diy solar

diy solar

Need suggestions for A/B transfer switch between 15A receptacles

pvdude

Solar Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 8, 2021
Messages
618
Location
Florida
Hi,
I need help locating some kind of manual transfer switch.
I want to be able to manually switch the things plugged in to this inverter powered
receptacle to a nearby grid powered receptacle.
workshopquadoutletdone copy 2.jpg
Now I just unplug the devices from the “solar” receptacle, and re-plug into the adjacent grid receptacle.
There has to be a better way to do this????
I found some automatic transfer switches by searching, I don’t need that, manual transfer is what is needed, any ideas?
 
A standard household single pole, double throw light switch should do what you want - They're typically used when you have one light controlled by two light switches. When the light is on, either switch will turn it off and when it's off, either switch will turn it on

Don
 
A standard household single pole, double throw light switch should do what you want - They're typically used when you have one light controlled by two light switches. When the light is on, either switch will turn it off and when it's off, either switch will turn it on

Don
Maturity is when "can I do it?" becomes "should I do it?".... Leave it alone.

Two switches, one at either end of a hall to control a single light, wouldn't cause any problem if it momentarily crossed the two sources. Both sources are the same phase of the same grid.

When selecting between grid and inverter, you need a switch which makes positive disconnection of one before connecting the other. Consequences if that fails can include setting inverter on fire and electrocuting utility worker.

Now I just unplug the devices from the “solar” receptacle, and re-plug into the adjacent grid receptacle.
There has to be a better way to do this????

You've got the simplest, cheapest, safest solution already.

Here's how I did it, a UL listed device. More $$$ and more amps. Much cheaper than the possible consequences of an inappropriate switch.

 
Thanks for all the ideas!
I agree that custom made wired solutions have some risks and dangers.
(especially if I am doing the wiring)
There are two NEMA 5-15P that I am hoping to switch.
One is a small refrigerator, (about 200 watts), the other is a wall AC unit (about 1200 watts).
They are both located in a separate building from the house, that also has the solar electronics in it.

I might try to find a used, surplus one of these for a reasonable $$$.
It is just a power strip w/ NEMA 5-15R, that can be powered from two separate sources.
In my case, “A” would plug into the “Solar”, “B” would plug in to “GRID”.
Looks like the source can be manually selected by operating the button on the front panel.
Also has Ethernet, so it could be put on the network and operated remotely, which would be great,
as the building is about 200ft away from the house.
Screen Shot 2021-09-08 at 11.56.44.png
 
Last edited:
Back
Top