Can the group add any input or advise on the next project on my list...
Following 4 power cuts in as many weeks, and fairly frequent power failures generally, (always at night!) I want to create a UPS protected lighting circuit. I already have a decent digital generator and the Briggs & Stratton change-over switch installed, all of which works well. It's now the gap between the power going out and me getting the generator connected & started with no light that i'm trying to prevent. I have an emergency light by the CU already, but SWMBO has made it clear these are not to be fitted 'in view' around the house, which is fair enough, therefore keeping the existing light working when the power goes out is the way to go.
I propose to use a spare APC Smart-UPS for this that I have already, it's one of the bigger units with sine-wave output, and in testing is fine powering CFL's and incadecent lights etc. It's big enough for the maximum load of every light switched on together, and has had new batteries ftted recently.
So... I plan to use a small 2 way CU for 'UPS protected circuits' and move the MCBs for the internal lighting circuits to there, and in turn feed this CU via the UPS. I can mount an IEC input connector into the protected CU for the UPS's output to connect with. In addition I plan to use a DPDT changeover switch to allow the protected CU to be supplied by either the UPS or the conventional CU (via a MCB), to allow normal light operation if the UPS is not fitted etc. The UPS's mains supply will come from a dedicated MCB in the existing CU. I'll probably add some status neon lights to the protected CU so it's clear which power sources are energised at a given time. Earths will be common between all circuits. There is an earth rod in place already.
Can anyone see any potential issues with this arrangement? Apart from being far from conventional, is there anything wrong with it?
Once complete the lighting will remain on [or whatever it's previous state was] when the power goes out for as long as the UPS's batteries last, which gives time being able to see what you're doing to react to it, as required.
Thanks in advance,
Alan.