willpick Premium Member join:2008-01-28 Boca Raton, FL |
willpick
Premium Member
2013-Jan-11 6:45 pm
separate Load Center instead of Transfer SwitchI would like to know if I can use a separate(not connected in any way to utility mains power) main lug load center to use for my portable generator instead of a transfer switch. This would be similar to using extension cords except, of course the wiring would be run through the attic crawl space using approptiately sized NM cable to the rooms-- then using wiremold raceways to one duplex outlet per room.
Is this legal and permitted by code? please respond--- |
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nunyaLXI 483 MVM join:2000-12-23 O Fallon, MO ·Charter
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nunya
MVM
2013-Jan-11 7:46 pm
You could, but there are a lot of technicalities that would go with that. On a code level, I guess one would consider it an Optional Standby System.
Now, on a "common sense" level, it doesn't make much sense at all to do something like this. It's very odd, to say the least. For all the wasted time, effort, and materials, you could have installed a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit and still had plenty of time and money left. I can't envision any scenario in a residential situation where an overlay would be beneficial to transferring the load at the service main. |
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PSWired join:2006-03-26 Annapolis, MD |
to willpick
Wait for the experts to chime in on this one, but here's my interpretation:
You'll need to treat this as a separately derived system, so:
-Make sure there is no neutral-ground bond in your generator -The generator will have a four-wire connection to the panel -Install the neutral-bond jumper in your generator load center -Bond the ground bus of your generator load center to the existing panel's ground bus with #6 copper
Also make sure your generator has proper overcurrent protection (main breaker on the generator).
That said, unless you have some unusual circumstances, this idea will be far more work than using a prepackaged generator transfer switch. |
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PSWired |
The expert beat me to it. |
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willpick Premium Member join:2008-01-28 Boca Raton, FL |
to nunya
Thanks for the quick reply. I will most likely use the transfer switch method if i can find an electrician that's familar with such installs-- the 3 locals I called had practically no clue what a transfer switch is. I'll have to keep looking--- |
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nunyaLXI 483 MVM join:2000-12-23 O Fallon, MO |
nunya
MVM
2013-Jan-11 10:51 pm
You'd think in Florida, back-up generators would be on every electricians front burner. |
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