Powering a critical load sub-panel [RE-wrenches]

[Jeffery Wolfe, Global Resource Options]

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Use shunt trip breakers for all the non-critical loads, and have the
shunts signaled by power loss from the mains.

That would be a manual reset though. I would suggest in this scenario
that all the non-critical loads be broken off into a sub panel, and have
the one sub main that feeds that panel be a shunt trip. Much better than
20 shunts trips in one panel! You also need to take all the critical
loads off the panel (leaving only the feed to the inverter on the
existing main panel) and install a transfer switch between the inverter
feed breaker and the new sub critical load panel. That lets you feed
either inverter or grid power to the critical sub panel. You're creating
a legal island when you have a power outage.

This all gets a bit complex, and I'm out of time. But that rock saw may
start looking pretty good compared to the complexity, expense and
compromises that the above scenario creates.

Good luck.

Jeff Wolfe
Global Resource Options
800-374-4494 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Duncan [mailto:ntrei at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 6:49 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Powering a critical load sub-panel [RE-wrenches]

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Wrenches,
I have started a grid-tied PV installation with backup batteries for a
rural residence. Now the owner wants to include a critical load
sub-panel next to the main service panel. :>O The equipment room,
containing batteries, 2 SMA 3800s and 2 Sunny Islands is 160 feet from
the house and the ground in between is rock. I really don't want to send
the rock saw back through the landscaping and yard to get power to the
sub-panel. 
To power the sub panel off the main service is the goal but I need to
find a way to lock out the rest of the non-critical loads while still
feeding off that main service panel. The mains lock out must happen the
same instant the Islands detect the utility loss and kick over to
battery power. 
I know this must have been done before by lots of other installers but
this will be a first for me. Can this be done without running any
conductors, LV relay wires, or wireless signal, between the buildings? 
Thanks in advance.

Jim Duncan
North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
817.917.0527
ntrei at earthlink.net

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