I am trying to automate a custom transfer switch. I am using the transfer switch contactor from a 200A generac transfer switch for this. Essentially there’s 2 12v
DC solenoids. One switches from utility power to the home, and the other switches from generator power to home. It is a pulse of approx .300 seconds. There is also a set of feedback terminals on these solenoids that ring continuity upon a successful fire of the solenoid. I would like to figure out how to tie these feedback terminals so that my automation has a way of knowing it successfully happened.
I would take suggestions for smart relays to use as well as voltage sensing feedback devices.
Thanks!
No clues from the installer? They do this all the time in industrial control situations.
I’m suspecting a $2.99 Tuya power monitoring switch from AliExpress is not going to replace connection to your 200Amp contactor solenoids for more than a few pulses.
Even the timing will have to be critical to prevent surges or shorts.
Do the data sheets contain any details on monitoring outputs or add-ons?
Putting a coil close by to detect current flow is going to have to be heavily suppressed for the initial spike and ringing before it hits any monitor.
A combination of zener, diode, capacitor, coil, and varistors will probably need to be tuned to get reliable results and preserve data input ports from overload.
Even optical isolation still will require some form of filter on the input side.
How fast after successful switch-over do you need to know for your automation? Instantly, or after a little while?