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Parrothead

First, this project is not my original idea. It belongs to Robert Cummings, aka 2manytoyz. He is not a member here. That is his username on a number of alternative energy forums, though. Here is a link to his original write up on this project, along with these same images. (The images below are his as well, with the exception of the voltage modification I did to the relay schematic.)

 

This transfer switch project, once completed, will allow mains power to power appliances, electronics, etc., until the mains fail. Upon the mains power dropping out, a DPDT relay in the circuit will automatically switch, completing a circuit from your battery and inverter, to your appliances (electric load).

 

NOTE: Keep in mind this particular project was for 120vac service. So, you will have to make sure the coil on the relay is wired for 220vac-230vac, for Cambodia electric service.

 

Here is the schematic: 

(I modified his schematic for SE Asia voltages.)

transfer_relay_circuit (7a).jpg

 

Here is the relay and base mount (socket):

transfer_relay_circuit (5).jpg

 

transfer_relay_circuit (6).jpg

 

Here is the circuit wired into a work box:

transfer_relay_circuit (4).jpg

 

And, finally, the completed project:

transfer_relay_circuit (1).jpg

 

 

Each end of the three pig tailed cables are labeled:

transfer_relay_circuit (2).jpg

 

transfer_relay_circuit (3).jpg

 

Anyway, as soon as I find a relay and socket, I will be making one of these "switches" myself.

 

One great thing about using one of these transfer switches is, your solar system will not be required to support your load 24 / 7 / 365. It will only be necessary to provide power during power cuts. So, your solar array output can be less, and your battery bank can be smaller. 

 

Alternatively, you can use a battery charger that is plugged into the mains, to keep your battery (batteries) charged while mains power is up. So, actually having to use a solar array to charge the battery (batteries) isn't really necessary either, for those who wish to not go through the extra expense. 

 

Copyright Robert Cummings, aka 2manytoyz - 2008, 2015

 

 

Edited by Parrothead
updated write up.
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Parrothead

Well, rather than waiting for a company in the US to send me a relay and base, I found them on eBay. Of course, it will probably take six months to get to me. But, I have time to wait anyway. Okay, maybe not that long. But, I don't expect it will arrive for at least a month. I am sure they will mail it via surface.

 

One 8 pin, 5amp, 220vac coil DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) relay, with Din rail base mount. $6.08 each, shipped, on eBay. The rest of the parts I can source locally, without having to look very hard.

 

The ac cables will not have to be very large, due to the output limitations of my inverter. 300watts continous / 600 watts intermittent (up to 10 minutes). At 230vac, a 3 ampere fuse / breaker will more than suffice for this project - if I use line protection at all. (The inverter has ample voltage / ampere protection in place.)

 

chinese_relay_and base.JPG

 

I will keep you folks up-to-date on this little project of mine.

Edited by Paul
removed old eBay link.
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Parrothead

 

 

I found them on eBay. Of course, it will probably take six months to get to me.

 

When I wrote that, I was just joking. However, I guess the shipping gods felt otherwise. I never did receive the relays and sockets I purchased. 

 

Back to the drawing board. I really wanted to have one of these made up by now. 

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Parrothead

Well, yesterday, my relays finally arrived. Second order, arrived about six weeks after purchasing them. 

 

I now have three relays and three sockets. The sockets can be mounted flat on a surface, just by adding two screws. Or, they will attach directly to a DIN rail, like a breaker does. The bases are about half the size of a DIN rail breaker. A bit smaller than I expected them to be, honestly. 

 

MY2N-J_DPDT_Relay.jpg

 

PYF08A_socket_base.jpg

 

relay_1.JPG

 

relay_2.JPG

 

relay_3.JPG

 

I probably have enough parts laying around here to build the complete transfer switch assembly. 

Edited by Paul

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