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Dual power source switch

  • 08-01-2020 10:01pm
    #1
    indy_man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭


    I have a power cable going to a water pump. But when the power goes I have no pump. So I want to be able able to supply the pump with power two ways and manually switch between both when I need to.

    1) Original way, mains power.
    2) A socket that will be fed from a generator.

    What kind of socket\switch do I need?

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    meercat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,828 ✭✭✭meercat


    indy_man wrote: »
    I have a power cable going to a water pump. But when the power goes I have no pump. So I want to be able able to supply the pump with power two ways and manually switch between both when I need to.

    1) Original way, mains power.
    2) A socket that will be fed from a generator.

    What kind of socket\switch do I need?

    Thanks.


    Generator change over switch

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/182629037780


  • #3
    indy_man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭indy_man


    Perfect. So I guess I have two options here. I could set this up as I describe in the original post or I could slot this in on the power supply going into my fuse board, then the generator could power more than just my water pump. Does this seem reasonable?


  • #4
    meercat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,828 ✭✭✭meercat


    indy_man wrote: »
    Perfect. So I guess I have two options here. I could set this up as I describe in the original post or I could slot this in on the power supply going into my fuse board, then the generator could power more than just my water pump. Does this seem reasonable?

    If you are installing a changeover switch on your distribution board then you’ll need a higher rated one(100amp)
    This would require a rec to install


  • #5
    quietsailor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,428 ✭✭✭quietsailor


    If its JUST the pump you want to supply you could use a simple industrial plug and socket. One socket is fed from the existing wire the second socket is fed from whatever power source you plan to use in a power cut. The plug is on the pump lead


  • #6
    quietsailor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,428 ✭✭✭quietsailor


    Just thinking about this, this morning - I'm talking about putting the plug and socket arrangement in the pump house, not at the distribution board


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  • #7
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    quietsailor wrote: »
    If its JUST the pump you want to supply you could use a simple industrial plug and socket. One socket is fed from the existing wire the second socket is fed from whatever power source you plan to use in a power cut. The plug is on the pump lead

    This approach will work however in order to have an earth reference the generator will need an earth rod and it would be best to neutralize IMHO. This makes the generator a little less mobile and the installer slightly more complex.


  • #8
    quietsailor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,428 ✭✭✭quietsailor


    2011 wrote: »
    This approach will work however in order to have an earth reference the generator will need an earth rod and it would be best to neutralize IMHO. This makes the generator a little less mobile and the installer slightly more complex.

    From the original post I thought the OP is referring to one of the small generators you'd lift in & out of a car - that & an earth rod as you say would surely be an easier install that having to pull cable from an outside wall (for generator connection) to the distribution board and having changeover switches installed.

    OP - are you looking for a quick/easy solution for the pump alone or do you want to have the whole house supplied by the generator?


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