One Generator - 2 ATS's control wiring 4

[flaco67]

My customer wants to replace an existing 60kw generator with a 150kw generator. The 150 will feed 2 different condo buildings. Each condo building has its own service feed so it is conceivable that one building could loose power and not the other. Therefore the ATS's in each building have to be able to start the generator independently. Is the control wiring as simple as connecting the control wires from each ATS to the engine start terminals on the gen? Also the distance from the 150 to the farthest ATS is 1100' (can't get them any closer, unfortunately). Does the length matter since the engine start is a dry contact? Is there anything else I should be concerned about. I have the feeder size (length issue) and battery charger/block heater circuit figured out.

the 150kw genset is a used ElliotMagnetek (don't have the manual and can't seem to get a hold of one)
1 ats is Generac and 1 is Kohler.

 

[mpparent]

The ATS control shouldn't be a problem. However, the distance may be. I'd talk to each of the ATS manufacturers.


Mike

 

[dpc]

The control circuit length could be a problem, depending on how it is implemented in the ATS and the generator control. A dc control circuit using interposing relays would not be a problem.

Either ATS can control the generator - that's not a problem.

 

[waross]

I'd measure the current in the control circuit and size my wire for a maximum 7% voltage drop. 5% would be better. The control circuit will probably be 12 or 24 volts off the genset starting battery and voltage drop will be an issue.
Other than that, no problem.
An alternative that will probably pay for itself in wire saved is to use 120 or 240 volts from the condo to energise a relay at the generator location. Use the relays normally closed contacts in the generator start circuit. When the power fails, the genset starts. If the ATS does the cool-down timing for the gen set, use a time delay relay instead of an ordinary relay and it will give you the cooldown timing.
This would not be connected to the ATS. The ATS will still function and transfer the load to the genset, and back to the utility power as required.
yours

 

[powerwagon75]

Agree with all the above. Also, many gensets use B+ as the start command from the ATS..so B+ has to get there, and back. 2200 ft run is a long way to go.