Thanks, the problem is we need it to disconnect only upon loss of
utility power, and it is on the battery loads panel. The panel for the
HVAC is in another building that the HVAC serves.
On 8/22/2025 8:20 PM, Chris Sparadeo wrote:
Hi Chris,
I’m wondering if a load management device like this could be helpful?
However, it does not discern between grid presence and island mode, so
it might not fit the bill.
https://www.getstepwise.com/product?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22363404421&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlkub687mJZYb6g0nIR33X1eA2FVY3bMc_zBxMr44IEl5a7QenVljhUgaArKeEALw_wcB
<https://www.getstepwise.com/product?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22363404421&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlkub687mJZYb6g0nIR33X1eA2FVY3bMc_zBxMr44IEl5a7QenVljhUgaArKeEALw_wcB>
Quick caveat that shedding an HVAC unit potentially mid cycle is not
ideal for the health of that unit…but neither is an overload and
subsequent power failure.
I do know that Lumin Smart sells remote CTs for grid detection. Might
be worth a call to them to see if this fairly inexpensive product can
pair with a remote contactor to open the HVAC circuit.
Best of luck!
-Chris
On Fri, Aug 22, 2025 at 3:54 PM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches
<[email protected]> wrote:
We installed a 4kW Outback multimode system about 8 years ago. An
electrician came in afterwards and installed 3 heat pumps on the
battery
backed up power panels. The Outback inverter disconnected on load
every
time there was a power outage. The electrician really messed up
and is
long gone. Also found out did not pull a permit. But I digress. We
managed to move two of the heat pump circuit breakers to the utility
panel, so no longer on the battery backed up power panels. The third
heat pump is the problem as it is located in an apartment building
remote from the main house. The whole apartment subpanel,
including the
heat pump load is interconnected to the "main" battery backed up
power
panel in the home.
A master electrician and I are considering how to shed the apartment
heat pump in a power outage. We cannot easily run a separate
circuit to
the apartment building to pick up this load. We have considered a
smart
panel, but the cost seems high for one circuit. Does anyone know of a
power line product of RF product or similar that could operate this
breaker when the main service panel loses power? I have been
unsuccessful over months of sporadic research.
Thanks in advance.
Chris
-- Christopher Warfel, PE ENTECH Engineering, Inc. PO Box 871, Block
Island, RI 02807 (401) 447-5773
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--
Christopher Warfel, PE
ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
(401) 447-5773
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