9
OPM-114
REV B
BATTERY CHARGER & BLOCKHEATER
A three-stage electronic battery charger is provided standard on this
unit. This charger has three rates of charging. During the first mode,
known as Bulk charging, the charging current is limited to 2 Amps at a
voltage of up to 14.5 VDC. The green LED will blink during this stage.
During the Absorption mode, the charger holds the battery voltage at
approximately 14.5 VDC, and then gradually reduces the amount of
Amps it delivers to the battery. This way the battery is able to “absorb”
the last 10% of charge as quickly as possible without becoming
overheated. The green LED will blink during this stage. When the
battery approaches full charge, the charger switches into its third
charging stage, gradually reducing the current fed to the batteries to
as low as 0.1 Amps. At the same time, it reduces its output to a “Float”
or “Maintenance” charging rate of approximately 13.3 VDC nominal,
indicated by the green LED. This low “Float” or Maintenance” voltage
gently “tops off” the battery, keeping it fully charged and ready until
needed. The green LED will indicate the battery is fully charged.
The blockheater on this unit is 1000 watts and should also be plugged
in the Shore Power receptacle. The block heater is thermostatically
controlled and when plugged in will maintain the engine coolant
temperature between 100 and 120 degrees F.
MOUNTING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH
For standby applications, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) will
be necessary for automatic starting. A wall mounted ASCO 300
ATS designed for inside or outside installation. The transfer switch
is UL1008 approved. A fourteen day electronic exerciser circuit is
installed in the ATS as standard equipment. The ATS also contains the
power failure sensing circuitry necessary to start and stop the engine
generator set. The transfer switch is also equipped standard with a 3
second start delay, and a 15 second transfer delay to allow the engine
to warm up before transferring the load to the generator. When the line
power is restored the ATS has a 5 minute transfer delay to allow the
incoming utility to stabilize before transferring back to line power and
then an additional 1 minute engine cool down delay before the engine
shuts down. Read and understand the ATS owners manual before
installing, servicing or operating the transfer switch.
WARNING: FIRE HAZARD:
All wiring must be done by a licensed electrician, and must conform to
the National Electrical Code and comply with all the local codes and
regulations. Check with the local authorities before proceeding.
INSTALLATION NOTES:
Because of many different types of service, feeder and distribution
equipment, no specific wiring instructions can be provided. It is
recommended that only copper wire be used. In all cases it is
essential that while the load is connected to the generator, there can
be absolutely no feedback from the generator to the power line or the
power line to the generator. When properly installed, the normal ATS
Control and safety system will eliminate all paths and feedback.
To wire the automatic transfer switch into existing wiring, first determine
which circuits will be on the emergency load circuit. If the entire load is
transferred, the transfer switch can be wired directly after the watt-hour
meter and the service entrance, providing the service entrance ampere
rating is within the transfer switch’s rated capability.
If only specific circuits are to be powered under emergency power
failure conditions, an additional distribution panel designated
“emergency distribution panel” must be installed.
All selected emergency circuits are removed from main distribution
panels and installed in the emergency distribution panel. The ATS is
then installed between the main panel and the emergency distribution
panel. Suggested circuits: freezer, refrigerator, furnace, emergency
lights, sump pump, emergency outlet circuits, etc. Total running load
must not exceed generator rating.
