  Good luck.



William





[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *August Goers
*Sent:* Thursday, April 28, 2016 3:11 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of
being locked



Hi Wrenches,



We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a *lockable* AC
disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he
wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little
NEC background info:



2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device

The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a
manually or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the
following features:

Located where readily accessible

Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with live
parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand in the
event of a power-supply failure

Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position

Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault current
to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both sides, a
marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the disconnect
equipment might be energized.

*Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment,
including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from
both directions. See 240.40.*

Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit

Capable of being locked in the open (off) position



NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means:

Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in
this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The
provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock
installed.



Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with
705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one
shown for Square D:



http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf



Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock
attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old
types of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is
requiring that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the
time of our inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues?



Best,



August

Luminalt
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

[Jay]

Great inverter but this is single phase. 
Jay

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 28, 2016, at 3:10 PM, jerrysgarage01  wrote:
> 
> What about an SMA Tri Power inverter
> Jerry
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> 
>  Original message 
> From: Chris Mason
> Date:04/28/2016 8:52 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta
> 
> You will use a 240:480v step up transformer
> 
>> On Apr 28, 2016 14:17, "jay"  wrote:
>> HI All,
>> 
>> I have a question from a person wanting to do a intertie on a commercial 
>> water pumping site with
>> 
>> 480v single phase delta configuration.
>> 
>> PV will be in the 10kw range.
>> 
>> Anybody have an idea of what equipment will work for this?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> thanks
>> 
>> jay
>> 
>> peltz power
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Dana Solar work]

Onan smallest is 20kw for 1800 rpm & water cool

Dana Orzel 2087217003
"Follow the flow of your internal river, acknowledging the put-ons & put-outs."

On Apr 28, 2016, at 5:15 PM, Ray Walters  wrote:

I haven't seen anything from them that looks like what we're after  We'd be 
looking for 10kW to 15 kW  water cooled 1800 rpm. Propane fired.
Everyone makes models in the 30kW + range that fit the bill, but most off grid 
systems don't need anything that big.
Do you have a model that I should be looking at?

Thanks,
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
> On 4/28/2016 5:00 PM, jerrysgarage01 wrote:
> Have you looked at Cummins,  we have have great luck and no programming 
> issues but battery charging needs to be added foroff grid
> Jerry
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> 
>  Original message 
> From: Ray Walters
> Date:04/28/2016 7:28 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?
> 
> FYI,  generally we haven't had cold start issues with propane units, as long 
> as the pipe is sized properly ( as mentioned in another recent post) and the 
> starter battery is kept fully charged.
> This is based on about 20 years experience in the Rockies with temps below 0, 
> but not 40 below.  We don't use block heaters, carb heaters, etc.
> We currently have been using Generac Ecogen, but not that happy with them. 
> Cheap air cooled motor, way too many computer gizmos, no on board charging 
> (must have AC power or PV to charge the starting battery)  We even had to 
> call customer service to get an authorization code to set up remote start.  
> This is off grid with   no internet or cell service; ridiculous.  I hope 
> Generac reps are lurking here, because these are really not much better than 
> the crop of stand by generators.
>  IMO  no off grid generator should have a phantom load, or require cell 
> service to commission.  What happened to the old water cooled Kohlers?
> 
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760
>> On 4/28/2016 11:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez wrote:
>> Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana 
>> 12.5 kW w Subaru 
>> 
>> Jeremy Rodriguez 
>> Solar Installation And Design Expert 
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1463 M St
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>> 
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
>> 
>> On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky  wrote:
>> 
>>> I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid 
>>> propane generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 
>>> yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.
>>> 
>>> We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and 
>>> we run into 2 main problem areas:
>>> 
>>> First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid 
>>> use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 
>>> year).
>>> 
>>> Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the 
>>> "off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather 
>>> kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, 
>>> but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on 
>>> all the time from Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the 
>>> Kohler tech support it takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do 
>>> battery charge only during the day, and have the carb heater on a manual 
>>> switch, but it sounds like we can't really get at these circuits anymore 
>>> since they're all pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset 
>>> computer.
>>> 
>>> The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA 
>>> considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are 
>>> held to tougher emissions standards.
>>> 
>>> Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these 
>>> days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES 
>>> from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going 
>>> back to the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how 
>>> are cold climate folks dealing with the heating issue?
>>> 
>>> Any suggestions appreciated!
>>> 
>>> Lena Wilensky
>>> 
>>> www.nunatakenergy.com
>>> 970-642-5554
>>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
>>> Cert. #R02907-17
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>> 
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>>> 
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>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>> 
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>>> 

Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

[Chris Mason]

The Tripower is 3 phase
On Apr 28, 2016 18:11, "jerrysgarage01"  wrote:

> What about an SMA Tri Power inverter
> Jerry
>
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
>  Original message 
> From: Chris Mason
> Date:04/28/2016 8:52 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta
>
> You will use a 240:480v step up transformer
> On Apr 28, 2016 14:17, "jay"  wrote:
>
>> HI All,
>>
>> I have a question from a person wanting to do a intertie on a commercial
>> water pumping site with
>>
>> 480v single phase delta configuration.
>>
>> PV will be in the 10kw range.
>>
>> Anybody have an idea of what equipment will work for this?
>>
>>
>>
>> thanks
>>
>> jay
>>
>> peltz power
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[RE Ellison]

I have a customer with a Perkins from Hardy Diesel in an insulated building 
with a wall mount propane heater

Constant propane use most of the winter but it keeps a small building warm enuf 
that starting the generator is not a problem it happens to be a diesel

That made more sense for his installation then block heaters and all the rest 
of that

Plus the inverters and the battery bank are in a nice comfortable room

This one happens to be a 16 kW with a Perkins power plant

Bob

> On Apr 28, 2016, at 7:00 PM, jerrysgarage01  wrote:
> 
> Have you looked at Cummins,  we have have great luck and no programming 
> issues but battery charging needs to be added foroff grid
> Jerry
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> 
>  Original message 
> From: Ray Walters
> Date:04/28/2016 7:28 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?
> 
> FYI,  generally we haven't had cold start issues with propane units, as long 
> as the pipe is sized properly ( as mentioned in another recent post) and the 
> starter battery is kept fully charged.
> This is based on about 20 years experience in the Rockies with temps below 0, 
> but not 40 below.  We don't use block heaters, carb heaters, etc.
> We currently have been using Generac Ecogen, but not that happy with them. 
> Cheap air cooled motor, way too many computer gizmos, no on board charging 
> (must have AC power or PV to charge the starting battery)  We even had to 
> call customer service to get an authorization code to set up remote start.  
> This is off grid with no internet or cell service; ridiculous.  I hope 
> Generac reps are lurking here, because these are really not much better than 
> the crop of stand by generators.
>  IMO  no off grid generator should have a phantom load, or require cell 
> service to commission.  What happened to the old water cooled Kohlers?
> 
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760
>> On 4/28/2016 11:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez wrote:
>> Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana 
>> 12.5 kW w Subaru 
>> 
>> Jeremy Rodriguez 
>> Solar Installation And Design Expert 
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1463 M St
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>> 
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
>> 
>> On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky  wrote:
>> 
>>> I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid 
>>> propane generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 
>>> yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.
>>> 
>>> We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and 
>>> we run into 2 main problem areas:
>>> 
>>> First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid 
>>> use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 
>>> year).
>>> 
>>> Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the 
>>> "off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather 
>>> kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, 
>>> but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on 
>>> all the time from Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the 
>>> Kohler tech support it takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do 
>>> battery charge only during the day, and have the carb heater on a manual 
>>> switch, but it sounds like we can't really get at these circuits anymore 
>>> since they're all pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset 
>>> computer.
>>> 
>>> The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA 
>>> considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are 
>>> held to tougher emissions standards.
>>> 
>>> Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these 
>>> days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES 
>>> from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going 
>>> back to the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how 
>>> are cold climate folks dealing with the heating issue?
>>> 
>>> Any suggestions appreciated!
>>> 
>>> Lena Wilensky
>>> 
>>> www.nunatakenergy.com
>>> 970-642-5554
>>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
>>> Cert. #R02907-17
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>> 
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
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>>> 
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>>> 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Ray Walters]

I haven't seen anything from them that looks like what we're after We'd 
be looking for 10kW to 15 kW  water cooled 1800 rpm. Propane fired.
Everyone makes models in the 30kW + range that fit the bill, but most 
off grid systems don't need anything that big.

Do you have a model that I should be looking at?

