Electrical Backup Protocol
Critical Loads Subpanel & Emergency Battery Wiring Cheatsheet
⚡ Top Priority Critical Circuits
- ✅ Refrigerator & Freezer: ~150-200W running (800W starting surge).
- ✅ Internet WiFi & Router: ~20-40W continuous.
- ✅ Gas Furnace Blower / Pellet Stove: ~400-600W during heating cycles.
- ✅ Well Pump / Sump Pump: ~800-1,200W (Requires high surge inverter rating).
🚫 Non-Critical Heavy Loads to Exclude
- 🚫 Central Air Conditioning (5-Ton): ~3,500-5,000W (Drains battery in 2 hours).
- 🚫 Electric Clothes Dryer: ~4,000-5,000W 240V resistive element.
- 🚫 EV Level 2 Home Charger: ~7,000-11,000W (Depletes typical battery in 1 hour).
- 🚫 Electric Water Heater: ~4,500W element.
🛡️ Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Protocol
- ✅ Microsecond Islanding: Disconnects from grid in <100ms to protect utility linemen.
- ✅ Solar Black Start: Allows solar inverter to wake up and charge battery while grid is down.
- ✅ Load Shedding Relays: Automatically sheds heavy HVAC if battery drops below 25%.
🔌 Generator & Interlock Safety
- 💎 Mechanical Interlock: Prevents utility backfeed and generator simultaneously powering panel.
- 💎 Generator Inlet Box: 30A or 50A exterior twist-lock inlet with L14-30 / CS6365 connector.
- 💎 Pure Sine Wave: Ensure THD <3% to protect sensitive computer electronics and appliances.