Introduction
The Briidea Power Return Alarm is designed to notify you when utility power is restored after an outage. This device helps users efficiently manage generator usage by providing a clear, audible alert, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and ensuring a smooth transition back to grid power. It features adjustable sensitivity and a loud siren to ensure you are alerted promptly.
Product Overview
The Briidea Power Return Alarm is a compact device designed for easy installation near your main electrical panel. It includes a main unit with indicators, a sensitivity adjustment screw, an ON/OFF switch, a current sensing antenna, and a ground wire.
Image: The Briidea Power Return Alarm main unit, showcasing its compact design and key features such as the low battery indicator, system armed indicator, sensitivity adjustment, and ON/OFF switch.
Image: A diagram illustrating the dimensions of the Briidea Power Return Alarm unit (3.3 x 1 x 4 inches), the 15-inch current sensing antenna, the 36-inch ground wire, and the 23-inch flexible insulated cable.
Setup and Installation
Important Safety Notice: Installation involves working with electrical panels. If you are not comfortable or experienced with electrical work, consult a qualified electrician. Always ensure the main power supply to the panel is disconnected before beginning installation.
- Mounting the Unit: Mount the Briidea Power Return Alarm unit within 20 inches of your main breaker panel. You can use the included 3M adhesive tape for surface mounting or screws for a more secure fixation. Ensure the unit is easily accessible for operation and battery replacement.
- Antenna Connection: Carefully wrap the white current sensing antenna wire around one of the main power cables feeding the main circuit breaker. Wrap it tightly at least 4 times and secure it with electrical tape or the provided zip ties. This antenna detects the electromagnetic field when utility power is present.
- Ground Wire Connection: Strip the green ground wire and connect it to the ground bus within the load center. Ensure a secure connection.
- Battery Installation: The unit requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Open the battery compartment, insert the batteries according to the polarity markings, and close the compartment.
- Power Restoration and Testing: Once installation is complete, restore power to the main panel. Turn the alarm unit ON. If utility power is present, the alarm should sound. If not, proceed to sensitivity adjustment.
Image: A visual guide demonstrating the installation process, including wrapping the antenna wire around a main power cable and connecting the ground wire to the ground bus. It also shows options for mounting the unit with screws or 3M tape.
Image: The Briidea Power Return Alarm unit mounted on a wall adjacent to an electrical breaker panel, illustrating a typical installation scenario.
Operating Instructions
The Briidea Power Return Alarm is designed for straightforward operation.
- Activating the Alarm: When a power outage occurs and you are operating a generator, switch the alarm unit to the 'ON' position. The 'System Armed' LED indicator will illuminate, signifying that the unit is actively monitoring for utility power return.
- Power Return Alert: Once utility power is restored, the voltage sensing antenna will detect the change. The unit will emit a loud 100dB siren to alert you.
- Silencing the Alarm: To silence the alarm, switch the unit to the 'OFF' position. This will stop the siren and allow you to safely transition from generator power back to utility power.
Image: An infographic highlighting the main operational features of the Briidea Power Return Alarm, including its battery power, fire-retardant material, ease of installation, 100dB alarm, indoor use suitability, and adjustable sensitivity.
Video: A demonstration of the Briidea Power Return Alarm in operation, showing the unit being turned on and then sounding an alarm when power is detected. This video illustrates the audible alert feature.
Maintenance
- Battery Replacement: The unit features a 'Low Battery Indicator' LED. When this indicator illuminates, it is time to replace the 2 AA batteries. Ensure the unit is switched OFF before replacing batteries.
- Cleaning: Periodically wipe the exterior of the alarm unit with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Do not use liquid cleaners or immerse the unit in water.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm does not sound when utility power returns. | Unit is OFF. Low or dead batteries. Antenna not properly wrapped or connected. Sensitivity set too low. | Ensure unit is switched ON. Replace batteries. Check antenna wrapping and connection to main power cable. Ensure at least 4 tight wraps. Adjust sensitivity using the screw on the unit. |
| Alarm sounds continuously or falsely. | Sensitivity set too high. Interference from other electrical fields. | Adjust sensitivity using the screw on the unit, turning it counter-clockwise to decrease sensitivity. Ensure the antenna is only wrapped around one hot leg and is not picking up signals from adjacent wires. |
| Low Battery Indicator is ON. | Batteries are low. | Replace the 2 AA batteries immediately. |
Image: A close-up of the Briidea Power Return Alarm unit, specifically highlighting the sensitivity adjustment screw and its function in fine-tuning the power induction detection.
Specifications
- Brand: briidea
- Model: B09DCWNBHW
- Power Source: Battery Powered (2 x AA Alkaline, not included)
- Noise Level: 100 Decibels
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount (3M tape or screws)
- Sensor Technology: Voltage Sensing
- Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 1 x 4 inches
- Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Compatible Devices: Generator-Ready Load Center, Manual Transfer Panel, Standby System Expansion Panel, Main Breaker Panel with Generator Interlock
