How to use a generator to power your house

1.0 THE ATS PANEL

2.0 OFF MODE

3.0 MANUAL MODE

4.0 AUTO MODE

5.0 TEST MODE

6.0 USING A PORTABLE GENERATOR

7.0 USING A STATIONARY GENERATOR

1.0 THE ATS PANEL

This description refers to the advanced ATS panels EVOLVE and CONECT. Cost-effective products may have performances below the European standards regarding safety and generator control and monitoring. For this reason, the kind of panel is not taken into consideration in this presentation.

The main purpose of the ATS panel is to connect the generator to your electrical system without allowing the connection of the generator to the utility power network.

An advanced ATS panel has 4 operating modes: OFF-MANUAL-AUTOMATIC and TEST. There are many models of ATS panels on the market. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Certain ATS panels have the possibility of remote control by mobile phone (so-called GSM monitoring).

A good ATS panel should offer a scheduler (you can disable or enable the generator at certain hours of the day) and a complete set of parameters to protect the engine, the generator and your critical items.

2.0 OFF MODE

This mode of operation disables all functions and lets the utility power supply your house. When the utility power fails, the panel will not react. The internal charger will continue to hold the battery of the engine in good ‘shape.’

Some indicators on the panel will continue to indicate the status of the system. (utility power status, instruments indications and so on.)

3.0 MANUAL MODE

The manual mode of operation allows you to manually start the engine and manually choose to supply your house from the utility power or generator. This mode of operation is useful in case you connect a portable generator.

In case of power failure, you have to start the portable generator and manually switch the power. See section [7] to read more about portable generators.

4.0 AUTO MODE

This mode of operation, when the utility power fails, triggers a programmable timer (hereinafter referred to as 'TIMER', programmable in seconds, minutes and hours) to delay the disconnection of your house from the utility power. Then, another 'TIMER' take care to delay the starting of the engine. The start-up sequence consists of intelligent starting attempts based on appropriate parameters. When the engine is running, the ' WARM-UP TIMER' is activated.

When the timer expires, the contactor that connects your house will be activated. Upon return of the utility power, a series of programmable 'TIMERs' perform backwards operations until the engine stops.

During operation, the panel controls all the electrical parameters of the engine and generator. If necessary, the panel triggers alarms or, in severe cases, stops and locks the system. User intervention is essential to restore automatic functions.

The transitions Generator-House and Utility power-House incudes a 2-second delay. This is a safe way to avoid connections of the generator to the utility power.

The AUTO mode of operation may include the possibility to disable the automatic start for a certain period of the week. It might provide the possibility to schedule a periodic test of the generator (for example an automatic start of 10 minutes once a week). Advanced ATS panels may offer more functions to adapt the generator to particular needs. Always refer to the instruction manual of the manufacturer.

5.0 TEST MODE

This mode of operation allows testing of the automatic functions without causing the interruption of the electricity supply. It is usually used by the installer to check the efficiency of the automatic settings. Some ATS panels allow programmable transfer of the electrical system to the generator while the ATS panel is TEST mode of operation.

6.0 USING A PORTABLE GENERATOR

1) Put the CONECT panel in the auto mode of operation. In case of a power failure, you are required to connect the cord to the generator. Disconnect the non-critical ITEMS (air conditioner, washing machine, or other items). This will avoid overloading the generator. Follow our guidelines.

2) Take care to position the generator according to our recommendations. Do all checks as recommended by the manufacturer. Connect the cord before starting the engine.

3) Connect the battery (if it is the case) & open the fuel valve (if it is the case). Start your portable generator. Check for at least 5 minutes of regular noise and smooth running. This will allow the engine to warm up a little. Close the circuit breaker on the generator. Check for exhaust gas!

4) On the CONECT panel check instruments for voltage; it must be within 220-245V. Check for frequency; must be within 50Hz up to 54Hz.

5) The CONECT panel will provide electricity to your house if the electrical parameters are within the settings.

