Mark wrote:
On Nov 26, 9:53 am, "Twayne" wrote:
The Daring Dufas wrote:
Ron Hardin wrote:
Is there a power-strip like device for use with portable
generators that turns off outlets when other outlets are using
a certain number of watts?
Like you'd want to turn off the refrigerator while the sump pump
cycles, to keep the total watts under say 2000; but mostly the
refrigerator stays on.
You can easily build your own if you're handy
with electrical modules. You won't have to
build any circuit boards because the parts
are available off the shelf. You can use a
current sensor and relay module manufactured
by Functional Devices, Inc which are sold at
many HVAC supply houses like Johnstone Supply.
http://www.functionaldevices.com/
http://tinyurl.com/5fuhg8
http://www.johnstonesupply.com/corp/Default.aspx
TDD
Generator load management is a bit more complicated than that and
simply dropping lower priority loads when higher priority ones come
on won't work properly and could potentially damage items.
A proper load management setup needs a controller with some smarts,
and monitoring connections to things like sump pump switches,
thermostats, etc. so that it can tell when an item needs to run, even
though it is not currently powered. This type of control just isn't
practical on a small scale where the cost of the control would exceed
the cost of a larger generator.
Of course it is. It's nothing but a logic setup. a = on, x = off etc.
Simple current monitoring or even clamps.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

yes but you do NOT want to turn off power to the fridge and then turn
it back on a few seconds later... the compressor will not be able to
re-start when the pressure is already built up in the system... it
will cycle on overload for a few minutes until the pressure dies
down. That is OK it won't BREAK anything right away but it does
stress the overload switch and compressor and is not the best thing to
do for long term.

Mark


Have you ever heard of an anti short cycle timer.
It's a little module available at the same HVAC
supply house as the other parts. The things are
very inexpensive and I install them on AC units
all the time. It would be easy to add it to the
setup. Do I have to design the darn thing now?


TDD