Transfer switch/auto start/generator

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Wireman340

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Chico,Ca. U.S.A.
I am installing a transfer switch for a client. The client bought a honda, 7000 w. generator,, and honda sold him the transfer switch. As a client/ non electrician he did not consider an auto start for the generator. Does any body know of a universal auto start that can be wired inline with the transfer switch and generator? I will begin reading the specs on the transfer switch soon, it may have a lead for such an auto start
 
Guessing this is 702 application and it is a residence.

Unless they also sold him ways to shunt trip loads, or the ATS will only pick up a portion of the load via a subpanel, the 7kW gen will not be big enough.
 
Is it even an automatic transfer switch?


The generator in question is smaller than what you typically see arranged to readily work with ATS, and is often a portable generator unit.
 
As Ron points out there is a code issue with using an ATS for a small generator, read 702.4(B)(2).

Roger
 
kwired said:
Is it even an automatic transfer switch?


The generator in question is smaller than what you typically see arranged to readily work with ATS, and is often a portable generator unit.
Click to expand...

Also is it a genset that will start automatically? Without a human to do it?
I know I have to choke mine for a cold start. But a Honda generator is a step or two above my pay grade.... :)
 
qcroanoke said:
Also is it a genset that will start automatically? Without a human to do it?
I know I have to choke mine for a cold start. But a Honda generator is a step or two above my pay grade.... :)
Click to expand...

He asked if there is something that can be added on to automatically start it - which there probably can be. Might be about as well to purchase something already including such features though.
 
kwired said:
He asked if there is something that can be added on to automatically start it - which there probably can be. Might be about as well to purchase something already including such features though.
Click to expand...

So he did. I did not read the question as throughly as I should have.
Thanks for pointing that out. :)
 
Wireman340 said:
I am installing a transfer switch for a client. The client bought a honda, 7000 w. generator,, and honda sold him the transfer switch. As a client/ non electrician he did not consider an auto start for the generator. Does any body know of a universal auto start that can be wired inline with the transfer switch and generator? I will begin reading the specs on the transfer switch soon, it may have a lead for such an auto start
Click to expand...

The issue here is this is a portable genset. I know of no portable generator that has provision for automatic start. Even if you use the Honda Universal transfer switch you will have to manually start the generator.
 
Thank you

Thank you

roger said:
As Ron points out there is a code issue with using an ATS for a small generator, read 702.4(B)(2).

Roger
Click to expand...
… Thank you for your input. FYI- The main panel is a 200 amp with 35 total circuits in use. The ATS allows 10 circuits to be energized, when engaged. Simple solution, wire in the most needed circuits. When power fails, the ATS will reroute circuit paths to only the circuits wired inline with the ATS. My initial question was related to an auto start contact switch, which would consist of a simple single pole/double throw contact,that can be wired inline between the ATS and the generator. Upon researching further, I have found that Magnum Energy Products does indeed manufacture such a switch, it is rated for residential installation type generators, and can be purchased online....This is all good stuff, BUT the client/homeowner has chosen not to have the generator start automatically, and he will have me install a hard wired remote start/stop switch.
 
Wireman340 said:
… Thank you for your input. FYI- The main panel is a 200 amp with 35 total circuits in use. The ATS allows 10 circuits to be energized, when engaged. Simple solution, wire in the most needed circuits. When power fails, the ATS will reroute circuit paths to only the circuits wired inline with the ATS. My initial question was related to an auto start contact switch, which would consist of a simple single pole/double throw contact,that can be wired inline between the ATS and the generator. Upon researching further, I have found that Magnum Energy Products does indeed manufacture such a switch, it is rated for residential installation type generators, and can be purchased online....This is all good stuff, BUT the client/homeowner has chosen not to have the generator start automatically, and he will have me install a hard wired remote start/stop switch.
Click to expand...
Starting the generator isn't as simple as an on/off switch, you need to engage starter, detect it has started then disengage starter, and is a good idea to have some sort of "overcranking" detection scheme should engine not start. Units already having auto start from a simple ATS command have all that designed into their controller.
 
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