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RSSNew transfer switch and main breaker load link remote telecom sites with generator power sources
August 1, 2000
With the deregulation of the utility industry and inadequate power generating capabilities, brownouts and blackouts are expected to be more prevalent, especially in the hot summer months, note industry experts.
"That's driving more and more suppliers of wireless communications to ensure virtually uninterrupted service to customers by building in back-up power sources that can be turned on quickly at remote towers and stations," notes Reliance Controls Corp. president Dave Flegel.
The UniTran Manual Transfer Switch from Reliance is ideal for retrofit applications of towers and stations. Rated at 120 volts, the single-pole, double-throw switch wires into the existing load center and can be switched manually to transfer power from up to a 2,500-watt generator through the load center to a facility's critical circuits. Cabling from the generator plugs into the UniTran in seconds, so that back-up power can be accessed in minimal time.
"Where facilities are established and critical as part of a switching, relay or wireless operation," this type of transfer switch provides a reliable, built-in, stop-gap solution that helps ensure service to wireless device users can be virtually continuous," said Flegel.
When space constraints do not allow the UniTran switch to be installed adjacent to the existing load center, the load center can be retrofitted with the new Panel/Link TTH unit.
New Tower, Station, Installations
Built primarily for new tower and station installations, Reliance Control Corporation's new Panel/Link TTH Generator-Ready main breaker load center features a unique built-in manual transfer switch (interlock mechanism) that also permits quick, convenient use of up to 30 kW of power from a generator source.
Built into a NEMA 3R Outdoor cabinet, Panel/Link allows for only one power source/feed at a time to the breaker box's split copper bus. These include either power from the utility grid into the main breaker (rated up to 200 amps); or power from an external generator to the double-pole breaker (up to 125 amps) built into the load center. The design, notes Reliance, ensures a high level of safety for facility operators. All Reliance Panel/Link load centers are service-entrance rated and listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
One load breaker on at a time
"The innovative interlock mechanism permits only one of the two main circuit breakers to be on at any time, which prevents back feeding from the generator to the utility line," said Flegel. "Users have to turn off the main breaker from the utility line to be able to turn on the breaker to their generator source." The main breakers, in turn, feed 16/32 branch circuits.
Such an easy-to-use main breaker option, "built in as standard equipment, has become a must for commercial and residential electricity users that live in areas where outages are common," Flegel said. "Panel/Link is a lifeline to keep critical electrical circuits in use around the clock."
Panel/Link can be installed flush or on surface and can be used in both residential construction and in retrofits of existing wiring installations. At a standard 14 -3/8-inch width, the grey, enamel breaker box is easy to install and connect. Featuring a full 4-1/4 inch side wiring gutter, the box contains all the service connections and breaker knock-outs of a traditional box.
To avoid the need for an opening (door or window) for the generator cord to an interior connection to Panel/Link, Reliance Controls Corporation has designed an optional power inlet box that can be installed outdoors for easy plug-in of the generator. The rain-tight (NEMA 3R) box uses an exclusive patented design that provides generous wiring space and makes it easy for electricians to rough in the box.
"This new breaker box and power inlet box are designed as a complete system," said Flegel. "Used together, they provide an extremely safe way for users to access the power they need quickly and safely, at any time."
Reliance Controls Corporation is headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, and was founded in 1909 as Reliance Automatic Lighting Company by Benjamin Franklin Flegel, who patented the first heavy-duty time switch. Today, Reliance Controls Corporation produces over 100 different types of transfer switches, transfer panels and accessories that provide countless configurations of connectivity of a generator to a load center.
