Any electricians in the house?

bassman · #1 12-22-2006, 01:33 AM

I just purchased a motomaster eliminator power box to use in case of a power outage.

I would like to wire it so that it will automatically run one of my powerheads if I am asleep or not home when the power goes out.

My plan, if it works, is to make a box to house a double pull, double throw relay and a receptacle. I was wondering if I could hook a relay up to my house power, to my power box and to my receptacle. The house power would power the relay so that when the power is on the outlet would get it's power from the mains. When the power is out the outlet would get it's power from the power box. Once the power came back on the relay would open again and reconnect to the mains.

Would this work and if so what kind of relay would I need??

Thanks,

Stace

mark · #2 12-22-2006, 01:37 PM

Could just get a second PH and put a NC relay between it and the Elimanator. Use the utility power to hold the relay open.

Relay could have a 12V coil supplied by a small AC plugin wall adapter.

bassman · #3 12-22-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Could just get a second PH and put a NC relay between it and the Elimanator. Use the utility power to hold the relay open.

Relay could have a 12V coil supplied by a small AC plugin wall adapter.

So then I would have a powerhead in the tank that is not running UNTIL the power goes? Is that right?

mark · #4 12-22-2006, 03:11 PM

Yes.

If going the other way ensure you get a 'break before make' contactor.

bassman · #5 12-22-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Yes.

If going the other way ensure you get a 'break before make' contactor.

I would prefer to go the other way. What is a 'break before make' contactor? and how does it work?

mark · #6 12-22-2006, 03:27 PM

In the link a 'breaker before make' is described. Essential as could be making smoke without one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_switch