Two in one out switching advice needed.

[ellal]

Having solved the problem caused by my inverter, I have a follow up question.

I've been looking for a double pole switch that allows me to manually switch between the inverter output and the normal mains circuit feeding a circuit containing lighting and charging points.

It's a simple workshop setup running from a couple of solar panels, but given the uncertainty of charging and battery capacity I would like to be able to use either power source but can't seem to find a suitable switch.

Cheers

 

[ericmark]

In the main we use a grid tie system, the inverter auto swaps. Change over switches need to be break before make, and for items like freezers, either the change over needs to be in milliseconds or it needs around 5 minutes between switch off, and switch back on, or it can damage the motor overload.

There are two grid tie systems, one the power is one direction only, and grid tie means it changes over fast, around 40 mS seems around standard, not fast enough to keep a computer supplied, it is fast enough for a fridge and the like.

The other grid tie is when it can also back feed into the grid, and at the moment it needs a G98 application, this may change.

It depends on your inverter as to what method is used.

The old idea with a generator was a 16 amp socket on the generator and a 16 amp socket from the grid, and you manually decide which to plug into.

 

[flameport]

switch that allows me to manually switch between the inverter output and the normal mains circuit

Examples: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_I...tchgear_Index/Change_Over_Switches/index.html

 

[ericmark]

Examples: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_I...tchgear_Index/Change_Over_Switches/index.html

It does not seem to like the link, I assume this is the page you were aiming at?

 

[SUNRAY]

It does not seem to like the link, I assume this is the page you were aiming at?

The link works for me and takes me to here: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_I...tchgear_Index/Change_Over_Switches/index.html

 

[ellal]

Link didn't work for me either, but searching using the changeover term would this be appropriate?

Link

Heschen Universal Rotary Cam Selector Changeover Switch

 

[SUNRAY]

If clicking on the link doesn't work - simply copy and paste it into your browser.

 

[bernardgreen]

It would be sensible to use a 3 position rotary switch with a centre OFF state, This ensures the two supplies cannot be accidently connected to each other when switching from one to the other. ( faulty or welded contacts in the switch )

 

[pete01]

I'd probably do it via a contactor you can use any switch or key switch or timer or whatever to change over.

 

[SUNRAY]

I'd probably do it via a contactor you can use any switch or key switch or timer or whatever to change over.

View attachment 413301

I don't know where you got that from but:
A mechanically interlocked pair is 2 contactors
Whereas
A changeover contactor is a single contactor.

 

[pete01]

I don't know where you got that from but:
A mechanically interlocked pair is 2 contactors
Whereas
A changeover contactor is a single contactor.

Not 2 with interlock?

 

[SUNRAY]

This is purpose designed/produced for the purpose

Other makes exist.

 

[SUNRAY]

I don't know where you got that from but:
A mechanically interlocked pair is 2 contactors
Whereas
A changeover contactor is a single contactor.

Not 2 with interlock?

Either version of a mechanically interlocked pair OR a changeover will do the job.


The difference is using a mechanically interlocked pair will result in a contactor being operated at all times.

 

[pete01]

Either version of a mechanically interlocked pair OR a changeover will do the job.


The difference is using a mechanically interlocked pair will result in a contactor being operated at all times.

Yep

 

[endecotp]

What are you supposed to do with the earths?