Thanks,

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 4/28/2016 5:00 PM, jerrysgarage01 wrote:
Have you looked at Cummins,  we have have great luck and no 
programming issues but battery charging needs to be added foroff grid

Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: Ray Walters
Date:04/28/2016 7:28 AM (GMT-10:00)
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

FYI,  generally we haven't had cold start issues with propane units, 
as long as the pipe is sized properly ( as mentioned in another recent 
post) and the starter battery is kept fully charged.
This is based on about 20 years experience in the Rockies with temps 
below 0, but not 40 below.  We don't use block heaters, carb heaters, etc.
We currently have been using Generac Ecogen, but not that happy with 
them. Cheap air cooled motor, way too many computer gizmos, no on 
board charging (must have AC power or PV to charge the starting 
battery)  We even had to call customer service to get an authorization 
code to set up remote start.  This is off grid with no internet or 
cell service; ridiculous.  I hope Generac reps are lurking here, 
because these are really not much better than the crop of stand by 
generators.
 IMO  no off grid generator should have a phantom load, or require 
cell service to commission.  What happened to the old water cooled 
Kohlers?


R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/28/2016 11:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez wrote:

Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana
12.5 kW w Subaru

Jeremy Rodriguez
Solar Installation And Design Expert
All Solar, Inc.
1463 M St
Penrose Colorado 81240

Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky  
wrote:


I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for 
off-grid propane generators these days, but all the threads I found 
were from 5-6 yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.


We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at 
altitude), and we run into 2 main problem areas:


First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for 
off-grid use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty 
is short (1 year).


Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the 
"off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold 
weather kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to 
actually start, but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a 
thermostat (read: "on all the time from Nov-April" here in the 
mountains).  According to the Kohler tech support it takes a steady 
50W. We have set up older units to do battery charge only during the 
day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it sounds like 
we can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all 
pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.


The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to 
EPA considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, 
so they are held to tougher emissions standards.


Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing 
these days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for 
off-grid? 12RES from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  
Have folks been going back to the smaller gas units from Honda and 
running them more?  And how are cold climate folks dealing with the 
heating issue?


Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky

www.nunatakenergy.com 
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[jerrysgarage01]

Have you looked at Cummins,  we have have great luck and no programming issues 
but battery charging needs to be added foroff grid
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message From: Ray Walters 
 Date:04/28/2016  7:28 AM  (GMT-10:00) 
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update? 
FYI,  generally we haven't had cold start issues with propane units, as 
long as the pipe is sized properly ( as mentioned in another recent post) and 
the starter battery is kept fully charged.
This is based on about 20 years experience in the Rockies with temps below 0, 
but not 40 below.  We don't use block heaters, carb heaters, etc.
We currently have been using Generac Ecogen, but not that happy with them. 
Cheap air cooled motor, way too many computer gizmos, no on board charging 
(must have AC power or PV to charge the starting battery)  We even had to call 
customer service to get an authorization code to set up remote start.  This is 
off grid with no internet or cell service; ridiculous.  I hope Generac reps are 
lurking here, because these are really not much better than the crop of stand 
by generators.
 IMO  no off grid generator should have a phantom load, or require cell service 
to commission.  What happened to the old water cooled Kohlers?

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/28/2016 11:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez wrote:
Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana 
12.5 kW w Subaru 

Jeremy Rodriguez 
Solar Installation And Design Expert 
All Solar, Inc.
1463 M St
Penrose Colorado 81240

Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky  wrote:

I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid propane 
generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 yrs ago, so I 
was hoping to get some more current info.

We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and we 
run into 2 main problem areas:

First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid use, 
or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 year).

Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the "off-grid" 
units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather kit" aka carb 
heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, but also for 
warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on all the time from 
Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the Kohler tech support it 
takes a steady   50W. We have set up older units to do battery 
charge only during the day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it 
sounds like we can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all 
pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.

The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA 
considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are held 
to tougher emissions standards.

Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these days 
- still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES from 
Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going back to 
the smaller gas units from Honda and running them   more?  And how 
are cold climate folks dealing with the heating issue?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky

www.nunatakenergy.com
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17

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List rules 

[RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

[August Goers]

Hi Wrenches,



We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a *lockable* AC
disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he
wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little
NEC background info:



2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device

The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a
manually or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the
following features:

(1)Located where readily accessible

(2)Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with
live parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand
in the event of a power-supply failure

(3)Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position

(4)Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault
current to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both
sides, a marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the
disconnect equipment might be energized.

*Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment,
including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from
both directions. See 240.40.*

(5)Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit

(6)Capable of being locked in the open (off) position



NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means:

Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in
this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The
provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock
installed.



Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with
705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one
shown for Square D:



http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf



Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock
attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old
types of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is
requiring that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the
time of our inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues?



