It seems that the question of how to connect the generator to the network at home cannot be raised. The process diagram is extremely simple: brought the installation, turned it on, and that’s it. But in reality, it is not so simple. Therefore, the main difficulties that appear when connecting, it is worth talking separately.
Connection Methods
By connecting a generator, you have to interact with three networks: centralized, power consumers and the wiring of the device itself. Depending on how they are connected, a suitable circuit is selected. There are different ways to power plants, which require the energy of an electric generator.
In the first case, they are simply plugged into the outlet of the device. Everything is simple here and no additional comments are needed. No additional circuits or connections are made here.
Also, the connection occurs to the consumer network, which is not related to the generalized. Then the generator wires are connected to the wiring of energy consumers. This is the second way to connect the generator to the network at home. Its circuit is called constant. Here, the exact correspondence of the wire sections to the rated generator current must be provided for.
Also, the device by means of automatic or manual devices can be connected in a single circuit having a centralized network. Then, if the voltage from it disappears, all energy consumers will start to be powered by the generator. This connection is called a backup.
If in the first method neither the plug nor the device is previously prepared for connection, then in the next two additional work is required. The last option is the most difficult.
How to connect the generator to the network at home: diagram
The circuit is made for the electric network and generator. Switching may occur in manual or automatic mode. It is especially important where the tie-in point of the switch is. It must be located after the electric meter, but before the protective device.
We will first study the manual switching scheme. If the voltage disappears, then with the help of a switch or a knife switch disconnect the connection to the central network and activate the generator. The switch should not implement these two actions at the same time. Necessarily provide in the installation a neutral position for subsequent connection.
It turns out that the manual switch can serve as changeover switches or reversing switches. When making a choice, it is necessary to take into account the rated currents so that they are not lower than the one that is consumed. The process of connecting the generator to the network at home can be different. The layout and even design of fixtures may also vary. Take a look at the image below. It shows the connection of a three-phase generator.
In addition to the manual method, sometimes an indicator is installed that determines the presence or absence of voltage in a public network. An example of fixtures can be 220 V modular indicators or 220 V indicator lights (twenty times cheaper), which have a closed housing and ready-made wiring. Their disadvantage is the connection to the fuse.
With automatic switching of the electric generator, as the name implies, the process occurs without human intervention, automatically. The function falls on the ABP block. It consists of various devices: switches, indication parts, voltage regulation relays, contactors.
Such a generator must be equipped with an electric starter. To enable the reserve, the centralized network is turned off, the generator starts, warms up, and the wiring is connected to the consumer network. If voltage is again supplied to the network, the process is switched off in the reverse order.
Redundant automatic input can be carried out by different systems. You can consider the process, taking for example the model GG700E gasoline generator. The connection starts after the loss of voltage from the centralized network. In just twelve seconds, all consumers at home will be provided with electrical energy.
The system is also able to control the stability of energy supply. If the work occurs smoothly and continuously for more than ten seconds, then the power starts to be produced again through a common network. The device continues to work for a few more seconds for verification and then turns off.
How is the load
Before connecting the device, make sure that the power of the consumers that are connected is not higher than the rated generator. To avoid overloading, a specific procedure must be followed. First, those energy consumers that are endowed with the highest currents at start-up are connected. Further devices are connected in descending order. At the very end, there are energy consumers having a starting current factor of one. Such devices are, for example, electric heaters.
Mistakes
When a gas or diesel generator is connected, mistakes are sometimes made. They consist in connecting the generator to a centralized network directly or connecting the wires from the generator directly to the outlet. This can not be done, since a large load can contribute to the formation of a fire hazard situation when the socket and electrical wiring are destroyed.
Installation
Before connecting a gas or diesel generator, it must be installed correctly. It is better if a place is chosen at some distance from the rooms. Then the exhaust gases will not reach the people in the room, the noise from the working apparatus will not disturb. The place should be dry, level and preferably isolated from others.
In addition, it must satisfy ventilation requirements. If the room is closed, an extract should be arranged. If the installation is kept in the basement, then even with the window open it will quickly overheat, due to which it can soon break.
Noise protection
Generators for giving a lot of noise. Noise is spread through the base, housing and exhaust fumes. To reduce this figure:
- the base should not be strongly connected with the building - this is achieved, for example, with a rubber lining;
- the case is placed in noise-proof covers - they are sold ready-made or made independently;
- silencers will help reduce exhaust noise, however, this can also reduce power, so choosing the right installation location is a more efficient way.
Grounding
Generators for giving need to be grounded. This is done with a metal rod, pipe and galvanized iron sheet. The earthing switch is lowered into the ground, fixed with special devices and connected to the generator ground terminal.
Exhaust gas
When installing the device inside the house, it is necessary to provide for the removal of exhaust gases. To do this, use a corrugated pipe made of stainless steel. For economy, the corrugated part can be combined with a steel pipe.
This part of the installation should be implemented especially carefully, since errors or minor flaws can lead to sad consequences.
As you can see, it’s not enough just to decide which generator is better and purchase it. Proper installation and connection is necessary. Only then can you be sure of the uninterrupted and safe operation of electricity in the house.