Advantage/Disadvantages of switching neutral for generat

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collier

Member
In general are there any guidelines for deciding whether is advantageous for safety or performance reasons to switch the neutral in a transfer switch - which i assume would require one to bond and ground the neutral at the generator, thus making it a separately derived system. Generally it is cheaper not make the generator a separately derived system, as the transfer switch(es)are cheaper - so we were wondering why someone would want to. Thanks
 

tom baker

First Chief Moderator
Staff member
Re: Advantage/Disadvantages of switching neutral for generat

Its done by design and intent. 95% of applications don't transfer the neutral.
One common application where it has to be done is a service with GFP (required on services 1200 amps and more). If the neutral is not transferred the GFP relay is de-sensitized.
 

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Advantage/Disadvantages of switching neutral for generat

230.95. But the requirement applies to services rated 1000 amps or higher.
 

steve66

Senior Member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
Engineer
Re: Advantage/Disadvantages of switching neutral for generat

It doesn't apply to 208 or 240 volt services. So you might not be familiar with the requirement if you don't do much industrial.

And it only applies where a disconnect is rated over 1000 amps. A 1200 amp service with two 600 amp disconnects wouldn't need GFP.

Steve
 
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