Watchdog II Mesh User Manual
P/N 86-0006-00
Rev E 01-2020
Page
8 of 38
Base Station Power Options
The Watchdog II Base Station has three (3) power options:
1. External 115/230 VAC (using AC mains and a separate 5A mains circuit breaker)
2. External 8-30 VAC (using an isolated step-down AC transformer, or a low voltage AC tap
off of the secondary side of the rectifier transformer)
3. External 10-40 VDC (using a DC power source that can continuously supply 250 mA,
such as a large solar panel system or thermoelectric generator (TEG))
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. The best power option will depend upon the
nature of the remote site (difficulty of access, availability of external power, etc.) and the preference of
the user.
1.4 Continuous (always on) Power Options
If real time polling and interruption are desired, the Base Station must have a reliable, continuous
power source. In the event of external power failure, the unit will continue to operate for two weeks
using its internal backup battery, in a power conservation mode. It will transmit a Power Fail message
to the website and will continue to do so every 3 days until its battery is depleted or until power is
restored, at which point it will transmit a Return to Normal message
The RMU can be wired to obtain power from any of the following sources:
1.4.1
115 / 230 Volts AC Line Power
The unit can be powered by a single phase 115 or 230 V, 50 or 60 Hz AC circuit.
It is recommended that a separate 5 Amp circuit breaker be installed in the breaker box that supplies
the rectifier. This allows the power to the RMU to be switched on or off, independent of the rectifier
power. The Interrupter II option may be powered from the same source.
NOTE: Do not use a circuit breaker with a rating greater than 5 Amps.
A ¾” flexible conduit should be run from the electrical junction box to the Base Station, and the circuit
should be connected with two 14 AWG electrical power wires (line and neutral).
The Base Station case is non-conductive plastic. DO NOT run a ground wire from the junction box to
the Base Station.
Advantages:
Continuous power allows real-time polling, interruption control, and reconfiguration
A separate circuit breaker for power, with no electrical connection to the rectifier, increases
lightning protection
Allows more frequent data transmissions
