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Dave Morrison wrote:
Ignoramus1946 wrote:
HorneTD asked for pictures of my service entrance equipment to give
him a better idea of what is involved in installing a transfer
switch. The pictures have an explanation where the generator will go
(see ServiceEntrance), and the link to the generator page. There are
also pictures of the inside and the main panel.
http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/TransferSwitch/
The question of the day is, what method would be best. I can install:
1) outdoor WH transfer switch between the meter and the main panel
A transfer switch could be mounted right next to your meter. Install
looks pretty easy. Only issue I see is the feed wires to your panel.
Just how far is it to your breaker panel? You may have to pull new wires
if your local inspectors won't allow splices.
Unless The transfer switch contains the Service Over Current Protection
it has to be located immediately adjacent to the Over Current Protective
Device (OCPD) enclosure if it is located on the line or supply side of
that protection. For most inspectors that means the two enclosures must
be close nippled or nearly so.
You can certainly install an enclosed breaker or fused disconnect ahead
of the transfer switch. Then it does not matter were the transfer switch
is located, how long it's output feeder conductors are, or whether it is
listed as "Suitable for Use as Service Equipment."
2) indoor WH transfer switch between the meter and the main panel
It's ashamed that you have all those branch circuits coming out the top
of your breaker box. If you didn't or they could be moved locating the
switch right above your inside box would be the easiest and cheapest.
Just shorten the conduit, stick in the switch, and add three short
pieces of 2/0 wire and you are done. Good location logistically to. You
start the genset, go to main panel and chose which breakers to leave on
and throw the transfer.
3) Replace existing panel with the panel with built-in transfer switch
such as http://www.nooutage.com/ttv2005c.htm
Good choice if your utility will allow it.
The utility has no say in the matter unless they function as the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the enforcement of the National
Electric Code or it's local equivalent. The utility works under the
rules contained in the National Electrical Safety Code. The enforcement
of that code, if any, is usually in the hands of the Public Service
Commission, Public Utilities Commission, or it's equivalent in your
state. In the District of Columbia, for instance, it is called the
Peoples Council. The utilities authority over the installation stops at
the demarcation point which is were their wires stop and yours begin.
The PUC/PSC sets the demarcation point. In many States the demarcation
point for an overhead service is the splices between the service drop
from the pole and the service entry conductors into the home. For an
underground service it may be at a hand hole located at the property
line, at the point the lateral is attached to the utility distribution,
or at a splice box just inside the building. The demarcation point does
not necessarily correspond to the meter location but the meters are
usually controlled by the utility.
A cost effective alternative is to use an outdoor main breaker panel as
your Service Equipment and add the generator interlock to that panel.
Since the existing panel in your basement will be supplied from the new
outdoor panel you will avoid any need to rewire the existing panel.
4) buy a main switch lockout and use that to feed the house from the
generator. It is probably not legal, but very cheap. I would rather
do better than that.
You know better than that, or you wouldn't be here looking for answers.
5) Buy a pre-wired manual transfer switch
Less flexible since you will have hard wire in your load choices.
6) Make a subpanel with a transfer switch between main panel and
subpanel.
Same as 5 ???
I would like to know what method is best. I am willing to spend money,
but I want to get the best bang for the buck. Also I would like to
pick a relatively easy route that can be done DIY.
DIY ? talk to your local inspectors, if you ask they usually love to
give advice, just don't mention #4!!!
Pictures of the generator are at
http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/onan/Diesel/
i
Dave
Whose slab is ready for the Genset, gotta find a crane company - bye
Those outdoor panels are available with feed through lugs off of the
main buss bars that will feed the entire ampacity of the panel's main
breaker to the panel they supply. Since that panel will be located
outdoors the inlet for the generator cord can be close nippled to the
panel's enclosure.
--
Tom H