Automatic Transfer Switch Suggestions

[summer74]

Hi,

Please redirect if this question has already been asked. I'm working on a home battery based backup system and have obtained a Deye inverter. While the inverter has a auto switch built in - I don't want to power my load solely using the inverter. So it appears that I'll need a good quality auto transfer switch however the information is hard to find. Commercial systems such as Tesla, Enphase, Generac etc. all have their ATS component. So do lots of generator companies but I'm unsure if any will work with a DIY system. It appears that Eaton, Asco, Zenith etc. manufacture high grade ATS but information is somewhat scattered. I don't want to use any $30 ATS available online. If someone has integrated ATS from reputable manufacturer - can you please share your experience ?

Thanks in advance !

 

[HRTKD]

What sources are you planning to use?

An inverter with an AC input should provide the AC power as a pass-through - it doesn't go through the batteries first, meaning it isn't inverted.

 

[OffGridInTheCity]

This seems like the 3rd question on ATS, so maybe they're related but let me repost what I said the others.
I use UL listed ATSs (and MTS) in my off-grid / home setup - https://diysolarforum.com/threads/c...e-used-for-solar-generator.31888/#post-387922

To repeat, I use 3 x Progressive 240v@50a and 3 x Go-Power 30a. Both are UL and I've had them in operation 3 years with twice daily switch-overs - e..g 2000+ power switch-overs and counting with no issues.

The ATSs I used are like this but with surge protector - https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-...ve+50a+ATS&qid=1638114788&s=automotive&sr=1-6 (It's possible for surge on certain motors such as AC compressor due to mis-matched sine-waves during switch-over. I don't have this issue - but some might)

The MTS I used - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Relianc...ircuit-Manual-Transfer-Switch-A510C/206503336

 

[summer74]

What sources are you planning to use?

An inverter with an AC input should provide the AC power as a pass-through - it doesn't go through the batteries first, meaning it isn't inverted.

I'm looking at providing backup capability to few essential circuits in my house. This will likely require some permanent changes on panel side. The reason I don't want this to be powered solely by the inverter output is to prevent being powerless if the inverter were to shutdown or go bust for any reason at all, anytime in future. I would like to switch between the grid (priority) and the inverter output using the ATS. If inverter goes bust , I'll have few weeks or months to plan for its replacement.

 

[summer74]

This seems like the 3rd question on ATS, so maybe they're related but let me repost what I said the others.
I use UL listed ATSs (and MTS) in my off-grid / home setup - https://diysolarforum.com/threads/c...e-used-for-solar-generator.31888/#post-387922

To repeat, I use 3 x Progressive 240v@50a and 3 x Go-Power 30a. Both are UL and I've had them in operation 3 years with twice daily switch-overs - e..g 2000+ power switch-overs and counting with no issues.

The ATSs I used are like this but with surge protector - https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-...ve+50a+ATS&qid=1638114788&s=automotive&sr=1-6 (It's possible for surge on certain motors such as AC compressor due to mis-matched sine-waves during switch-over. I don't have this issue - but some might)

The MTS I used - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Relianc...ircuit-Manual-Transfer-Switch-A510C/206503336

Thanks for sharing info. I initially have 50a need so a UL unit not running into thousands is great help.

 

[mpickus]

Can anyone suggest a good 100 amp ATS that is actually available? I settled on either a Cummins RA122N3 or Generac RXSC100A3 both seem to have lead times of 16 - 20 weeks.

 

[OffGridInTheCity]

Can anyone suggest a good 100 amp ATS that is actually available? I settled on either a Cummins RA122N3 or Generac RXSC100A3 both seem to have lead times of 16 - 20 weeks.

From my research a few years ago - when you go above 50a you get into 'heavy duty' ATSs such as Generac.
Can you wire things using multiple 50a? - there are more options for 50a. For example, I have a dedicated 50a for the AC compressor circuit and 1 for general circuits and a couple of others.

 

[Clive87]

Here in SA the problem is not the heavy duty ATS but the small one. I need to switch my TV and a few bits and bops between backup and mains. No more than 10 amp. Where to find a reliable decent switch for this???

 

[OffGridInTheCity]

Here in SA the problem is not the heavy duty ATS but the small one. I need to switch my TV and a few bits and bops between backup and mains. No more than 10 amp. Where to find a reliable decent switch for this???

I use Go Power 30a for my 120v switching - https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-TS-30-Automatic-Transfer/dp/B00153EYTO/ref=sr_1_1 Have 3 in service and 2 of them have done 4 years of daily switching with no problem. But the prices have skyrocketed!