Best,



August

Luminalt
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

[jerrysgarage01]

What about an SMA Tri Power inverter
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message From: Chris Mason 
 Date:04/28/2016  8:52 AM  (GMT-10:00) 
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta 
You will use a 240:480v step up transformer

On Apr 28, 2016 14:17, "jay"  wrote:
HI All,

I have a question from a person wanting to do a intertie on a commercial water 
pumping site with

480v single phase delta configuration.

PV will be in the 10kw range.

Anybody have an idea of what equipment will work for this?



thanks

jay

peltz power
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

[Chris Mason]

You will use a 240:480v step up transformer
On Apr 28, 2016 14:17, "jay"  wrote:

> HI All,
>
> I have a question from a person wanting to do a intertie on a commercial
> water pumping site with
>
> 480v single phase delta configuration.
>
> PV will be in the 10kw range.
>
> Anybody have an idea of what equipment will work for this?
>
>
>
> thanks
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
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>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Dana]

For the heater on the intake pipe issue we only run the heater off the 
generator output to keep the intake breather from icing up while running. You 
may need to a bit of rewiring.

 

Have you looked at SW products [They bought Hardy Diesel] T - 480 625 5195?

 

They still have 12KW water cooled with Ford engines.

 



Dana Orzel 

Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136

E - d...@solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com 

O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Lena Wilensky
Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 10:19 AM
To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

 

I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid propane 
generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 yrs ago, so I 
was hoping to get some more current info.

 

We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and we 
run into 2 main problem areas:

 

First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid use, 
or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 year).

 

Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the "off-grid" 
units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather kit" aka carb 
heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, but also for 
warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on all the time from 
Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the Kohler tech support it 
takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do battery charge only during 
the day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it sounds like we 
can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all pre-configured and 
pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.

 

The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA 
considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are held 
to tougher emissions standards.

 

Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these days 
- still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES from 
Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going back to 
the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how are cold 
climate folks dealing with the heating issue?

 

Any suggestions appreciated!




Lena Wilensky
  

 
www.nunatakenergy.com
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17
  

 

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[RE-wrenches] 480 single phase delta

[jay]

HI All,

I have a question from a person wanting to do a intertie on a commercial water 
pumping site with 

480v single phase delta configuration.

PV will be in the 10kw range.

Anybody have an idea of what equipment will work for this?



thanks

jay

peltz power
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[RE-wrenches] Siemens P4JF 75 watt PV module spec sheet

[Dana]

Hey All,

 

I have an out of state client with Siemens P4JF 75 watt PV modules and am
looking for a spec sheet. I did a search on the internet and did not come up
with a hit.

 

Does anyone have a copy of this spec sheet or a suggestion?

 



Dana Orzel 

Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136

E - d...@solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com 

O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Ray Walters]

FYI,  generally we haven't had cold start issues with propane units, as 
long as the pipe is sized properly ( as mentioned in another recent 
post) and the starter battery is kept fully charged.
This is based on about 20 years experience in the Rockies with temps 
below 0, but not 40 below.  We don't use block heaters, carb heaters, etc.
We currently have been using Generac Ecogen, but not that happy with 
them. Cheap air cooled motor, way too many computer gizmos, no on board 
charging (must have AC power or PV to charge the starting battery)  We 
even had to call customer service to get an authorization code to set up 
remote start.  This is off grid with no internet or cell service; 
ridiculous.  I hope Generac reps are lurking here, because these are 
really not much better than the crop of stand by generators.
 IMO  no off grid generator should have a phantom load, or require cell 
service to commission.  What happened to the old water cooled Kohlers?


R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 4/28/2016 11:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez wrote:

Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana
12.5 kW w Subaru

Jeremy Rodriguez
Solar Installation And Design Expert
All Solar, Inc.
1463 M St
Penrose Colorado 81240

Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky > wrote:


I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid 
propane generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 
5-6 yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.


We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at 
altitude), and we run into 2 main problem areas:


First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for 
off-grid use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty 
is short (1 year).


Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the 
"off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold 
weather kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to 
actually start, but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a 
thermostat (read: "on all the time from Nov-April" here in the 
mountains). According to the Kohler tech support it takes a steady 
50W. We have set up older units to do battery charge only during the 
day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it sounds like 
we can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all 
pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.


The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to 
EPA considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so 
they are held to tougher emissions standards.


Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing 
these days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for 
off-grid? 12RES from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  
Have folks been going back to the smaller gas units from Honda and 
running them more?  And how are cold climate folks dealing with the 
heating issue?


Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky

www.nunatakenergy.com 
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Jeremy Rodriguez]

Check out Gillette generators. Made in Indiana
12.5 kW w Subaru

Jeremy Rodriguez
Solar Installation And Design Expert
All Solar, Inc.
1463 M St
Penrose Colorado 81240

Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

On Apr 28, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Lena Wilensky 
> wrote:

I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid propane 
generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 yrs ago, so I 
was hoping to get some more current info.

We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and we 
run into 2 main problem areas:

First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid use, 
or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 year).

Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the "off-grid" 
units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather kit" aka carb 
heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, but also for 
warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on all the time from 
Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the Kohler tech support it 
takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do battery charge only during 
the day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it sounds like we 
can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all pre-configured and 
pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.

The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA 
considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are held 
to tougher emissions standards.

Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these days 
- still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES from 
Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going back to 
the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how are cold 
climate folks dealing with the heating issue?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky
[http://static.squarespace.com/static/52f26626e4b049d9fe1f4f70/t/52fd4d40e4b0c0844a0eb2de/1393270590052/?format=1500w]
www.nunatakenergy.com
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17
[http://static.squarespace.com/static/52f26626e4b049d9fe1f4f70/53067822e4b0822d0c7053a4/53067827e4b0ec57163c45c5/1392932911551/NABCEP%20PV%20Seal%20Lena.jpg?format=300w]
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Kevin Pegg]

Hi Lena,

You might want to give these folks a call, they may have a unit that could work 
for you.
https://www.gillettegenerators.com/products/1/SPS-120#

We are currently installing a 40 kW propane generator that we had Gillette 
custom build for us for off-grid. Propane powered block heater, minimal phantom 
loads, etc. Won't know until this winter how well it works. They were good to 
work with, and even when the client changed fuel from CNG to LPG moments before 
the crated unit was ready to ship, they were able to make changes.

That all being said, I'd rather work with diesels for off-grid. Engine will 
cost 2x to buy but 1/2 to run.

Kevin

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Lena Wilensky
Sent: April-28-16 9:19 AM
To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid propane 
generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 yrs ago, so I 
was hoping to get some more current info.

We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and we 
run into 2 main problem areas:

First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid use, 
or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 year).

Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the "off-grid" 
units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather kit" aka carb 
heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, but also for 
warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on all the time from 
Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the Kohler tech support it 
takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do battery charge only during 
the day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it sounds like we 
can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all pre-configured and 
pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.

The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA 
considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are held 
to tougher emissions standards.

Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these days 
- still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES from 
Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going back to 
the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how are cold 
climate folks dealing with the heating issue?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky
[http://static.squarespace.com/static/52f26626e4b049d9fe1f4f70/t/52fd4d40e4b0c0844a0eb2de/1393270590052/?format=1500w]
www.nunatakenergy.com
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17
[http://static.squarespace.com/static/52f26626e4b049d9fe1f4f70/53067822e4b0822d0c7053a4/53067827e4b0ec57163c45c5/1392932911551/NABCEP%20PV%20Seal%20Lena.jpg?format=300w]
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[RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Lena Wilensky]

I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid
propane generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6
yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.

We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and
we run into 2 main problem areas:

First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid
use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1
year).

Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the
"off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather
kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start,
but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on
all the time from Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the
Kohler tech support it takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do
battery charge only during the day, and have the carb heater on a manual
switch, but it sounds like we can't really get at these circuits anymore
since they're all pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset
computer.

The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA
considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are
held to tougher emissions standards.

Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these
days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES
from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going
back to the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how
are cold climate folks dealing with the heating issue?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky

www.nunatakenergy.com
970-642-5554
NABCEP Certified PV Installer:
Cert. #R02907-17
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Re: [RE-wrenches] time delay relay

[Drake]

A simple solution that I've used is to utilize an 
off-the-shelf lighting timer. You can get an 
inexpensive unit that plugs into an outlet. Take 
the 120 V AC output and use it to trigger a 120 
volt coil relay. Depending on your signal 
voltage, this may work. You can set delays by 
using the adjustments on the timer.


At 05:47 PM 4/27/2016, you wrote:

Hello Wrenches,

I need a relay with off delay timer to control a 
battery charger and I’m having difficulty 
finding the type. The sequence I need is as follows:

   * Power or trigger on, relay closes.
   * Power or trigger off, relay opens and starts delay timer.
   * Power or trigger on, relay closes after timer has finished.

Does anyone know what this type is called or any other help?

Thank you,

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems

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