Transfer switch questions, Reliance brand

[JJJJ]

OK. The last thing I want to do is put a generator at risk, considering their cost. My initial thinking might have done that. I have since edited these original posts.

My basic goal was to be able to run basic things from my inverter without rewiring the entire house from the inverter (separate system). I also wanted to utilize a generator when the batteries were low to supplement things.

Currently I have grid input into my inverter which lets it charge the batteries. This works very nicely. I plan on connecting some solar input when the weather warms.

My current inverter system has some basic wiring for a couple of lights and an outlet which is separate from the house system.

The ability to have a generator attached to the main has some appeal because I would have the option of running a portable air conditioner in the home if wanted during the warmer months. I currently do not have a mini split.

So things to consider. I do not want to mix inverter power with the grid or generator, or grid with generator. They might be out of phase with each other and that is not a good idea.

If I run the generator to the inverter directly it would allow me to charge the batteries but would not help with a window air conditioner or things like a refrigerator or freezer since these run off the main. If I put this on the main panel, I would need to shut off all non essential circuits to prevent overload/stall of the generator. This might be the simplest approach.

If I choose to use the inverter to run low power items, a interlock switch on a subpanel would be a safer option, that way the inverter would not be combined with grid or generator.

Things to consider.

 

[macdaman]

Could one wire the inverter directly into the switch box instead of using a plug?

As with bhbaker220, I have my inverter wired directly into a 10 outlet Reliance transfer switch. I already had this switch installed when I purchased the inverter. Before the inverter, I used a generator to power critical loads during an outage.

I'm currently running 5 circuits via the Reliance switch 100% of the time. This is based on battery capacity and current solar input - basically a large UPS for these critical loads such as internet, freezer, refrigerator and important computer equipment. As the days get longer, I hope to be able to flip the remaining switches over.

On those days when solar output isn't enough, I allow the grid to charge the batteries. ATM, grid power charges the batteries when SOC reaches 40%. I only charge to 50% to allow room for the next solar day. This is what works for me.

 

[JJJJ]

I really tossed this around a bit. Even waking up in the wee hours considering options.

In the end, I really like the ability to directly wire my inverter to this. Also like that I can test things out with different circuits and have the freedom to run 0 to in my case 6 circuits if I want with minimal impact to my main panel.

Having said that, I will be running the inverter to my current distribution box and then to this unit for direct wiring (do you have a photo of how you did yours?). I will run my generator to my inverter via a transfer switch with a breaker beforehand. The Victron Multiplus is not a high end unit and my wire from the distribution box to the unit may reflect this. 10 gauge will very easily handle the power output from this inverter. If I ever decided to upgrade to the Quattro 5K, then 6 gauge wire would be better. Still debating that decision.

Either way, I could easily run another AC circuit to the master bedroom from the distribution box and run a window air conditioner when the generator, a dual fuel I just received, is running.

 

[macdaman]

In the end, I really like the ability to directly wire my inverter to this. Also like that I can test things out with different circuits and have the freedom to run 0 to in my case 6 circuits if I want.

Having said that, I will be running the inverter to my current distribution box and then to this unit for direct wiring (do you have a photo of how you did yours?). I will run my generator to my inverter via a transfer switch with a breaker beforehand. The Victron Multiplus is not a high end unit and my wire from the distribution box to the unit may reflect this. 10 gauge will very easily handle the power output from this unit. If I ever decided to upgrade to the Quattro 5K, then 6 gauge wire would be better. Still debating that decision.

I'm not sure a picture would help because the wiring is run though flexible conduit. Standard BRWG wire running from load to transfer switch.

The wire that used to run to the transfer switch (from the generator) now has a NEMA plug on it so I can hook up my Chargeverter. Generator still sits outside. Since I don't use this run for anything else, I keep the Chargeverter hooked up all the time now. During an extended power outage (which we haven't had since the inverter was installed in December), all I have to do is hook up the generator end of the cable, crank the generator and flip the breaker on the chargeverter. I've tested and that works great.

So, no outages so far knock on wood. During most short outages, I do nothing and have 5 live circuits for anywhere between 6 and 18 hours depending on battery SOC. If the outage lasts a while, I fire up the generator which will charge my three batteries in about 3.5 hours via the Chargeverter. 100% SOC gives me about 18 hours in which case I fire up the generator again. Wash and repeat. Much better than running the generator constantly like I had to in the old days.