Normal power indicator??

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StreamlineGT

StreamlineGT

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I put a GE 200 amp panel with the generator interlock bracket, and he is wondering if there is a way to install some sort of indicator (light) to indicate when normal power has been restored.

For those of you unfamiliar with the setup..

MVC-015F.jpg
 
That's the logical choice, but not sure of it's legality. I know the tap rule, always learned that double tapped lugs are a violation, no matter how small the wire.
 
I would like to do the same thing with my panel. I have been thinking, and procrastinating, about something along the lines of the voltage detectors we use to light an indicator outside the panel. That would beat having to remove the panel cover as I do now. But I have to use generator power so seldom, I never seem to get around to doing something. It would only need to indicate voltage on one of the service conductors.
 
jrclen said:
I would like to do the same thing with my panel. I have been thinking, and procrastinating, about something along the lines of the voltage detectors we use to light an indicator outside the panel. That would beat having to remove the panel cover as I do now. But I have to use generator power so seldom, I never seem to get around to doing something. It would only need to indicate voltage on one of the service conductors.
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What about adding a couple digital panel meters (2 wire Datel panel mount LED voltmeter runs around $55) to display the line voltage? That way you will know if you have a dead phase, undervoltage due to dead phase and your neighbord backfeeding you through their 240v appliances, etc. If I ever get around to installing a b/u gen, im planning on voltmeters on the utility power and generator power, and a frequency meter for the gen. Couple hundred bucks will make you a nice display panel showing you whats going on with your power :)
 
wireguru said:
What about adding a couple digital panel meters (2 wire Datel panel mount LED voltmeter runs around $55) to display the line voltage?
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The question is how to compliantly connect the voltmeter wiring to the incoming utility lines ahead of the main disco.

It would be easy to simply drill a pair of 1/4" holes in the panel front and mount a pair of neon lights, but they still have to hit the supply ahead of the main breaker.
 
About the only legal way I know would be the installation of a second small service rated disconnecting means to power the indicator.

Maybe a 30 amp 2 pole service rated fused disconnect or a service rated two circuit breaker enclosure.

This of course assumes you can find a code compliant way to make the service conductor tap.

Code wise 230.82 will be important.

IMO 250.82(5) is on target.
 
Maybe you could get one of those proximity voltage testers installed in the panel. (The kind that glow when near a power source). It wouldn't actually have to make contact with the service conductors.

Steve
 
steve66 said:
Maybe you could get one of those proximity voltage testers installed in the panel. (The kind that glow when near a power source). It wouldn't actually have to make contact with the service conductors.

Steve
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That's what I am thinking about. I'm not interested in tapping the service entrance conductors ahead of the disconnect. But a proximity device would do the job. That's what I do now, but I have to take the panel cover off. Or the LB cover above the panel.

Hey, how about the display on the new digital meters? Does it go blank on a power outage? We are due to get those meters this coming year. I've seen some showing up already in my area. That might be a good way to check for restored power.
 
jrclen said:
Hey, how about the display on the new digital meters? Does it go blank on a power outage? We are due to get those meters this coming year. I've seen some showing up already in my area. That might be a good way to check for restored power.
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D'pends. How does it connect?
 
StreamlineGT said:
I put a GE 200 amp panel with the generator interlock bracket, and he is wondering if there is a way to install some sort of indicator (light) to indicate when normal power has been restored.

For those of you unfamiliar with the setup..

th_MVC-015F.jpg
Click to expand...
Watch the neighbors house (only works at night)
 
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infinity said:
Maybe you could use some type of Split-Core Adjustable Current Sensors on one of the phase conductors. These are donut style switches that snap around the conductor and close when current flows through them.
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If his mains are turned off because the genset backfed breaker is turned on, then there wouldn't be any *current* to measure on the poco side. He wants to know when the *voltage* returns so that he can flip the breakers back and draw current from the poco. A current sensor wouldn't do him any good in this situation.
 
I have a plan in the works, I'll keep you posted. It's gonna take some small amounts of cash, probably under $100, and some brains, but I think I can do it.
 
jerm said:
If his mains are turned off because the genset backfed breaker is turned on, then there wouldn't be any *current* to measure on the poco side. He wants to know when the *voltage* returns so that he can flip the breakers back and draw current from the poco. A current sensor wouldn't do him any good in this situation.
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A CT wouldn't work, but how about a VT? Assuming they're available in the clamp-on style, you could hook up a neon light to the output and you would be good to go. Even with no current, you'd think there would be some voltage induced into the CT (they sure warn you enough about open circuit danger)

"Instrument transformers are used for measurement and protective application, together with equipment such as meters and relays. Their role in electrical systems is of primary importance as they are a means of "stepping down" the current or voltage of a system to measurable values, such as 5A or 1A in the case of a current transformers or 110V or 100V in the case of a voltage transformer. This offers the advantage that measurement and protective equipment can be standardized on a few values of current and voltage.'
 
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Which section of the Code says you can't put two wires under one lug? I know we can't do that with neutrals (as of 2002) but where are two ungrounded conductors under one lug prohibited? (I don't think I've ever done it, but just can't find it in the Good Book)
 
Lug needs to be listed for more than one wire, regardless of size.

Edit to add: That being said, I have tapped the line side of panel lugs to feed an indicator light for just such occasion. Usually a Radio Shack LED or some similar creature.
 
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360Youth said:
Lug needs to be listed for more than one wire, regardless of size.
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Again, which Section of the Code states this? I'm not arguing with anyone, I just want to know where I find it In The Code.

Edit to add: You hooked up a 1.5v led to 120v mains? Did you see the Magic Smoke?
 
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