ONE STANDBY GENERATOR FOR TWO SEPARATE LOAD CENTERS TUTORIAL
Did you know that you and your neighbour can split the cost of a standby generator? The generator will only start when a power outage occurs. Or perhaps you wish to install a single power generator in each of your two homes, each with its meters.
One generator powering 2 homes on the same property layout
The final goal is to get an automatic generator start and automatic source transfer without back-feeding.
The Be242 universal ATS controller automatically manages the loads assignment providing at the same time full standby generator control and monitoring. You need two separate ATS panels. The ATS controllers communicate with each other via two wires. A simplified, and most recommended version, defines ATS 1 as a "MASTER ATS PANEL" and ATS2 as a "SECONDARY ATS PANEL" (or vice-versa as indicated in the following wiring diagram). This configuration lets ATS1 control and monitor the standby generator. It will perform all tasks even if the power outage did not affect "HOUSE 1". In other words, ATS1 is aware of the power outage in "HOUSE 2". It will not transfer the load if "HOUSE 1" is normally supplied with regular utility power. If the generator features its AUTO START module, there is no particular need to define a "MASTER ATS PANEL" or "SECONDARY ATS PANEL". Each panel sends, in a "WIRED-OR" fashion, a start request to the standby generator. The AUTO START module will take care to start and stop the standby generator.
1 generator to power 2 houses wiring diagram
The standby generator is controlled by the ATS panel number two in this wiring diagram. When a power outage strikes on house nr.1, the controller sends digital information to ATS nr.2. The controllers are normally placed in AUTO mode. You can manually start the generator at any time. You must first place a controller in manual mode. It is crystal clear that the generator will not start if you set the ATS2 to OFF mode.
If your generator features an AUTO START module, you must wire only terminal #2. This is the FUEL solenoid output committed to remotely start the generator. You can wire terminals #15 and #16; you will immediately detect a starting failure alarm. You can set OVERLOAD warning and shutdown alarms. You must install and connect CURRENT TRANSFORMERS of a suitable size (see CT1-2-3 inputs in the schematic). The drawing indicates a 3-phase system. You can set up the ATS controller to SINGLE-PHASE.
HOW DO YOU INTERFACE AN ENGINE WITH AN ATS PANEL?
If you have a recent generator, it is quite easy. In the last years are fitted with an AUTO START module. In other words, the generator features a "REMOTE START DIGITAL INPUT". Normally, the engine starts when you close the contact to the battery minus. The engine stops when you leave the terminal open. Some other generators have reverse polarity. You must connect to a battery plus to start the engine. The engine stops if you open the contact.
IF THERE IS NO AUTO START?
In this case, you have a second-hand generator. There are two options. The first one is refurbishing the old generator and install an AUTO START MODULE. See an example in this video.
After that, you can connect the FUEL SOLENOID output to the REMOTE START input of the generator. The AUTO START module will protect the engine from potential failures. The second option is the direct interface between the engine and the ATS panel via the INPUT-OUTPUT connections. You will find accurate and explanatory full details on the following link
AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH CONTROLLER CONNECTIONS