[RE-wrenches] ATS models to bypass GT hybrid inverters for maintenance/faults

Tue Jan 14 17:02:02 PST 2025

Hi Stuart,

The Kohler RDT switch is a much better switch for what you are doing; it is
a power seeking switch with no accessory device communication needed.  It
is more expensive than the RXT switch because it has its own brain board.
A Kohler tech can adjust the delays for you if needed but the defaults are
good.  We have a few of them out there with no issues.    They have them
available as service entrance rated/indoor/outdoor etc.

Good Luck!

On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 2:55 PM August Goers via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi Stuart,
>
> Got it, now I see you're working with the MidNite AIO. This ATS topic came
> up not too long ago and I posted that we used to have success with Briggs &
> Stratton ATS units back when we were installing SMA Sunny Island systems.
> The Briggs unit does not need a control from an external source, it just
> switches over automatically (with a few second delay) once utility power is
> lost. We never had a single problem with these transfer switches.
>
> You might check them out:
> https://www.nationwidegenerators.com/briggs-stratton-071270-200-amp-se-rated-120-240v-1ph-ats/?srsltid=AfmBOorCds2ktOcsHUf3GWmX5ba70K-ynjOcm1iizzIW6X-9OkSVpfHA
>
> I know that Briggs went through a bankruptcy a few years ago, but maybe
> they're still alive and kicking now.
>
> August
>
>
> On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM Stuart Kriendler <
> stuartkriendler at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Much appreciated August,
>>
>> Yes, that fancy Enphase System Controller is a nice piece of kit,
>> overseen a few of those and it is nice they pass through the grid power if
>> there is an issue, most of the time.
>> ;-)
>> I'm in love with the MN AIO, the build quality is impressive and great
>> value for money, with the CBI breakers and features mentioned earlier etc.
>> all built in.
>> Now seen an engineering sample do the business in an rugged off-grid
>> scenario for a few months and feel confident it will be a great GT hybrid
>> option, one catch is the need for a 3rd party ATS though.
>> (Hoping Midnite will make one of their own in time, as well as a wireway
>> to marry the PowerFlo 16 and AIO, both such nicely built solid equipment).
>>
>> Hopefully the Kohler RXT or Generac can work to keep the ATS cost below
>> $1k!
>>
>> Sunniest regards,
>> Stuart
>> 441 599 2105
>>
>>
>> On Tue, 14 Jan 2025 at 16:02, August Goers <august at luminalt.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Stuart -
>>>
>>> Many grid tied PV/ESS manufacturers (Enphase, SolarEdge, Franklin, Tesla
>>> to name a few) now have a Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID) that
>>> essentially acts as a smart transfer switch thus eliminating the need for a
>>> 3rd party automatic transfer switch. What brands equipment are you looking
>>> at?
>>>
>>> Best, August
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 11:10 AM Stuart Kriendler via RE-wrenches <
>>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Good day Wrenches,
>>>>
>>>> 2025 looks to be the year for installing more grid tied (GT) battery
>>>> back up hybrid inverters on new and existing GT PV systems in a whole house
>>>> backup scenario
>>>> i.e. Utility - Hybrid Inverter - House Loads
>>>>
>>>> With these newer GT hybrids so 'sensitive', any fault on the PV side
>>>> can cause them to shut down, thus stopping power to the house.
>>>> To minimise this it seems sensible to add an ATS to the system such
>>>> that if/when the hybrid faults, the ATS w switch to grid power, bypass the
>>>> hybrid, and power the house.
>>>> This could save an emergency truck roll or late night phone call for
>>>> installers.
>>>>
>>>> Anyone have experience on good value-for-money Listed automatic
>>>> transfer switches that would do the job, 200A, 120/240V?
>>>>
>>>> Two name brand options that came up on the less expensive end of the
>>>> spectrum are:
>>>> - Generac
>>>> RXSW200A3 (https://www.generac.com/residential-products/standby-generator-transfer-switches/automatic/rxsw200a3/)
>>>>
>>>> - Kohler 200-amp, Service Entrance RXT ATS | RXT-JFNC-200ASEQS4 (
>>>> https://www.kohler.com/content/dam/kohler-com-NA/Lifestyle/PDF/PDF-g11152.pdf
>>>> )
>>>>
>>>> However, they each say their ATSs must be used with the corresponding
>>>> generator.
>>>>
>>>> I would imagine a simple 'grid sense' functionality would mean that if
>>>> the hybrid's output was connected to the Grid/Normal lugs and the grid was
>>>> connected to the Gene/Backup lugs in the ATS it should work.
>>>> However I don't want to end up with an expensive surprise in a
>>>> relatively remote location where I operate!
>>>>
>>>> Would appreciate any feedback with experience with the above or other
>>>> ATS models or how people are future proofing for this scenario?
>>>> To do future maintenance/torque checks etc. in a GT hybrid whole home
>>>> backup situation, it would be nice to bypass the inverter and keep the
>>>> house powered for safety and homeowner convenience in general.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks and best.
>>>>
>>>> Sunniest regards,
>>>> Stuart
>>>> 441 599 2105
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-- 

Mac Lewis

*"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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