power on indicator for panel main

[toplessHO]

OK, now I've re-read the original post and see that he wants to monitor "street power" ahead of the main breaker. Agree, a capacitive pickup device like post #3 link is best here, you want nothing contacting said conductors.

But that leaves open the issue that there is no transfer switch in the system, and a dangerous backfeed could occur if the main breaker isn't kept in the "off" position. Highly not recommended.

research generator interlock
those work fine and no linemen were harmed in the making

 

[mike93lx]

tap into the gen feed in the panel and fuse it down.

Seems like a complicated solution.

If using an interlock, you should be able to plug into a receptacle next to the panel, which will keep the alarm powered up at all times, just needing to hit the button

 

[toplessHO]

I'm guessing that Reliance gadget senses power via interference, like how you can use an AM radio to detect a power cable.

No I think its based on same principle as a TicTracer.

BTW the first TicTracer I used was 50 yrs ago made by a company in Miami called TIF industries.
No one believed me that it was non contact until I proved it.
It was shirt pocket size with a wand sticking out of top

 

[toplessHO]

Seems like a complicated solution.

If using an interlock, you should be able to plug into a receptacle next to the panel, which will keep the alarm powered up at all times, just needing to hit the button

unfused receptacle ahead of main?
not a good idea

 

[mike93lx]

unfused receptacle ahead of main?
not a good idea

Nope. The receptacle already next to your panel

 

[gregs]

I like the idea of the Reliance unit but wish it had a flashing light instead of the siren. My panel is located in our bedroom and if the power came back on in the middle of the night and woke up the wife to that she would probably shoot me.

 

[yatg]

I like the idea of the Reliance unit but wish it had a flashing light instead of the siren. My panel is located in our bedroom and if the power came back on in the middle of the night and woke up the wife to that she would probably shoot me.

Consumer AIO item, as simple as possible. Too bad they didn't design it with a set of dry contacts then you could create your own notification. Shouldn't be hard to crack open and implement.

 

[mike93lx]

Consumer AIO item, as simple as possible. Too bad they didn't design it with a set of dry contacts then you could create your own notification. Shouldn't be hard to crack open and implement.

I wonder if the speaker output would be enough to light up an led without needing a relay

 

[AA/FC]

The alarm is loud and annoying. If you weren't expecting it.... it would probably make a person "jump" when it turns on.

 

[jack stand]

I need a small LED or neon type indicator to attach to line side of main
that will monitor power.
Reasoning is if main is off and generator running you dont know when commercial power is restored.
Yea I know I could put in an ATS,but not ready to get that involved.

Do you have a manual transfer switch?
I have a remote pedestal meter location about 200' from the house. My x-fer switch box is mounted on that pedestal. I take 120v off of the line side of the x-fer sw and run it to the house to a switch, then to a regular "porcelain" and bulb in the shop.
When the power is out I turn this switch on, it's not lit until the street power is back.
I've made that 200' walk in all kinds of ****** weather (usually in the dark) optimistically hopefull to find the ("smart") meter active.
More of those dark and cold walks were a disappointment.
Now I just walk into the shop hoping to "see the light".

 

[mike93lx]

Do you have a manual transfer switch?
I have a remote pedestal meter location about 200' from the house. My x-fer switch box is mounted on that pedestal. I take 120v off of the line side of the x-fer sw and run it to the house to a switch, then to a regular "porcelain" and bulb in the shop.
When the power is out I turn this switch on, it's not lit until the street power is back.
I've made that 200' walk in all kinds of ****** weather (usually in the dark) optimistically hopefull to find the ("smart") meter active.
More of those dark and cold walks were a disappointment.
Now I just walk into the shop hoping to "see the light".

Is there a fuse or breaker on this line?

 

[jack stand]

Yes, I have a little 2-3 space sub panel @ the sw/meter for a receptacle and a yard light. That was very handy to have there from the initial installation. I hadn't envisioned the need for a "pilot light" 15+ years ago.
What's that saying about a blind squirrel.
My big manual x Fer switch has proven to be very handy for some minor power distribution to other misc buildings with various options to tap into properly.

 

[The Cobbler]

I think it would be nice if the device had a timer in it. The last thing I need is a 100db alarm going off every time the power pops off for a moment, and even when the power is out longer, I'm not pulling the generator out right away.

I just watched a you tube video on it. the idea is you power it on (manually) when you transfer to genny power, then once utility power is restored you switch it back off.it alarms when is senses utility voltage . it runs on a 9V battery

 

[Milton Shaw]

I have a 16 circuit transfer box and changed almost all lights and items to it but left the 50 amp stove on the main box. So if the power is off the stove is dead, no light or clock. I also did this with a circuit in the bedroom that I charge phones etc. The lights on chargers let me know if line power is still on. Also generator is close enough to hear it running if we turn down the phones and music.

 

[mike93lx]

I have a 16 circuit transfer box and changed almost all lights and items to it but left the 50 amp stove on the main box. So if the power is off the stove is dead, no light or clock. I also did this with a circuit in the bedroom that I charge phones etc. The lights on chargers let me know if line power is still on. Also generator is close enough to hear it running if we turn down the phones and music.

Knowing the power is back when you have a separate transfer panel is easy. The problem is when you have an interlock or a transfer switch upstream of the main panel