Renewable Energy Questions/Discussion > Wiring and Code discussion

Generator change over switch

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Pete:
Hi again Noneya. I had a friend who wanted to fit a generator changeover switch to his house. He tried to buy a switch from the local wholesalers. They claimed ignorance and then came up with a switch that was going to cost $500 plus.
He was going to get a mate who was a  to fit it. In the end I just suggested that he run the water pumps etc in a blackout with a lead and power board.
I never had the occasion where a client wanted one fitted so never did that. Also I have lived on stand alone power myself for 40 odd years so have a simple system that does not require all that rigmarole.
I believe that the rules being kept secret are so that the industry insiders get to make money. Of course there are always people who believe in their own skills and thinking too much and would create dangerous situations if they did the work themselves. Unfortunately many of them do anyway. I have come across plenty of dodgy wiring during my time as a contractor. Fortunately now I am retired.
Pete

ClockmanFrance:
Each Country has its own particular codes.

I use rotary change over switches with a centre position as OFF. So we break to a positive OFF then we make.

All my switches are 2 pole minimum as the neutral and the positive are switched.

Earthing is difficult as each country uses differing techniques. Here in France we still use a 1.5m copper rod banged in the ground at each Consumer/RCD distribution enclosure unit.

I have many buildings here with each having there own consumer units so each is earthed independently and each has its own changeover switch.

1.  photo show a installed Kraus & Naimer 90 amp 240vac change over switch.

2. Rotary Switch Change over connections.

3. Assorted Kraus & Naimer change over switches. The DIN RAIL MOUNTED one is 8inches/200mm long 8 pole, but you need to be Tarzan to turn that smallish rotary switch.   (these are all second hand/used, but well tested and inspected.)
 China makes change over switches, look at ebay,  but please watch the quality.

noneyabussiness:
Thank you both for your replies..

philb1:
Midnite Solar makes 30 and 60 amp transfer switches. Street price is about $130. I've been using one for switching from grid to solar power over 5 years. It's 2 breaker facing up and two facing down with a slide to switch. I get seamless switching without disrupting satellite signal.
It looks like you will have to google the url as this site thinks it's spam and won't let me post it.

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