Up to 40% of the time, if the AC60 or AC180 is connected to a smart switch and the switch is deactivated, UPS will be interrupted. This happens with or without Grid Adapatation enabled.
Use case:
Since the AC60 and AC180 has no Time of Use or solar priority UPS modes (like the AC200L), I use a smart switch and automation to turn on grid power to the units. From time to time, when the smart switch turns OFF, the load connected to AC output will be interrupted. In this case it is a PC workstation which shuts off.
The test is quite easy if you have an AC60 or another smart plug. I use the Kasa smart plugs. Plug the AC180 into the AC60 AC outlet and ensure the AC outputs are on. Connect load to AC180. Using the app, turn off and on AC60 AC outputs with several seconds in between until load is interrupted.
To reduce the interruption, you can connect the AC60 to a smart plug and then plug the AC180 into the AC60, but I still see an interruption from time to time.
I suspect it has to do with the “bouncy” nature of physical relay switches and how the unit detects the grid, but that’s just a guess.
I am sorry, but I am confused by this answer. Why would you need an adapter to plug into AC if the AC60 can be plugged into AC? Are you saying that if you charge the AC60 with a DC adapter, you will not get any interruptions? If so, can you explain why you would ge interruptions when plugged in into a KASA smart switch vs plugging into directing into an AC outlet (grid)?
Also, why does the AC60 NOT have a way to schedule a Time of use (TOU) in the app that is similar to the KASA smart switch?
Are you aware of a TOU schedule being added to the APP in the future to be able to only charge the battery during off peak hours, such as after 12:00 pm?
Hi @Norwood451, We would like to know if your AC60 is experiencing similar issues. Please provide specific details so that we can troubleshoot for you.
As a small-sized model, the AC60 does not provide Time Control UPS Mode and cannot be set to charge according to a scheduled time. However, our latest Elite 100 V2 has made significant upgrades in this regard. It supports multiple UPS modes and allows users to set charging times based on their needs.
Hope this helps.
Thank you and yes, I am aware that the AC60 does not have a way to schedule when it is being charged whatsoever. However, my question was also to @tripweo who wrote " I suggest you try using an adapter instead of the AC charging cable. …T200S adapter for AC60. which was why would a T200s adapter solve an issue when using a KASA swith.
Also, my other question was, “Are you aware of a TOU schedule being added to the APP in the future to be able to only charge the battery during off peak hours, such as after 12:00 pm”? I did see another post that said, in this post, Auto Schedule by @johnbach, “According to the App team:
The dynamic electricity pricing feature is currently being planned and developed, and we believe it will be launched in the future”.
I also am not sure what that answer means, but it may mean that in the future the software could be updated to include a schedule. Which takes me back the question about the schledule being added to the AC50.
I just bought the AC60, and your answer suggests I buy another product that cost $940 and return the one I bought. Is that what you mean? If so, the Elite 100 is a much larger unit, which would be overkill for my needs, as I own a generator that does go on when the power is offer.
If the Elite 200 has a way to schedule, it seems to me, but you already have the technology and ability to add to the sofeware a method to schedule, A “Time Control mode in the app”
Having witen all of that, do you know if there is a plan, for future updates to the app to add a Time Control mode for the AC60. This would be a feture that would improve the product and may evern increase sales.
Hi @Norwood451, Regarding the previous proposal to use an adapter instead of the AC charging cable, this is a solution to avoid UPS interruptions by bypassing the UPS mode.
We consulted the app department for the second issue you mentioned about the dynamic electricity pricing feature, but no specific release time has been confirmed yet.
We understand that you hope the AC60 can support Time control UPS mode, but this function should be built into the design from the beginning. For already released models, it is very difficult to implement this function via firmware, and we believe this is unlikely to happen.
We recommend using a smart plug, which allows you to easily control the charging time. Many community members have chosen this solution.
The Elite 100 V2 is indeed much larger than the AC60. We will soon launch a new compact power station that not only has 4 built-in UPS modes but is also very lightweight and portable. Please stay tuned for more details.
Thank you for addressing all of my questions. Knowing that the solution is to get a KASA switch is very helpful, and certainly an economic way to solve a simple issue.
Sorry to read that it is probably not possible to see an update that would include scheduling, but not the end of the world. If that does change in the future, I hope you will replay to this post and let me know–
It is not likely I will buy another different unit in the near future as I just bought the AC60 and I am now learning about what it can and cannot do. So far, for the price, I am not disappointed.