In the event that the mains energy supply is unavailable, a generator offers backup power. The generator must be turned off as soon as the mains supply is restored.
For various generator starting systems and operating needs, we at SELFGUARD Automation and Controls produce generator automation products. In addition to enabling remote generator starting and stopping, our Generator Auto Stop Unit with Remote (MSU-2) offers automated generator stopping upon the restoration of the mains power supply.
What Is the SELFGUARD Generator Auto Stop Unit?
The SELFGUARD Generator Auto Stop Unit with Remote (MSU-2) is a remote-start, auto-stop unit designed for self-start generators.
It provides two operating functions:
- Remote Start – Remote Stop
- Remote Start – Auto Stop
When there is no mains energy supply, the generator can be started using the Start button on either the main unit or the remote unit.
The Stop button can also be used to stop the generator when the mains supply is still unavailable. When the mains electrical supply is restored, the MSU-2 automatically shuts down the generator if it hasn't already been stopped manually.
How Does the Generator Auto Stop Function Work?
The operation of the MSU-2 is straightforward.
When the mains electricity supply is absent, the generator can be started using the green Start button available on either the main unit or the remote unit.
If required, the generator can be stopped while the mains supply is absent by pressing the red Stop button on either unit.
If the generator continues running and the mains electricity supply returns, the MSU-2 automatically stops the generator.
The operating sequence is:
Mains Supply Absent → Generator Can Be Started Remotely
Mains Supply Returns → Generator Stops Automatically
This allows generator stopping to take place automatically following the return of mains electricity.
Remote Generator Start and Stop
The MSU-2 is supplied with a remote unit for controlling generator operation from another location.
The remote unit can be operated using a 3-core wire with a thickness of 0.5 mm. According to the installation arrangement, the wired remote can be operated from an unlimited distance.
Using the remote unit, the generator can be:
- Started remotely
- Stopped remotely
- Automatically stopped when the mains electricity supply returns
This provides remote control of generator starting and stopping without requiring the user to operate the generator directly from the main unit.
MSU-2 Models for Different Generator Systems
Generators can have different starting arrangements and controller systems. For this reason, the SELFGUARD MSU-2 is available in different models depending on the way the unit connects with the generator.
The MSU-2 for All Key Start is compatible with generators that start using a key or push button.
Controller-compatible versions are also available for generators using controllers including:
- KG934
- DEEP SEA
- PSO 500
- SEDEMAC
The working principle of the MSU-2 models remains the same, while the connection depends on the generator configuration.
Generator Safety Remains in Operation
An important feature of the SELFGUARD MSU-2 is that the unit is designed so that it does not bypass any existing safety of the generator.
A connection diagram is also provided with the unit to support proper connection according to the generator system.
When Automatic Starting Is Also Required
The MSU-2 is suitable where the requirement is for remote starting, remote stopping and automatic stopping when mains electricity returns.
For applications that also require automatic generator starting when mains electricity fails, SELFGUARD provides the Generator Auto Start Auto Stop Unit with Remote (GSU-2).
The GSU-2 provides three functions:
- Remote Start – Remote Stop
- Remote Start – Auto Stop
- Auto Start – Auto Stop
In Auto mode, the generator starts automatically after the absence of mains electricity and stops automatically after the presence of mains electricity.
In Manual mode, the generator can be started and stopped using the controls on the main unit or remote unit. If it has not already been stopped manually, the generator automatically stops when the mains electricity supply returns.
Wired Remote Operation with GSU-2
The remote unit supplied with the GSU-2 operates through a 4-core wire with a thickness of 0.5 mm.
The wired remote can be operated from an unlimited distance according to the installation.
Through the remote unit, users can:
- Start the generator
- Stop the generator
- Change to Auto mode
- Change to Manual mode
The GSU-2 is also designed so that it does not bypass the generator's existing safety system.
Wireless Generator Auto Start Auto Stop Unit
For applications requiring wireless operation, SELFGUARD also manufactures the Generator Auto Start Auto Stop Unit with Wireless Remote (GSU-2W).
Like the GSU-2, the GSU-2W provides:
- Remote Start – Remote Stop
- Remote Start – Auto Stop
- Auto Start – Auto Stop
In Auto mode, the generator starts automatically when the mains electricity supply is absent and stops automatically when the mains electricity supply becomes available.
The wireless remote can be operated from up to 300 feet away from the generator.
The wireless remote provides controls for:
- Start
- Stop
- Auto Mode
- Manual Mode
In either Auto or Manual mode, the unit automatically stops the generator when the mains electricity supply is present.
MSU-2, GSU-2 or GSU-2W: Which Unit Fits the Requirement?
The choice depends on the generator operation required.
SELFGUARD MSU-2
Suitable for applications requiring:
- Remote generator start
- Remote generator stop
- Automatic generator stop when mains electricity returns
- Wired remote operation
SELFGUARD GSU-2
Suitable for applications requiring:
- Remote Start – Remote Stop
- Remote Start – Auto Stop
- Auto Start – Auto Stop
- Wired remote control
- Auto and Manual mode selection
SELFGUARD GSU-2W
Suitable for applications requiring:
- Remote Start – Remote Stop
- Remote Start – Auto Stop
- Auto Start – Auto Stop
- Wireless remote operation
- Auto and Manual mode selection
- Remote operation from up to 300 feet
SELFGUARD Generator Automation Solutions
SELFGUARD Automation and Controls was established in 1990 and manufactures electrical and electronic products related to Mains, Generator and Agricultural Automation.
Our generator automation range includes solutions for remote generator operation, automatic generator stopping and automatic generator starting and stopping.
The MSU-2 Generator Auto Stop Unit with Remote provides remote start and stop operation together with automatic stopping when the mains electricity supply returns.
Where automatic starting is also required, the GSU-2 provides wired remote Auto Start and Auto Stop operation, while the GSU-2W provides the same operating functions with wireless remote control from up to 300 feet.
Selecting the appropriate SELFGUARD unit depends on the generator starting system, controller type and the required method of generator operation.