Generac Load Managers, previously known as Smart Management Modules, provide peace of mind for property owners. These modules are integrated into your backup power system and provide constant protection without the need for additional control devices. Each module monitors the inverter power frequency in hertz (Hz). When the power demand coming from your appliances overwhelms the inverter, it changes frequency and signals the modules. The modules then shed loads that are too high for the generator, allowing the inverter to recover so the loads are properly supported again. This kind of smart load management is especially useful during high-demand startup and recovery periods.
By managing the demand coming from your home or business, you can protect your generator and inverter and enjoy several benefits, including:
Without smart management, property owners must size their generators to cover all necessary electrical systems and appliances because in the event of an outage, these systems and appliances could start up at any time. Generac’s Load Managers ensure that appliances with high electrical demands won’t start all at once, overload your inverter, or damage your generator. Instead, heavy loads are automatically rotated, allowing you to rely on a smaller, more affordable generator without risking damage.
Most load shedding and control modules for generators require wiring directly to the transfer switch. However, since Load Managers monitor the frequency of the power coming from the generator, it’s a wire-free addition that can be quickly installed by an experienced electrician. You place the management module on the line supplying high-demand appliances, such as electric furnaces, air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers. Then, the line is cut off when the load is too high, allowing the rest of the system to function without interruption. The module is equipped with a warning light that lets you know if it’s blocking or allowing power to flow.
Without a Load Manager, you’re responsible for checking the total load and adjusting what’s running as necessary. That’s a lot of extra work when you have a whole home system with an automatic transfer switch. The power demand from your business or home can be too high for the inverter or generator, causing a power outage until you manually turn off high-draw appliances. Or, you may seamlessly transition onto the generator during an outage, only to experience a full power loss when an unexpected appliance kicks on and overloads the system.
Load shedding ensures that electrical demand that is too high for the generator to supply is ignored. The module cuts power to the circuit drawing too much, allowing the generator and inverter to continue powering the other appliances you need smoothly. There’s no need for you to constantly check the load, worry about making manual adjustments, or risk damaging your equipment. The Load Manager also re-energizes the circuit when the other loads drop, and there’s enough power to supply your air conditioner or freezer again. In most homes and businesses, you won’t even notice that these modules block certain appliances since they’ll start back up again when there’s sufficient power supply.
These modules can be explicitly installed on specific circuits to eliminate the risk of an essential home system being cut off when you need it most. Even if you need to install a load manager on a circuit that supports your well pump or oxygen equipment, you can adjust the load priority to ensure you can use your essentials uninterrupted without risking damage to your generator. Each module features a dial you can use to adjust its priority, causing loads on lower-priority modules to shed before those on higher-priority modules. This is especially important for business backup power systems where a loss of refrigeration or other essential systems could lead to thousands of dollars of losses.
Smart load manager modules are easily adjusted, added, removed, or changed as necessary. You can use the ‘Lockout’ feature to determine if a circuit will start when the generator powers up, or if it will only activate once you manually override the lockout. Load managers can control up to 8 circuits, but you can easily start with just a few and add more as needed to expand the appliances your generator can power. It’s all a matter of matching your generator needs to the equipment you plan to run during a power outage.
There aren’t any specific risks to your generator or appliances from using a smart load manager. However, they can shut off circuits or appliances if they fail between uses, leaving you unexpectedly locked out of the circuit when you need it. It’s important to have your entire generator system, including any load managers and modules, inspected at least once a year. Having the modules replaced as needed ensures smooth operation and prevents these unexpected lockouts. Trying to service or replace these modules yourself can pose serious electrocution risks, so leave that to the professionals.
Budget Electric can help you determine if Generac’s Load Manager is a smart investment for your property. We’ve been serving homeowners and business owners throughout Southeast Michigan since 1988. Whether you’re considering a new generator installation or need upgrades or maintenance to an existing system, we’re standing by.
Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate.
