How to connect a generator to a three-phase network at home?

A backup source of electrical energy will never be superfluous in a country house in case of emergency. Unplanned and indefinite or accident-related power outages can negatively affect electrical appliances. And when your heating system is dependent on the supply of electricity, then in the winter there is a danger of cooling the home and freezing to its owner.

There are several connection options. First - this is connection of the unit to a dedicated consumer group.

The second way is the use of a rocker switch (knife switch) for 3 positions 1-0-2, in other words, in the 1st position, power is taken from the centralized (city) electrical network, the switch position is 0 - the electrical circuit is off, in position 2 - the house is connected to a spare source of electricity, in this case it is a gas, petrol or diesel generator.

Without going deeply into the structure of the devices, we only note that a changeover switch is arranged or a 3-position switch is quite simple and includes stationary contacts to which wiring is connected (consumer-city-device that generates electricity), and moving contacts that switch the consumer from the centralized power grid to the generator and back.

When switching a consumer to a generator, we need to make it so that electricity is supplied to all 3 phases.

In this case, you need a little modify the switch-switch - make a jumper between phases А-В-С from the side of connection of the device that generates electricity. Now, when switching the consumer to the generator, electric current will go to all 3 phases.

The third way to connect the consumer to a generator with one phase is use of contactors. With this option, 2 contactors are used, one for powering the consumer from the centralized network, the 2nd contactor is needed to connect the consumer to a spare source of electricity - a gas, gasoline or diesel generator. This method is acceptable when using automatic backup power on (ATS).

When the consumer is supplied from the centralized network, all 3 phases connected to the contactor go to the consumer. When connecting the generator, as in the version with a 3-position switch, at the terminals of the contactor in the area of ​​connecting the cable from the generator, we need to slightly alter the switch-switch - put a jumper between the phases А-В-С.

Connection by means of an additional switchgear. The connection diagram of the machines from the power line and the generator is almost the same, which makes it possible not to change anything in the functioning 3-phase electrical network.This approach to the introduction of an individual house into the network is considered the most reliable and ensures the efficient operation of the equipment connected to it.

To implement it, you will need to take certain actions.

1. Turn off the 380 V input circuit breaker by stopping the power supply to the house.
2. Put a new 4-pole circuit breaker in the panel, the output terminals of which are mated by pieces of wires with the input terminals of all linear devices.
3. The generator output cable with 4 cores (3 phases and neutral) is connected to the new breaker and each of them is connected to the correct terminal.
4. If a residual current device is installed further according to the scheme, when performing commutations, the wiring of the wires connected to it (each of 3 phases and zero) is provided.

A toggle switch (reversible switch) is the same switch, only with three positions.

Central contact group circuit breaker, the wires from which go directly to the consumer, are sequentially thrown towards the input from the explosive or to the generator supply. In the middle position of the switch, the whole house is completely de-energized.

You can exclude manual selection of the power supply by using application of the auto-switching circuit of the load connected to it. Its structure includes at least a control unit and 2 cross-connected contactors (starters). The main of these devices, produced on the basis of a software-controlled device, semiconductor triodes or analog integrated circuits, carries out the following activities:

• recognizes situations with a power failure in the main supply line;
• thereafter, disconnects the consumer from it;
• switches it to a 3-phase generator.

During the operation of the unit, which recognizes the interruption of the centralized power supply, a long current pulse is generated, which is supplied to the actuator (starter coil). This leads to auto-switching of the switch to the operating mode from the generator. If the centralized power supply is restored, another control impulse switches the system back to its original state.

To connect the generator to the power grid at home through an outlet, you will need to carefully study the features of using this method. Despite its simplicity and ease of connection, this method has many negative aspects, manifested in the following:

• the need to constantly watch that the input circuit breaker is turned off;
• the need to purchase a specialized 4-pole outlet designed for high currents;
• limit on the load connected to the unit.

The socket connection method is considered the worst of all acceptable.

Compliance with the following rules will protect against short circuits, injury and other problems.

1. If the generator is located in a home, then high-quality ventilation is the first thing to do. If the unit has high power, then it must be installed in the yard.
2. It is advisable to shelter the generator from the negative effects of the weather, for example, precipitation and high humidity.
3. When fixing the contacts, do not leave any bare parts of the wiring.
4. Fuel-fueled units should not be located close to high temperatures.
5. Wipe up spilled fuel thoroughly. Turn off the generator before refueling.
6. Beware of contact with a running machine. Do not come close in developing clothes, as the internal fan can draw in fabric, oilcloth and the like.
7. Grounding must be mandatory for gasoline generators and diesel generators.

And further. You should not forget about the main things: without knowledge of how to connect, and without experience, do not tackle the installation and adhere to safety measures to eliminate negative consequences. Trust the experts.

How to connect the generator to the house, see below.