Connection advice

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traveler2100
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Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 7:53 pm

Connection advice

Post by traveler2100 » Thu May 12, 2016 8:11 pm

I want to install an energy monitor to my outside meter pan/ breaker panel and I need a 110 v outlet. This panel supplies 3 subpanels, 2 ac units and a sewage pump. All of the circuits are 220. I want to install a box next to the panel with the ecm-1240 in it but I can't figure out how to wire a 110 v outlet. See the attached picture. anyone see a way to pull this off? Thanks.
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Teken
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Re: Connection advice

Post by Teken » Thu May 12, 2016 10:44 pm

What does the other sub panels look like in terms of breaker space? The main panel you show here is obviously maxed out and no available slots.

There are certain brands of service panels which have dual position screws to obtain 120 VAC. But you would need to do some research if your service panel supports such breakers. Otherwise you need to find a secure method to supply 120 VAC power for both the PT and PSU transformers.
Teken . . .

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traveler2100
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 7:53 pm

Re: Connection advice

Post by traveler2100 » Fri Jun 03, 2016 1:58 pm

Thanks. I found a triple tandem breaker with 2 15s and a 30 I am going to try. Same manufacturer as my panel.



I didn't know such breakers existed.

Traveler
Teken
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Re: Connection advice

Post by Teken » Fri Jun 03, 2016 2:31 pm

traveler2100 wrote:Thanks. I found a triple tandem breaker with 2 15s and a 30 I am going to try. Same manufacturer as my panel.



I didn't know such breakers existed.

Traveler
That's perfect and exactly what I referred to now you can install a quad outlet. As a measure of safety install a surge alarm outlet in place from companies like Leviton, Cooper, P&S.
Teken . . .

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traveler2100
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 7:53 pm

Re: Connection advice

Post by traveler2100 » Fri Jun 03, 2016 3:14 pm

Thanks. I am going to try the surge outlets. I saw them on your post. Something else I didn't know was available. Unfortunantly many of the places I would like to use them already have Insteon outlets but I still will install some.

Do you have a preferred vendor for an outside box to hold a GEM and outlets? I'm still looking.

Traveler
Teken
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Re: Connection advice

Post by Teken » Fri Jun 03, 2016 3:25 pm

traveler2100 wrote:Thanks. I am going to try the surge outlets. I saw them on your post. Something else I didn't know was available. Unfortunantly many of the places I would like to use them already have Insteon outlets but I still will install some.

Do you have a preferred vendor for an outside box to hold a GEM and outlets? I'm still looking.

Traveler
Hello Traveler,

When you say outside do you mean literally? Or is the panel in the garage somewhere? I ask because if its literally on the side of the home you're very much restricted to using a weather rated enclosure which can be found on line or any big box store like HD, Lowes, Mennards, etc.

Having said that most structural wiring box's can be modified for outside use assuming they do not have vents as normally they do. Essentially all you need is a solid locking box that has a gasket.

Keeping in mind if you follow NEC / CEC codes it mandates what you can and can not use on the outside of the home for obvious safety reasons.

Remember the box doesn't need to be metal it can be weather rated plastic, ABS, what ever.
Teken . . .

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ben
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Re: Connection advice

Post by ben » Mon Jun 06, 2016 9:19 am

traveler2100 wrote:Thanks. I am going to try the surge outlets. I saw them on your post. Something else I didn't know was available. Unfortunantly many of the places I would like to use them already have Insteon outlets but I still will install some.

Do you have a preferred vendor for an outside box to hold a GEM and outlets? I'm still looking.

Traveler
Something like this should work:



With your panel by the way, I don't think it's possible to get CTs on your Mains. So your Mains will have to be the combined total of the breakers in that panel.
Ben
Brultech Research Inc.
E: ben(at)brultech.com
traveler2100
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 7:53 pm

Re: Connection advice

Post by traveler2100 » Tue Jun 07, 2016 2:51 pm

Hey thanks Ben. That's exactly what I am looking for, with a 110 receptacle. As for the mains you are correct. These six breakers are in the meter pan and are the main disconnects to the house. I plan to monitor them individually and combined since the go to HVACs and subpanels in the house. As I progress, I plan to add GEMs to the subpanels if all goes well. Thanks again.

Traveler
traveler2100
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 7:53 pm

Re: Connection advice

Post by traveler2100 » Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:01 pm

Ben I think I am going to add a GEM instead of an ECM 1240 since I'll add a generator down the line. Looking at the dimensions, the GEM is a pretty big box. Can it be mounted outside? If not, can you recommend an enclosure? I think I can use the one above if I install just the GEM main board. I want to use a Wifi module and not sure how much more room I'll need. Any ideas? Thanks.

Traveler
ben
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Re: Connection advice

Post by ben » Tue Jun 21, 2016 11:13 am

traveler2100 wrote:Ben I think I am going to add a GEM instead of an ECM 1240 since I'll add a generator down the line. Looking at the dimensions, the GEM is a pretty big box. Can it be mounted outside? If not, can you recommend an enclosure? I think I can use the one above if I install just the GEM main board. I want to use a Wifi module and not sure how much more room I'll need. Any ideas? Thanks.

Traveler
WiFi/Ethernet module is on-board now so it should fit fine.

We have one of those enclosures here, the GEM board fits when removed from the case, you'll likely need to drill a hole for the WiFi antenna, and maybe for the switch on the GEM board (or just snip it smaller). You'll also need some standoffs to elevate the board a bit.

Let us know ahead of time when ordering and we won't secure the WiFi antenna to the GEM case so you'll be able to use the nut/washer with the outdoor enclosure.
Ben
Brultech Research Inc.
E: ben(at)brultech.com
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