Timer for a Schneider Conext SW

MrM1
MrM1 Registered Users Posts: 487 ✭✭✭✭
I was thinking about adding a timer to the AC in side of my CSW inverter.  Problem is I see lots of water heater 240v 30a and 40am timers,  but none of the Philips head screw "lugs" look large enough for the #8 THHN type wire I have used for the AC input of the CSW.    Any thoughts as to a timer that might have big enough lugs for #8 wire?    I was looking at the Tork DTU40 ... but again not sure of the max wire size. 
REC TwinPeak 2 285W 3S-3P 2.6kW-STC / 1.9kW-NMOT Array / MN Solar Classic 150 / 2017 Conext SW 4024 Inverter latest firmware / OB PSX-240 Autotransfomer for load balancing / Trojan L16H-AC 435Ah bank 4S connected to Inverter with 7' of 4/0 cable / 24 volt system / Grid-Assist or Backup Solar Generator System Powering 3200Whs Daily / System went Online Oct 2017 / System, Pics and Discussion

Comments

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You will have to use a conventional timer to trigger a Contactor relay
     Generally used for motor controls, but I suppose you could use a 40HP version as a beefy disconnect (maybe 15HP is enough, you research what size you need for 80A)
    https://www.grainger.com/category/contactors/motor-controls/electrical/ecatalog/N-19s2?searchRedirect=contactor

    Timers:  (only up to 40A)
    https://www.grainger.com/category/electromechanical-timers/timers/industrial-automation/industrial-controls-automation-and-machine-safety/electrical/ecatalog/N-qgf
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • MrM1
    MrM1 Registered Users Posts: 487 ✭✭✭✭
    Thanks Mike

    Help me understand and educate me.  Why is a timer by itself not going to work if it is 40a and 240v which is my max load that would come from the AC input into the CSW.  Is it simply because a timer is not made that will take #8 under the lugs,  or is it because the contacts of the switches in the timer would not handle the load being that it is resistive but also inductive.
    REC TwinPeak 2 285W 3S-3P 2.6kW-STC / 1.9kW-NMOT Array / MN Solar Classic 150 / 2017 Conext SW 4024 Inverter latest firmware / OB PSX-240 Autotransfomer for load balancing / Trojan L16H-AC 435Ah bank 4S connected to Inverter with 7' of 4/0 cable / 24 volt system / Grid-Assist or Backup Solar Generator System Powering 3200Whs Daily / System went Online Oct 2017 / System, Pics and Discussion
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    The Tork timer would work with the load, just #8 would be too large, splice down to #10 solid in a junction box before entering the timer and remember the overcurrent protection will be limited to the smallest conductors #10 so 30A.

    http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-Tork-DTU40-timer.html
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • MrM1
    MrM1 Registered Users Posts: 487 ✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2018 #5
    Thanks,  may do that.   I know it is not good practice,  but would eliminating 2 strands from the #8 so it fits under the lugs be the same as splicing in #10?  
    I was looking at the contactors Mike linked - I liked the idea ... but all I was seeing at 4:30am this morning was ones in the $700 plus range?  Was I looking at the wrong ones?
    REC TwinPeak 2 285W 3S-3P 2.6kW-STC / 1.9kW-NMOT Array / MN Solar Classic 150 / 2017 Conext SW 4024 Inverter latest firmware / OB PSX-240 Autotransfomer for load balancing / Trojan L16H-AC 435Ah bank 4S connected to Inverter with 7' of 4/0 cable / 24 volt system / Grid-Assist or Backup Solar Generator System Powering 3200Whs Daily / System went Online Oct 2017 / System, Pics and Discussion
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    If the contactor route is your choice, search " definite purpose " contactors, and you are correct, it's bad practice ti eliminate strands, furthermore it's not recommended to use stranded conductors on the terminals of the Tork time clock.  Using a contactor will allow the use of a timer with a lower current rating as it will only drive the coil, food for thought.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    at 40A, timer contacts will eventually give out, a beefy contactor is not likely to fail, they are designed to switch giant currents
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    or get the 40A timer and see how long it lasts - might save the hassle of wiring up a contactor in its own box.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • t00ls
    t00ls Solar Expert Posts: 245 ✭✭✭
    found this ...it accepts #8 wire and handles 40 amp loads
    https://www.intermatic.com/en/timer-controls/specialty-time-switches/whavq7

  • MrM1
    MrM1 Registered Users Posts: 487 ✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2019 #10
    t00ls said:
    found this ...it accepts #8 wire and handles 40 amp loads
    https://www.intermatic.com/en/timer-controls/specialty-time-switches/whavq7

    Do you have a link or where it is stating it will take #8?  Not seeing it.  But I am just now skimming thru the install sheet
    REC TwinPeak 2 285W 3S-3P 2.6kW-STC / 1.9kW-NMOT Array / MN Solar Classic 150 / 2017 Conext SW 4024 Inverter latest firmware / OB PSX-240 Autotransfomer for load balancing / Trojan L16H-AC 435Ah bank 4S connected to Inverter with 7' of 4/0 cable / 24 volt system / Grid-Assist or Backup Solar Generator System Powering 3200Whs Daily / System went Online Oct 2017 / System, Pics and Discussion
  • MrM1
    MrM1 Registered Users Posts: 487 ✭✭✭✭
    Yeah in the install sheet it does not specifically say #8 ... or at least that the connection lugs will fit #8,  it just says yes #8 for 40amp and #10 for 30 amp  in the warning and safety section.  So not sure if that is general fire safety or if that is saying the timer will allow for #8.  Would be nice to see closeup pics.
    REC TwinPeak 2 285W 3S-3P 2.6kW-STC / 1.9kW-NMOT Array / MN Solar Classic 150 / 2017 Conext SW 4024 Inverter latest firmware / OB PSX-240 Autotransfomer for load balancing / Trojan L16H-AC 435Ah bank 4S connected to Inverter with 7' of 4/0 cable / 24 volt system / Grid-Assist or Backup Solar Generator System Powering 3200Whs Daily / System went Online Oct 2017 / System, Pics and Discussion