UTS6H ALM and load shed

[Anonymous user]

Hi,
I just installed a APC UTS6H (with Hardwire kit) along with a APC BX1000g UPS and a Honda EU2000i. The install was smooth and everything works beautifully. I'm really impressed with this transfer switch and am surprised it isn't advertised more. The average 6 circuit transfer switch runs about $200-300 and the APC blows them all out of the water with it's built in intelligence. I spent the last two days testing everything out for the next power outage and have a question on the ALM time management feature along with load shed. Circuit 4 is my refrigerator(setting of "refrigerator" and "GEN" power) and I have it on the default setting of "delayable" with 30 min off/ 30 min on. I also have load shed and ALM with time management enabled. While testing with the Honda powering the circuits, when the watts approached the 1600 the load shed feature shed the fridge and it said it was in standby. I waited the 30 mins and it did not re enable the circuit. I waited a full hour and it still didn't come back on. I'm trying to figure out the logic.....

The only way the circuit came on was when I changed the circuit label to "Home Theatre" and the circuit clicked on. I reset the panel and re entered all my parameters and the circuit was still off. I then turned utility power back on and reset and the circuit stayed on when I chose fridge. I wonder if I was resetting the 30 minute "off" every time I went to circuit setting? Or maybe I just didn't wait long enough for it to turn back on? I'm sure the logic is fine and I was doing something on my end, but thought I would ask here before I test it again tomorrow. By the way, the panel came with 15 amp fuses and all 6 circuits are off of 20 amp breakers. Do I need to go into the settings and change it to 20 amp for each circuit even though they are 15 amp fuses, or can I leave it be since the 15 amp is more restrictive? My loads had no problems with the 15 amp setting. Awesome UTS and UPS APC, I really like the technology. My neighbors are impressed that I'm powering my house with a Honda EU2000i and it's hands free after starting the generator.

[Anonymous user]

Update:

I cured the ALM problem with circuit 4. I purchased a different heavier duty 12/3 cord from generator to outlet and it cured the problem. The 14/3 cable probably couldn't handle the load and caused the algorithm for ALM to shed circuit 4. So everything is working great right now and again really love this transfer switch! Last question is about the 15 amp setting and 15 amp fuses inside the UTS. My 6 circuits are all 20 amp, should I leave the 15 amp setting in the UTS setup or change it to 20 amp even though I only have 15 amp fuses in the UTS? My loads seem to be working fine on the 15 amp setting, but I know the manual says to match your home circuits. Do I have to buy all new fuses? they are pretty expensive. Thanks

[BillP]

i am not 100% sure but i believe you should get 20 amp or else it would technically violate an electrical code to have the fuses the wrong size 😕

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for the reply winna:)

I checked my code and the APC UTS wires and switches are rating for 20 amp circuits. So in generator mode my house circuits are rated at 15 amps which is in line with the generator and fuses and is more restrictive than the 20 amp. My generator is also limited to 1600 rated watts, so it shouldn't trip the fuse.

[BillP]

yep that makes sense!

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

UTS6 can support up to 20 AMP on each circuit doesn't mean that you should install 20am fuses.  The ampere should match with what you have on the main circuit breakers because when UTS switches to Generator mode, let's say, your generator is capable of providing more than 20 amps, you will be in trouble.  The supposed to be 15-amp circuit is now with 20-amp fuse can draw more than the electrical wire it can handle causing overheat. 

 It should not depend on the rating of the power generator because you might have larger generator in the future.