Sometime back someone here that knows his stuff about electricity told me how to rig up something where if I have a power outage the power outage will trigger a solenoid or something to cause a battery powered agitator to kick in vs. the one that is powered by AC current.

If you're reading this could you explain it again? I know it's here somewhere but the search engine here totally frustrates me.

Or can anyone else help?

I have the RAS set up in the basement and want added insurance in case we have a power outage. I know I could just hook up the battery powered agitator but I could be sleeping or not home when the power goes out.

I remember that thread, Cecil, and I remember that I suggested you run the battery powered aeration 24/7 with a trickle charger hooked up to 110VAC that keeps the battery charged. IIRC there was a more complex solution you liked better, though.

Theo,

Thanks. I was just emailed by "Phil" with his original email suggestion. (I thought it was posted.) In the original email he says,


"All you need is a relay with a 120vac coil. AC power drops, dc power on within milliseconds.

If you need help, let me know. It is much simpler than the others responded to."

And in the newest email he says,

"What is the amperage load of your dc device?
I would not run your dc device full time as suggested.
Let me know if you need more help. I could rig something up for you or send you the plans."

He also said that the word "Relay" in a search should bring up the original thread.

I thought I'd share this as it's good information. Here's teh orginal thread if anyone is interested:

http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthread...true#Post136095

If you are dead set on using the AC pump, i.e., better more powerful, longer lasting, whatever, then the relay is a good idea.
You would need a double pole double throw(dpdt) relay with 115vac coil. You would break one side of the ac line to the ac pump(preferably the neutral). Connect the pump side of broken line to the common of one set of relay contacts; the 'power' side of line to the nc(normally closed) or energized side of the relay. you also connect the coil to the ac.
Use the 2nd set of relay contacts in a similar fashion with one side of the DC line, but place the battery side of the line to the N.O. or normally open(deenergized ) side of the set of contacts.
If the DC pump is good for continued usage, use the charger and battery. I would suggest to remove the charger and let the pump run on battery only each month for a while to keep the battery in good condition.

Thanks Burger. I'll relay that to my dad who was an I & R telephone guy for 21 years after serving in the military for 20. I have no clue what you said but I'm sure my dad will.

Sorry, Cecil, first word should read 'if' not unless. I will edit

No problem Burger.

Thanks again.