IMPORTANT NOTE

PORTABLE GENERATORS ARE NOT INTENDED FOR HEAVY SERVICE. IN OTHER WORDS, DO NOT USE THE GENERATOR FOR MORE THAN 3 CONTINUOUS HOURS. MAKE A REST OF AT LEAST ONE HOUR. DO NOT USE A PORTABLE GENERATOR AT THE MAXIMUM POWER RATING. A SAFE USE IS NOT TO EXCEED 70% OF ITS NOMINAL POWER.

6) Check the voltage indicators on the CONECT panels. You are not allowed to exceed the power rating of the generator. The CONECT panels will shut down your house to protect the generator.

7) Make sure the CONECT panel operates in ATS mode. When the utility power restores, the CONECT panel will automatically switch to utility power.

8) When you will observe the transition, you need to let the engine run for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the engine to cool down.

9) After one hour of utility power stability, you can consider putting the generator at rest. Roll the cable into its place. Clean the cable and make sure is dry and clean.

10) Clean the generator, and remove dirt particles. Check oil and fuel. Close the gasoline valve. If you have an electric-start generator, disconnect the battery.

10) Once a month, regularly check your generator. verify battery, and check full functionality according to the user manual. Better to test it at 30% of its nominal power.

7.0 USING A STATIONARY GENERATOR

The CONECT ATS panel is designed to connect a stationary generator to your house.

The best solution to protect your house against a power outage is using the benefits of a stationary generator. If you followed our instructions during the installation process, it will be very simple to use a stationary generator. You have to keep your ATS panel, CONECT or EVOLVE, in the AUTO mode of operation. A good practice is to understand that a generator is an emergency tool. For this reason, we recommend that you stop the generator for 30 minutes every 4 hours. It is important to use the generator at a maximum of 70% of its power rating. But at the same time is important not to use the generator off-load for a long time.

If you have some appliances with low power requirements, as low as 30 watts, we recommend that you use UPS or similar battery power systems. As recommended for the portable generator, regular use, and good maintenance will provide you with long-term product satisfaction.

HOW TO INSTALL A GENERATOR IN YOUR HOME?

To install a generator in your house, follow our advice. Indoors is always NOT recommended except when you respect some mandatory safety rules. We help you in choosing a suitable place for your standby or portable generator. Follow our guidelines.

When you install a generator in a good location, it operates efficiently and safely without endangering people, pets, and other things. Always install a generator outdoors on stable ground. The exhaust gases produced by a generator contain deadly carbon monoxide. Consult your local building code authority for necessary permits.

The safest way to connect a portable generator to your house is by using the CONECT ATS panel.

A) The utility power is connected to your house via a circuit breaker [1]. When utility power fails, your house is without electricity.

B) The ATS panel [5] gives you the possibility to supply your house [3] by using a PORTABLE generator [4].

NOTE

When you need to install a generator, you must ask for help from a licensed electrician. Firstly, he will install the ATS panel in your home and connect it to the main breaker box. This keeps you safe and makes sure that your system remains up to code. Most importantly, this will help keep you from accidentally electrocuting someone else or even yourself.

How do I connect a portable generator to my house without a transfer switch?

This is not possible. We recommend that you read the section WHAT IS BACK FEEDING at the end of this page.

Can you plug a portable generator into a wall socket?

No, do not do it! Please, instead, follow the recommendations at the end of this web page

How to install a portable generator suitable for your house?

How to install a portable generator is not how to connect a portable generator. We can say, more correctly, that the connection of a portable generator to your house is part of the process included in the installation of a portable generator. You may "install" a portable generator or a stationary generator based on your budget. If you are looking to install a stationary generator, the CONECT ATS panel offers you all the necessary connections. You can connect any style of generator: diesel, gas and gasoline. We can supply a suitable cable for the most popular brands like Hyundai and Pramac.

How to correctly use a portable generator?

We agree that a portable generator is a user-friendly tool. But, after all, it is a complex and potentially dangerous apparatus

How to connect a generator to a breaker box?

The connection to a breaker box is simple and safe if you use an ATS panel. You avoid all problems related to back-feeding by using the CONECT ATS panel.

