Abstract: A system for testing power line carrier signal integrity or strength in a building electrical system includes a transmitter module electrically coupled to a first electrical outlet and configured to transmit a power line carrier signal over the building electrical system. The system also includes a receiver module electrically coupled to a second electrical outlet and configured to receive the power line carrier signal from the transmitter module. The receiver module includes circuitry configured to determine whether at least one of the integrity and strength of the power line carrier signal is sufficient for a load control system installed in the building electrical system to communicate with relay modules installed in the building electrical system using power line carrier signals. The receiver module includes a user interface configured to provide an indication of at least one of the integrity and strength of the power line carrier signal.

Abstract: A control system for a home electrical system includes a first switch installed at a meter socket of a utility module for controlling flow of electricity from a utility source to an electrical load, a second switch installed in a home generator for controlling flow of electricity from the generator to the electrical load, and circuitry configured to actuate the first and second switches. The circuitry includes at least one interlock to provide power to the electrical load from only one of the utility source and the generator at any given time.

Abstract: A control system for a home generator includes circuitry configured to determine a first cost of electricity provided by an off-site provider, determine a second cost of electricity produced by the home generator, compare the first cost with the second cost, and provide the result of the comparison as an output.

Abstract: A power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the power management system. A transfer switch is electrically connected to the primary and secondary power sources, and a plurality of branch circuits are electrically connected to the transfer switch. The plurality of branch circuits includes a plurality of electrical outlets. The system includes a controller wirelessly coupled to a plurality of portable receptacles, which are coupled between respective electrical outlets and managed devices. The controller manages the receptacles, and consequently the managed devices, during the second power source powering the transfer switch.

Abstract: A system for use with an electrical distribution panel having a bonded neutral connection. In some embodiments, the system includes a generator having a first bonded neutral connection and a ground fault circuit interrupter. The system also includes a neutral bus that is connected to either the bonded neutral connection of the distribution panel or the bonded neutral connection of the generator. Additionally, the system includes a switch for disconnecting the neutral bus from the bonded neutral connection of the distribution panel and connecting the neutral bus to the bonded neutral connection of the generator.

Abstract: The invention provides a hierarchically accessible monitoring system configured to be used with a standby generator, and a method of remotely accessing generator information from a standby generator. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system includes an interface unit configured to receive information from the standby generator and to communicate the generator information, and a remote data server in communication with the interface unit. The remote data server receives the generator information from the interface unit, stores the generator information, and controls access to the generator information based upon at least two hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level having different access privileges. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system also includes a user interface configured to display the generator information from the remote data server to at least one user. The user has access privileges to read the generator information based upon the user's assigned hierarchical level.

Abstract: A system for use with an electrical distribution panel having a bonded neutral connection. In some embodiments, the system includes a generator having a first bonded neutral connection and a ground fault circuit interrupter. The system also includes a neutral bus that is connected to either the bonded neutral connection of the distribution panel or the bonded neutral connection of the generator. Additionally, the system includes a switch for disconnecting the neutral bus from the bonded neutral connection of the distribution panel and connecting the neutral bus to the bonded neutral connection of the generator.

Abstract: A system for providing electric power and a method of controlling the same. The system includes a local power source, a non-neutral-bonded connector electrically connected to the local power source, a neutral-bonded connector, and a conductor. The system also includes a first connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the neutral-bonded connector in a first configuration of the system, and a second connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the conductor in a second configuration of the system.

Abstract: A method, and a system that uses the method, of managing loads for residential use. The method includes connecting a first signal-responsive switch to a first load, and connecting a second signal-responsive switch to a second load that has a lower priority than the first load. The method also includes sensing first and second electrical signals from the respective first and second loads, and ensuring the first signal-responsive switch is in a CLOSED state and the second signal-responsive switch in an OPEN state after both a combination of the sensed first and second electrical signals exceeds a first threshold value and the sensed first electrical signal is below a second threshold value.

Abstract: A portable power source for starting a variety of outdoor power equipment. The portable power source generally includes a housing, an electrochemical power supply, a switch having an ON position with a fixed contact and a START position with a momentary contact, and a connector connected to the switch. The switch may be electrically connected to the electrochemical power supply and, using a cable, the connector is operable to be electrically connected to a starter motor associated with the outdoor power equipment. Actuation of the switch to the START position electrically connects the electrochemical power supply to the starter motor. The portable power source is adapted to be used as a primary power source and an auxiliary power source. The portable power source also includes an integrated light, an air compressor, a power supply indicator, and one or more inputs and outputs to receive and provide direct current (“DC”) and alternating current (“AC”).

Abstract: A portable power source for starting a variety of outdoor power equipment, particularly a portable generator. The portable power source generally includes a housing, an electrochemical power supply, a switch, and a connector connected to the switch. The switch may be electrically connected to the electrochemical power supply and, using a conductor (e.g., a cable), the connector is operable to be electrically connected to a starter motor associated with the outdoor power equipment. The portable power source is adapted to be used as a primary power source and as an auxiliary power source. The portable power source can also includes an integrated light, an air compressor, a power supply indicator, and one or more inputs and outputs to receive and provide direct current (“DC”) and alternating current (“AC”).

Abstract: A system for providing electric power and a method of controlling the same. The system includes a local power source, a non-neutral-bonded connector electrically connected to the local power source, a neutral-bonded connector, and a conductor. The system also includes a first connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the neutral-bonded connector in a first configuration of the system, and a second connector that provides an electrical connection between the non-neutral-bonded connector and the conductor in a second configuration of the system.

Abstract: A cord for use with duplex receptacles that have first and second receptacles. The cord includes first and second sets of prongs insertable into the duplex receptacles to receive independent low-voltage electrical signals, and first and second receptacles connected in circuit to the first and second sets of prongs to deliver the independent low-voltage signals.

Abstract: A load monitoring apparatus for monitoring the load applied to a portable generator. The apparatus includes a sensor, and a humanly perceptible indicator that indicates at least one discontinuous load power frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus that connects generator power, from a generator to a hard-wired load, the load being connected in circuit to a load power switch that switches power to the load. The apparatus includes a connection box, an input connector, and a two-position switch adapted to being connected in circuit with the generator and with a utility source.

Abstract: A load monitoring apparatus for monitoring the load applied to a portable generator. The apparatus includes a sensor, and a humanly perceptible indicator that indicates at least one discontinuous load power frequency.