UTS10BI Transfer Switch

[Anonymous user]

In regards to the UST10BI electronic transfer switch - I have some questions regarding installation - can someone else help?

First, I would like to purchase the compatible APC UPS for this.  Can you direct me to a link that will show me the option (s) for products?

Next, what powers the UST10BI ???  I am a bit confused on this aspect.  Is it the UPS plugged into the front that powers the transfer switch? 

I am hooking the transfer switch to a honda generator for back up power when my electricity goes out.

Thanks for your help.

[Anonymous user]

In regards to the UST10BI electronic transfer switch - I have some questions regarding installation - can someone else help?

First, I would like to purchase the compatible APC UPS for this.  Can you direct me to a link that will show me the option (s) for products?

Next, what powers the UST10BI ???  I am a bit confused on this aspect.  Is it the UPS plugged into the front that powers the transfer switch? 

I am hooking the transfer switch to a honda generator for back up power when my electricity goes out.

Thanks for your help.

[BillP]

Hello,

The UTS supports a UPS as an option - it is not required. You can use any UPS that has a 15A plug on it.

Also, the UTS functions off of circuits 9 and 10 which should be (2) 120V circuits that form 240V to power the panel itself. The UPS has nothing to do with this and is merely an option for customers that may have certain equipment/circuits that cannot have a power interruption. Theoretically, you could also use a 15A generator feed to serve the same function and then have your other generator provide power when the electricity is out for a longer period of time. So one generator acts as an uninterruptible power supply (since well the UPS battery may run out soon) and then you're regular generator.

Hope that helps.

[BillP]

1. Yes, you can use 9 and 10 as a 240V circuit.
2. Yes, the UTS will turn off until it has power from a UPS or the generator and as soon as it does, it will turn on again.
3. This unit has a CPLD - Circuit Protection Load Disconnect. The unit will ensure all of the internal relays have switched before it will allow generator power to flow. You will not have to turn you main breaker off in the electrical panel

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

ONE more question that I forgot to ask...

I understand that each UTS circuit is rated at 20 AMP.  I have two house circuits (family room and an office) that are wired as separate circuits in my panel (15 amp each). I did a load test with the TV and lights (family room) and PC (office) on.  Both combined added up to under 5 amps.  Can I combine both of these circuits into ONE UTS circuit? 

[Anonymous user]

poppv - connecting circuits 9 and 10 to your well pump breakers (2 x 20-amp breakers) is exactly what I did and is an ideal way to connect the UTS. 

The only slight clarification I might offer is when you say "I then hook up my generator (don't start) - then turn off the MAIN utility power - then power up the generator???".  As Angela already said, you do not need to turn off the Mains as the UTS will take care of that for you and ensure nothing gets backfed into the utility grid.  The clarification I wanted to make is that I suggest you start the generator BEFORE connecting it to the UTS.  Most generator manufacturers recommend that you let it warm up for a few minutes before putting it under load.  My process if we lose power is to wheel out the generator, start it up, while it warms up go find the generator cable, plug it into the power inlet which leads to the UTS, and finally plug the other end into the generator outlet.  a second later, the house lights up...

When the utility power comes back on just reverse that process (Unplug the generator cable, shut down the generator, put it all away), then go explain to your jealous neighbors why your house was all lit up when everybody else was in the dark.  

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thanks Traveller!   This was VERY helpful. 

I guess my last question is per my previous question...

Since the UTS only has 10 circuits (8 since 9-10 will be for well pump)...

Can I double up some house circuits to one UTS circuit?  For example - adding the garage circuit - which hardly gets used - to perhaps a living room circuit so that I don't take up 2 UTS circuits?

Thanks

[Anonymous user]

Hi Angela,

I am looking at the APCSMC1500 Smart UPS for the 2nd backup for my UTS10BI.  Can I use this one?

Can you explain how this would work? I would plug the UPS into the UPS connection on the from of the Transfer Switch.  During set-up - I see the default 2nd backup is already set to UPS.  Is this it???

Next, this would power all my UTS circuits for a short period of time, until I get the generator hook up - correct? OR is it just a back up for one circuit???

Thanks

[BillP]

You can double up circuits if you want as long as you don't exceed the 15A or 20A rating (depending on what you've set it to).

Also, SMC1500 is fine. It will support any circuits you set to uninterruptible as well as the intelligence of the UTS unit when power is lost and while the generator is starting. And also, FYI, circuit 1 provides power to that convenience outlet on the front (when power is present) for the UPS and because of that, you cannot set circuit 1 as uninterruptible.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks Angela -

So the UPS will have two plugs going to the UTS - One gets plugged into the UPS inlet and the other the convenience outlet?

Thanks

[BillP]

My understanding is you use the UPS inlet typically for the UPS (or a generator) and convenience outlet could be for another UPS or even generator - whatever supports a NEMA 5-15 that you could plug in. But, sounds like you can do what you want as well.