Especially when you rent a portable generator or install a generator for the duration of the power outage, you will be sure to return the generator in perfect condition. To be sure that your family stays safe and, in any situation, your insurance company cannot dispute your claim because of “faulty wiring”, we recommend that you get your system thoroughly inspected. Although the CONECT ATS panel is mainly designed for portable generators, you can automatically start & stop a standby generator (or a stationary/fixed generator If you will).

HOW TO USE A PORTABLE GENERATOR TO SUPPLY YOUR HOUSE IN CASE OF POWER OUTAGE: A STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL

2) Take care to position the generator accordingly. Do all checks as recommended by the manufacturer. Connect the power cord before starting the engine.

3) Connect the battery (if it is the case) and open the fuel valve (if it is the case). Start your portable generator. Check for at least 5 minutes of regular noise and smooth running. This will allow the engine to warm up a little. Close the circuit breaker on the generator. Check for exhaust gas!

4) If the voltage and frequency are within acceptable limits, the green LED "G" will illuminate continuously. If the electrical parameters are out of limits, the green LED will blink.

5) The CONECT panel will provide electricity to your house if the electrical parameters are within the settings. The green LED indicator "LOAD" will turn on.

IMPORTANT NOTE

6) You are not allowed to exceed the power rating of the portable generator. The CONECT panels will shut down your house to protect the generator. In case of generator overload, the ATS panels will detect anomalies in voltage and frequency.

7) If you keep the CONECT panel in ATS mode, it will automatically switch to utility power when the electrical parameters are within normal limits.

8) When you observe the transition from the generator to utility power, you need to let the engine run for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the engine to cool down.

9) After one hour of utility power stability, you can consider putting the generator to rest. Roll the cable into its place. Clean the cable and make sure it is dry and clean.

10) Clean the generator and remove dirt particles. Check oil and fuel. Close the fuel valve. If you have an electric-start generator, disconnect the battery.

11) Once a month, regularly check your generator. Verify battery, and check full functionality according to the user manual. Better to test it at 30% of its nominal power.

How to install a generator, preventing BACK FEEDING?

In a standby application, the generator must never be connected to the grid. Normally, you cannot legally bring an AC generator onto the grid unless some technical and legal conditions are met. To connect a generator to the grid, the sine wave must be in phase with the grid, the frequency must be the same and other requirements have to be strictly satisfied. This is accomplished by using special and complex controllers (regulators and synchronizers). Last but not least, the system must pass special inspections. More frequent is the use of the generator for a standby application by using a standby generator or small backup generator. A standby generator is a permanently installed apparatus, much like a compressor. A backup generator is a small, sometimes gasoline-powered, generator that you put in position outside the house, for example, and then plug into the control panel. Or it can be connected to electrical loads via heavy-duty extension cords. Back-feeding is a dangerous situation in which electricity from your generator flows back through your electrical panel into the utility company's electrical system. Back-feeding can occur when a generator is connected to your home wiring system without disconnecting from the utility power. This could occur if you directly connect a generator to a circuit in your home. If you feed power back into the utility system during an outage, you will energise the transformer serving your house. In other words, you create favourable conditions for an electrocution hazard. Even worse, back-feed could electrocute any technicians who are working on the lines, causing injury or even death. Finally, when the utility company's power is restored, your generator may be severely damaged, or there may be an electrical fire in your home. To connect a generator to your electrical distribution panel, we recommend that you use the CONECT panel; there is no way to make a connection to a grid generator. The circuit breakers inside the panel feature a mechanical and electrical interlock. The internal circuit breakers will never close simultaneously. The CONECT panel manages, in a fully automatic way, the connection assignment of the LOAD to UTILITY POWER or GENERATOR. Normally, your house is connected to the utility power. This is good. Your comfort is at its maximum level, right? But, how to deal with power outages? In this case, it is really difficult to maintain your mood. The best way to overcome this situation is by using a generator.

YES, BUT INSTALLING A STATIONARY GENERATOR MAY COST YOU A LOT OF MONEY.

