In some cities, as well as in suburban areas, there is a problem with an unstable electricity supply. A generator can be used to solve this problem. The generated electricity is transmitted through the network to individual consumers. In order to switch the supply network to the generator one, it is necessary to install a changeover switch in the distribution board according to a certain scheme. Its distinctive feature lies in a special blocking system. These devices come in different technical characteristics, types, parameters and models. Such a device is usually connected in residential premises, and the installation scheme itself directly depends on the type of electrical network. In this article, we will tell you how to connect a toggle switch to the network and what nuances you need to consider when installing it.
Content:
- Connection diagram
- Installation recommendations
Connection diagram
Changeover switches are of different types: single-pole, double-pole, three-pole and four-pole. The first two versions are used in a single-phase network, the other two in a three-phase network.
These devices are connected to the generator based on the type of electrical network into which the switch will be connected. For a single-phase network, a two-pole device is used, which simultaneously switches zero and phase wiring, excluding the combination of the generator output voltage and the voltage that is supplied from electrical network. A single-pole changeover switch can only be used to switch power between two phases of one electrical network, where the neutral conductor is common and there is no need to switch it by switching devices.
If the generator and the mains supplying the house are three-phase, then in this case, a four-pole a switch that switches three phases and zero between the main network and the backup network from generator. Three-pole switching devices are used in circuits supplying a three-phase load without a neutral wire. Also, a three-pole device can be used in a single-phase network - in this case, only two poles will be used at the input and output of the switching device.
The installation of toggle switches is carried out in switchboards, the type of which depends on the design of the switch. There are modular devices that fit on a standard DIN rail. In the premises, plastic shields (boxes) or metal shields can be used, designed for the required number of modular places.
Outside the premises, metal shields are used, which have a degree of protection of the case sufficient for installation on the street. Changeover switches of conventional design are mounted in shields equipped with a mounting panel.
A standard DIN rail can also be mounted on the mounting plate of such a panel for the installation of the necessary modular protective devices.
A cable coming from the metering board is connected to one input of the changeover switch - this is the main network. A backup network is connected to the second input - a cable from the generator. If the switch has one output, then the cable from the switchboard is connected to it. Modular versions, as a rule, have two inputs and two outputs, therefore the two outputs are connected in parallel with jumpers and connected to the switchboard. Below is a diagram of a single-phase connection of a three-pole changeover switch to the generator and the electrical network:
In order to connect a rocker switch from two three-phase power sources, you need to use the following diagram:
When connecting, it is necessary to observe the polarity so that when the switch at the output is switched to the home panel, the phase and zero do not change places. The input from the mains is protected by a circuit breaker, which, as a rule, is installed in the metering board, and the input from the generator must be protected by a circuit breaker, which is installed in the panel together with a rocker a breaker.
For industrial plants, devices are installed only if the input power is small. And this is how switchboards are mainly installed - they are installed on each input circuit breaker. Depending on the scheme, the work can be realized ABP or manual switching on of the reserve by the corresponding automatic machine. If, in this case, changeover switches are used, then, as a rule, only for control without load - the load is removed by circuit breakers.
In the presence of an arc suppression device in the design of the apparatus, load switching can be done with a changeover switch, but in any case, each of the supply lines must be additionally protected by an automatic device or fuses, since a toggle switch does not provide protection against emergency modes of operation of the electrical network (overload and KZ).
Installation recommendations
For safe and correct use of the device, the following recommendations must be observed:
- it is necessary to install the device in a closed room;
- the device must be protected from moisture ingress, as well as from bad climatic conditions;
- the required temperature of the operating environment of the device ranges from -40 to +55 degrees;
- in case of burning of the upper part of the contact knife, it is necessary to clean it with a file;
- it is necessary that the appliance is securely and firmly installed.
If the installation of the toggle switch is carried out outdoors, then protection against environmental influences must be ensured. It is also necessary to ensure that the device operates within the permissible temperature range - that is, if it is outdoors, then it is necessary to provide heating of the cabinet where this switch is installed. Installation, maintenance and repair of the device should only be carried out by a specialist, and only when the power supply is completely de-energized.
Finally, we recommend watching a video, which describes in more detail how to connect a toggle switch to the network:
It will be helpful to read:
- How to install a diesel generator
- How to connect a three-phase voltage regulator
- Connecting the generator to the mains at home
- What is a load break switch for?
