Battery powered timer with dry set of contacts.

[synchro]

the ATS is located at the service and the genset is located 250' away. we would simply be breaking the two wire start contacts in the ATS to prevent the generator from starting during the night. the control circuit is on 12 volts and is generator by the battery on board the generator. just need a battery operated timer switch. with a 24 hour clock and a dry set of contacts to make happen.

What brand of generator and ATS is this?
For example, a Generac generator will typically start on its own if the utility AC voltage falls below a threshold level for more than a certain duration. After a warm-up time the controller in the generator will pull wire 23 down from 12VDC to ~0VDC which then causes the ATS to transfer to standby power. If you want to prevent the generator from starting you'd need to run another control wire to the generator for implementing this function (using a relay, etc.).

Hey guys, while we are all figuring out the time issue we are forgetting one problem that it will create. I was told that it is not good practice to start a generator under load, hence why there is a lag between power out generator start, and power back on. How will the restart be addressed, if the transfer switch is still in emergency position, and the generator output breaker is on?

Yes, I believe power from the POCO is usually necessary to move the transfer switch to the utility position. For example, in Generac ATS schematics the utility supply is rectified to provide DC current for the solenoid that switches the ATS to the utility position. So if the utility does not come back online after the generator is shut down, then the ATS will still be in the standby position if the generator comes on.
With a Generac, perhaps a separate contactor in line with the generator output could keep the generator disconnected until the generator pulls wire 23 down near 0VDC (which indicates it's ready to supply power).

 

[Jraef]

TL;DR, but if it hasn't been mentioned, Tork sells time clocks with a "spring wound reserve" that keeps the time clock operating with a loss of power, then when power is restored, it has a little motor that rewinds the reserve. For a 24hr timer, the reserve operates for up to 16 hours, for a 7 day timer, it lasts 24hrs.

 

[garbo]

Looking to see if anyone has a good suggestion for a battery powered time clock with only battery as a source. Preferred to be N3R but can always put in an enclosure. There is no utility or emergency power present.

Years ago our chief electrician purchased some Omron 7 day timer to turn on hot glue guns 20 minutes before scheduled start times. Ran great. We could not find a door to replace battery when it finally died and no mention in manuel but if it lasted 10 years they were happy due to they did cost too much.