Abstract: An apparatus for selectively coupling a load to a grid power source and an inverter that is fed electric power by an alternate power source includes a first node coupled to the load. A grid sensor senses a state of the grid power source. A grid relay couples the grid power source to the first node when in a closed state and decouples the grid power source from the first node when in an open state. An inverter relay couples the inverter to the first node when in a closed state and decouples the inverter from the first node when in an open state. A controller is programmed to: cause the grid relay and the inverter relay to closed when the grid sensor indicates available grid power and cause the grid relay to open when grid power is not available. A communications circuit senses a current state of the controller and wirelessly communicates a change of state of a selected one of the grid sensor and the controller to a remote device.

Abstract: An intermediate disconnect section includes a utility power breaker and an alternate power breaker. A switching mechanism opens and closes the utility power breaker and the alternate power breaker, so as to be in one of a first, second or third state. The utility power breaker is closed and the alternate power breaker is open while in the first state. The utility power breaker is open and the alternate power breaker is closed while in the second state. The utility power breaker is open and the alternate power breaker is open while in the third state.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively coupling a load to a grid power source and an inverter that is fed electric power by an alternate power source includes a first node coupled to the load. A grid sensor senses a state of the grid power source. A grid relay couples the grid power source to the first node when in a closed state and decouples the grid power source from the first node when in an open state. An inverter relay couples the inverter to the first node when in a closed state and decouples the inverter from the first node when in an open state. A controller is programmed to: cause the grid relay and the inverter relay to closed when the grid sensor indicates available grid power and cause the grid relay to open when grid power is not available;. A communications circuit senses a current state of the controller and wirelessly communicates a change of state of a selected one of the grid sensor and the controller to a remote device.

Abstract: An intermediate disconnect section (100) for mounting on a meter base (10) and an electricity meter (20). A first source coupling (117) mounted on a platform (106) is electrically couplable to a source connector of the meter base (10). A second source coupling (119) is electrically coupled to a source connection of the electricity meter (120). A first load coupling (121) is electrically coupled to a load connector of the meter base (10). A second load coupling (123) electrically coupled to a load connection of the electricity meter (20) and to the first load coupling (121). A switch (110) couples and decouples the first source coupling (117) to and from the second source coupling (119). A switching mechanism (130) opens and closes the switch (110) and includes an external device (138) that allows a user to open and close the switch (110) manually.

Abstract: An intermediate disconnect section includes a utility power breaker and an alternate power breaker. A switching mechanism opens and closes the utility power breaker and the alternate power breaker, so as to be in one of a first, second or third state. The utility power breaker is closed and the alternate power breaker is open while in the first state. The utility power breaker is open and the alternate power breaker is closed while in the second state. The utility power breaker is open and the alternate power breaker is open while in the third state.

Abstract: In an a power management system for managing a plurality of essential loads and a plurality of nonessential loads that can be fed electric power from an alternate power source and from a grid power source, a power distribution network transmits power from the alternate power source and the grid power source to the essential loads and to the nonessential loads. A grid power sensor senses a grid power failure. A wireless transmitter is coupled to the grid power sensor and transmits a decouple signal when the grid power sensor detects a grid power failure. A plurality couplers selectively couple the nonessential loads to the power distribution network. Each of the plurality of couplers includes a wireless receiver and a switch that responsive to the wireless receiver. The couplers also decouple at least one of the nonessential loads from the power distribution network when the decouple signal is received.

Abstract: In an a power management system for managing a plurality of essential loads and a plurality of nonessential loads that can be fed electric power from an alternate power source and from a grid power source, a power distribution network transmits power from the alternate power source and the grid power source to the essential loads and to the nonessential loads. A grid power sensor senses a grid power failure. A wireless transmitter is coupled to the grid power sensor and transmits a decouple signal when the grid power sensor detects a grid power failure. A plurality couplers selectively couple the nonessential loads to the power distribution network. Each of the plurality of couplers includes a wireless receiver and a switch that responsive to the wireless receiver. The couplers also decouple at least one of the nonessential loads from the power distribution network when the decouple signal is received.

Abstract: In an apparatus for selectively coupling a load to a grid power source and an inverter that is fed electric power by an alternate power source, a node is coupled to the load. A grid sensor senses the grid power source. A grid relay selectively couples grid power to the node. An inverter relay also selectively couples the inverter to node. A controller closes the grid relay and the inverter relay when grid power is available. The controller opens the grid relay when grid power is not available. The controller opens the inverter relay when grid power is not available and when feedback indicates that the grid relay is closed.

Abstract: A system for indicating a service need for a surge protector includes a surge protection component. The surge protection component conducts electrical power from the power source to a load when the electrical power has a voltage that is less than a predetermined threshold. The surge protection component also diverts electrical power from the load when the electrical power has a voltage that is greater than the predetermined threshold, the system. The system includes a personal area network chipset. A control circuit is communicatively coupled to the personal area network chipset. The control circuit enters a first alarm state when the surge protection component has reached an expiration date. The control circuit causes the personal area network chipset to generate a wireless alert signal indicating that the surge protection component should be replaced upon the control circuit entering the first alarm state.

Abstract: In an apparatus for selectively coupling a load to a grid power source and an inverter that is fed electric power by an alternate power source, a node is coupled to the load. A grid sensor senses the grid power source. A grid relay selectively couples grid power to the node. An inverter relay also selectively couples the inverter to node. A controller closes the grid relay and the inverter relay when grid power is available. The controller opens the grid relay when grid power is not available. The controller opens the inverter relay when grid power is not available and when feedback indicates that the grid relay is closed.