But there is another cost-effective option: use your portable generator. THE BIG QUESTION IS: HOW TO DO IT MOST SAFELY? This is easy if you use the CONECT ATS PANEL made by Bernini Design.
What is inside this panel so special? There are a lot of innovations regarding how electronics work with the supply. This is the most important issue about portable generators; they do not have a battery. This means that the generator itself must supply the electronics that govern the automation logic. It seems simple, but it is not! Bernini DESIGN has long experience in manufacturing ATS PANELS for housing.

ABOUT INDOOR INSTALLATION OF A STANDBY GENERATOR FOR YOUR HOUSE

If you rely on a qualified installer, it is possible to install a generator by following this general guidance. You may require approval from your local authorities. This will keep you safe from conflicts in case of problems.

Firstly,

The generator room must not have windows or doors in common with the house. If necessary, you can install a safety sealing door. When the door is open, the limit switch on it inhibits the engine. The engine will run only when the door is very well closed. The room will have air extraction fans of suitable capacity, preferably supplied from the battery of the engine.

Secondly,

you must install smoke or fire detectors. Connect the sensors to the emergency stop ATS Evolve panel inputs. Better to use the ATS EVOLVE panel with a GSM system to inform you about active alarms.

Thirdly,

do not store fuel containers in the generator room. Shall at least two fire extinguishers undergo periodic checks? Never fill the tank while the engine is running. Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid, and it should be stored properly in approved safety cans, whether plastic or metal. The main risk factor is the vapours it produces. Gasoline fumes are heavily concentrated and spread around. You have to avoid any source of ignition. Unlike metal gas containers, approved plastic gas cans won't rust. If there’s a fire, the plastic containers will melt, while metal fuel containers can explode. Considering that you can store gasoline for longer than a month, metal gas cans may be a better choice.

STATIONARY GENERATOR SAFETY CHECK-LIST

Most importantly, remove objects that block access to the generator or the ATS control panel. Remove packaging materials, paper, cardboard, and polystyrene that may be a fire hazard or can obstruct the ducts of the engine intake air.

Apply to the wall emergency battery-powered lights. Verify the efficiency from time to time. It must ensure the light is on for at least 30 minutes during a power failure

There should be no loose cables on the floor that may cause impediments.

The room must be identified by warning signs and notices on the automatic operation without prior audible advice.

Also, apply to the wall information about phone numbers for urgent help.

The exhaust pipe must be periodically verified. The output of the exhaust pipe must have filters that prevent the entry of birds. Verify the absence of nests of insects that can block the exhaust gas.

Additionally, provide one-meter clearance in all directions for the generator.

The generator is provided with wheels. It must be set in a stable position by using wooden brackets that absorb the vibrations. In other words, it does not allow the movement of the generator.

Install a barrier to prevent children from accessing the control panel and the generator. Place the ATS panel at least 160 cm above the floor.

10)

Especially if there is a danger of flooding, place the generator at a height such that it is not possible for the generator to be immersed with its cables.

11)

Install air extraction fans powered by the ATS panel. Provide natural ventilation vents from the outside. The need for fresh air is comparable to that of a gas boiler for domestic use.

12)

Finally, we recommend that you keep charging a spare battery. This will help in case the battery installed on the generator fails to work. Having a spare battery will be useful. Keep closer to a set of tools that will allow you to replace the battery when necessary.

HOW TO CONNECT A GENERATOR TO

A BREAKER BOX?

The connection to a breaker box is simple and safe if you use an ATS panel. You avoid all problems related to back-feeding by using the CONECT or EVOLVE ATS panel.

The CONECT panel includes compact Automatic Transfer Switches. The ATS panel is the ideal choice for a generator connected to a house. Back-feed occurs when the power goes back to the utility lines or mains. Back-feed damages the generator and has the potential to cause a fire. But, worse than that, back-feed could electrocute people who are working on the lines, causing injury or even death. The connection of a generator to your house is possible using an ATS panel installed by a qualified electrician.

BERNINI DESIGN SRL

Zona Industriale

46035

Ostiglia Italy

VAT IT01453040204

bernini@bernini-design.com

+39 335 70 77 148