Q. What is a PRIORITIZER?
A. The PRIORITIZER is an AC Load Management System that monitors
and controls loads and appliances in an effort to manage the use
of electricity. This can lower the peak demands on your power
system, and allow you use a smaller generator, solar array, or
fuel cell than you would need without such management.
Q. What can the PRIORITIZER do for me?
A. It can, for example, make sure your electric hot water heater
does not run while other large appliances are operating, thereby
lowering the demand on your power source. This has been shown to
make the difference between requiring an 8KW generator versus the
12KW unit which would be required without the PRIORITIZER.
Q. What power sources can it use?
A. It can be used when emergency backup power is limited (a
standby generator), full time with alternate power sources (solar
or wind-powered battery banks, fuel cells, or other non-grid
sources), or full time with utility power (to limit peak demand
billing surcharges).
Q. How is the unit wired into the electric service?
A. First, you locate the electrical wires running from the
circuit breakers to each of the loads which the unit is expected
to monitor or control. Upon leaving the circuit breaker, each of
these wires is routed through the PRIORITIZER on its way to the
appliance. Now the unit can watch the current in these wires, and
shut some of them off temporarily if required.
Q. What is the maximum load the unit will handle?
A. The Standard Models are designed to handle one 20 Amp breaker
on each of the loads which are controlled. If more current is
required, larger capacity units are available at a slightly
greater cost.
Q. What if some of my loads are 240 volts?
A. The PRIORITIZER can be wired to handle a mixture of 120 and
240 volt loads at the same time. Each 240 volt load will use up
two of the available lines of the unit.
Q. Should I connect my air conditioner through the unit?
A. Due to the high starting current of an air conditioning unit,
it should NOT be wired into the PRIORITIZER, and for that matter,
is probably too much for a small generator anyway.
Q. Is the unit completely automatic?
A. Yes. Once installed, the unit monitors and controls the loads
at all times, switching them on and off as needed. No user action
is necessary.
Q. What if the Utility Power returns?
A. If you have installed the optional Utility Override unit, when
Utility Power returns, the PRIORITIZER will release control, and
all loads will be capable of operating at the same time. Upon the
next loss of Utility Power, the unit will automatically begin the
switching function again. No user action is required for this
operation.
Q. What happens if I overload the unit?
A. The PRIORITIZER will shut off all controlled loads if it
overheats internally due to too much current being drawn. When
the relays cool down, all loads will be re-applied.
Q. Can I install it myself?
A. The PRIORITIZER must be installed following all local
ordinances, by a professional electrician who is familiar with
residential and commercial electrical wiring and building codes.
Q. How long will the installation require?
A. The PRIORITIZER can be installed in about one hour, once you
have decided which circuits will be operated through the unit.
Q. How do I obtain a unit?
A. The PRIORITIZER should soon be available through a dealer near
you. Check our "Dealers" web page for information. If
you cannot locate a dealer, look at our "Contacts" web
page and call us directly for information.