Anyone with experience of installing a Generator AMF in a domestic setting?

Raptor0014 · Dec 12, 2022

Evening all,

I've been asked to install a generator backup to a property, however they are going to be using a AMF panel.

The generator they are using is a Pramac P9000 and they will be using Pramac's own AMF.

I will be changing the consumer unit at the same time as it's currently an old rewireable type. So plan is to change the CU, install the AMF, Main supply and Generator supply into the AMF and then set of tails from the AMF into the CU.

Trying to find info about the AMF online is proving a tad elusive aswell as I can't seem to find what the terminal capacity is and if it could take a set of 25mm tails in/out!

So just wondering if anyone has done this before and if there is anything I need to look out for?

SparkyChick · Dec 12, 2022

Never done it, but I'd be having a conversation with the DNO just to make sure they don't have any specific requirements for such arrangements.

davesparks · Dec 12, 2022

SparkyChick said:
Never done it, but I'd be having a conversation with the DNO just to make sure they don't have any specific requirements for such arrangements.

As long as it is a changeover set and does not put the generator in parallel with the grid supply the DNO can't say anything about it.

SparkySy · Dec 12, 2022

No experience with Pramac generator gear but I take it the AMF panel links to an ATS and not directly to the generator? If this is the case then the ATS will be doing the main supply/ generator switching and will be where the main tails and generator feed in connect.
Do you have model numbers for the parts they have?
Sy

davesparks · Dec 12, 2022

Raptor0014 said:
So just wondering if anyone has done this before and if there is anything I need to look out for?

Check the rating of the AMF panel to make sure it is suitably rated for the supply, youay find it is only rated for 63A and there is a 100A supply in place. If this is the case you'll need to consider whether the supply could be fused down to 63A with a switchfuse or if an alternative solution is required.

davesparks · Dec 12, 2022

SparkySy said:
No experience with Pramac generator gear but I take it the AMF panel links to an ATS and not directly to the generator?

This may just be a confusion of terminology/acronyms

I've heard AMF, ATS, AGS, GTS and other acronyms all used to mean the same bit of equipment.

Raptor0014 · Dec 12, 2022

SparkySy said:
No experience with Pramac generator gear but I take it the AMF panel links to an ATS and not directly to the generator? If this is the case then the ATS will be doing the main supply/ generator switching and will be where the main tails and generator feed in connect.
Do you have model numbers for the parts they have?
Sy

It’s this Pramac P9000 generator.

The AMF they’re planning on getting is one of these. Although I’m not sure where it connects to as yet.

Pramac Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) Panel for +CONN - Generators Direct

**Please be advised that Pramac products may now have an extended lead time and there’s a possibility you may not receive them next day. If you require a Pramac product urgently, please call us on 01639 849 847 and we will check availability on next day stock then get straight back to you.**...

www.generators-direct.co.uk

SparkySy · Dec 12, 2022

Not very helpful website no downloads! I can't see how that would be connected to the mains and generator without some reasonably heafty sized contactors does it connect to a contactor panel and then the generator is switched from there.
The last one I did was a lot bigger and had a contactor panel that the mains and gen connect to and a remote interface similar looking to that in the cloak room, this displayed grid voltage and frequency and battery charging status of the generator.
They do list some change over panels with contact in on the site but it's not very or I haven't found it helpful.

Pramac 100 Amp ATS Panel for Residential Gas Generator - 230V / 400V - Generators Direct

Image for illustration purposes only. Actual product may differ from above. *Please be advised that Pramac products may now have an extended lead time and there’s a possibility you may not receive them next day. If you require a Pramac products urgently, please call us on 01639 849 847 and we...

www.generators-direct.co.uk

James · Dec 12, 2022

These are my preferred choice for transfer switches.
advantages are that they are all included in the same unit, including voltage sensing, start generator output etc.
they are bi stable in that when grid or generator are selected, the changeover switch stays in place with no power required. I.e. don’t need to be powering a contactor coil permanently.

pc1966 · Dec 13, 2022

I have never seen the Pramac stuff for real (though had some quotes for their 30kVA and 67kVA PLG sets) but I understand that the generator has the ATS control side but you need the box with the contactors as @SparkySy linked to.

I would add that you really must have an isolator switch on the DNO side if it is not already fitted.

pc1966 · Dec 13, 2022

You would be better to ask the UK centre, but persevere as I had to call more than once t get a sensible response:

Contact Us | Speak to the PRAMAC UK Team, Click Here!

PRAMAC UK are more than happy to help with any enquiries or questions you have. If you’re looking to request a demo, you can do so in the contact form.

pramacgenerators.co.uk

Raptor0014 · Dec 13, 2022

pc1966 said:
You would be better to ask the UK centre, but persevere as I had to call more than once t get a sensible response:

Contact Us | Speak to the PRAMAC UK Team, Click Here!

PRAMAC UK are more than happy to help with any enquiries or questions you have. If you’re looking to request a demo, you can do so in the contact form.

pramacgenerators.co.uk

I’ve spoken to them today finally.

That generator can’t use a AMF as it doesn’t have a con socket. I hope the customer hasn’t bought it yet as need to ring and let them know.

Rockingit · Dec 13, 2022

I've used PRAMAC sets in the past with no issues, although tending to be bigger 20-30kVA sets.

James · Dec 13, 2022

James said:
These are my preferred choice for transfer switches.
advantages are that they are all included in the same unit, including voltage sensing, start generator output etc.
they are bi stable in that when grid or generator are selected, the changeover switch stays in place with no power required. I.e. don’t need to be powering a contactor coil permanently.

oops, forgot the link!!