Remotely control whole house generator

[rmanrman]

I have a 12KW propane whole house generator with automatic transfer 200 amp switch
The generator will start after 1.5 minutes of street power going out.
Is there a way to stop the generator from running after say 1 hour and go into standby not from the generator itself but remotely in the home ??
Why. If I’m running low on propane and need to conserve to keep the fridge and heat and well pump running for a time needed

 

[The Cobbler]

I wonder if you ran a kill wire to the house to shut it down, would it retstart ?
I think also, you're supposed to run the generator without load before shutting them down , so the above may not be a wise option

 

[ericm]

There are remote control options for some Generacs.

 

[Spire]

Cummins whole home machines can have remote control panels in the house or can be started/stopped from a cell phone app.

What generator do you have?

 

[rmanrman]

I wonder if you ran a kill wire to the house to shut it down, would it retstart ?
I think also, you're supposed to run the generator without load before shutting them down , so the above may not be a wise option

I can shut off the main 200 amp breaker in the garage but the generator will keep running until street power returns

 

[PCustoms]

Cummins whole home machines can have remote control panels in the house or can be started/stopped from a cell phone app.

How does that work when the power is out?

 

[LXCam]

Make and model of the generator might make this much easier to answer. A remote start and stop is pretty simple but it helps having a schematic.

 

[ALinCarolina]

I have a Briggs and Stratton 26K. As I understand it there is a remote control unit you can buy and an app for it but there is a subscription fee which I will not partake of. It's a shame because I can control my thermostats, garage doors, wifi system, security cameras, printers, and even some EV settings without paying a subscription.

 

[rmanrman]

Cummins whole home machines can have remote control panels in the house or can be started/stopped from a cell phone app.

What generator do you have?

It’s a propane 12 kw 240volt Briggs and Straton ten years old. On line seller gone ghost

 

[ratflinger]

I'd increase the size of my propane tank or get a backup tank to ensure your supply.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

It’s a propane 12 kw 240volt Briggs and Straton ten years old. On line seller gone ghost

Is this a vertical unit? Engine up top and gen end on the bottom?

I think these may have shared the controller with the GE Synchrony series depending on model.

 

[Spire]

How does that work when the power is out?

For me at least, I have the network stuff on UPS. I never control the generator, I just monitor it.

 

[rmanrman]

Is this a vertical unit? Engine up top and gen end on the bottom?

I think these may have shared the controller with the GE Synchrony series depending on model.

It’s a vertical unit. 2cyl top Engine. Generator on bottom. Air cooled.
The auto transfer switch came packaged with generator unit
Very difficult to find technical information
User manual that was provided is a start up type
Add oil change spark plugs etc.

 

[mm08822]

Post the model number.

If it has an Auto-Man-Off switch on the unit, you may be able to interrupt the auto command after an on delay timer times out.
You could probably have it latch itself out until you reset it.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I'm sure you could figure some sort of remote setup to kill the run signal from the ATS, but the issue will be having the gen ramp down and ramp back up with the breaker closed and load applied.

 

[rmanrman]

I have the exact B&S propane whole house generator. In northern NJ no one is available for technical support. My unit is 10 years old and no way to change presets. Just trying to change the date and time for the weekly test is nuts. Why 20 minutes per week?? Once the generator senses power outage the automatic transfer switch controls power to house if it’s in Auto mode. The only way I know to stop the generator is to push the Stop button on the generator panel. No way for remote operation
Would not buy this generator again. At time of purchase on line was significantly cheaper than a Kohler or Generac and space was limited.

 

[dcg9381]

How does that work when the power is out?

Pretty well here if put in a UPS' in and power your access points with POE.

It's probably pretty regional though. Here the internet provider stays up if the power goes down. Up north, the internet provider can only stay up for a few hours (on battery power) and then you're SOL.

Don't these things have a "shutdown wire" - someone more creative to me will figure out how to put a timer on that.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I have the exact B&S propane whole house generator. In northern NJ no one is available for technical support. My unit is 10 years old and no way to change presets. Just trying to change the date and time for the weekly test is nuts. Why 20 minutes per week?? Once the generator senses power outage the automatic transfer switch controls power to house if it’s in Auto mode. The only way I know to stop the generator is to push the Stop button on the generator panel. No way for remote operation
Would not buy this generator again. At time of purchase on line was significantly cheaper than a Kohler or Generac and space was limited.

actually you could wire in a remote stop button. it would be in series with the one on the genny if its a latching type contact.

 

[rmanrman]

There are three momentary button style switches mounted to the circuit board.
Auto. Off. Manual
Would have to disassemble the whole generator to access the pc board. Then how to run a cable about 75 feet into garage and install new switches. Not sure if that will work.