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The Kent M1’s GEN port takes one of three exclusive roles: diesel generator input, AC-coupled third-party PV inverter, or smart-load output. The role is selected on the LCD — and the selected access location must match the wiring, or the system misbehaves.
For trained/authorized installers only.

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Port limits

6600 VA / 30 A max input, 220/230 V single-phase, on all three Kent M1 models.

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Role 1 — Diesel generator (single-phase)

The Kent M1 accepts a single-phase DG — the natural pairing for single-phase homes.

Kent M1 diesel-generator wiring with DO4 start/stop — source Q-38 §5.8

  • Size the DG within the port rating (≤ 6600 VA / 30 A).
  • DO4 is the DG start/stop dry contact — it closes (voltage-free) when the “GEN signal” is active. DI4 takes the ATS status feedback.
  • LCD settings: DG enable, connection-port selection (must match the physical wiring), Max Input Power, max DG charge current, DG rated power, Auto (start at the low-SOC threshold, stop at the high-SOC threshold) or Manual, maximum single runtime, and forced cooling time.
  • Never let a hybrid backfeed a running DG, and never combine a DG with a grid-tied inverter on the same system.

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Role 2 — AC-couple (third-party PV inverter)

  • Set the cut-off and reconnect SOC for the coupled PV inverter; the Kent M1 shifts frequency linearly toward the disconnect threshold and stops the coupled inverter at the configured stop frequency.
  • The access location is selectable as GEN port or BACKUP port — the LCD selection must match the wiring.
  • Metering for AC-coupled sites uses the 3-CT (single-phase) or 6-CT (three-phase supply) meter schemes — see CT & Meter.
Pending Kent validation — do not configure in the field. [KNB-VAL-10] AC-couple-on-BACKUP behaviour is under bench confirmation. Until published here, do not configure AC-coupling on the backup side; where AC-couple is required, use the GEN-port location only.

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Role 3 — Smart load

  • “Always on when on grid” switch, plus cut-off and reconnect SOC thresholds that shed and restore the smart load on battery level.
  • Good use: a non-critical geyser or pump that should only run on surplus energy.

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Common mistakes

  • Role wired one way, selected another — the manual is explicit that the wrong access location disturbs system operation.
  • DG sized to the house instead of the port — 30 A is the ceiling.
  • Promising DG auto-start without wiring DO4.

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When to escalate