Standby Generators

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Is it possible to install 1 genset to service two separate buildings supplied by two different meters, using two different automatic transfer switches. Same owner for both buildings.
 

coulter

Senior Member
I'm thinking we don't have enough information yet.

How come two services?

Probably grounded and bounded at each service?

Big services, different service voltages?

How are you planning on limiting the load, or are you planning on supplying enough power for the whole building?

Just the grounding and bonding at each service would mean the gen is in its own building, with no metalic path between the gen building and the two served buildings - this would include things like water lines, fuel lines, ground grid. Or maybe isolation transformers.

Possible sure - just takes money. Feasible - don't know.

carl
 
tmw/waelect said:
Is it possible to install 1 genset to service two separate buildings supplied by two different meters, using two different automatic transfer switches. Same owner for both buildings.

200 amp 240/120v single phase for both services. The genset will be a 60kw and will carry both loads. Trying to determine if there is a code and or safety issue with this installation.
 

ramdiesel3500

Senior Member
Location
Bloomington IN
No code issue that I am aware of. Should work just fine. This is no different than when the utility uses the same transformer to feed two different customers. You will need to have start contacts in both transfer switches (assuming this is an automatic system). I would just make sure the load does not exceed the capabilities of the generator.
 

LarryFine

Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
Location
Henrico County, VA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
On further thought, you will need to make sure the two transfer switches can work together, either as a master/slave pair, or simply in unison. Check with the manufacturer.

Can we assume both houses are fed from the same source (transformer)? It would be silly for both houses to switch to the transformer if only one loses power.

ramdiesel3500 said:
You will need to have start contacts in both transfer switches (assuming this is an automatic system).
Another reason to make sure you can have two together: you don't want to try to start a running engine.
 

ramdiesel3500

Senior Member
Location
Bloomington IN
Actually, the two transfer switches would only need to communicate if the generator is not capable of carrying both loads in which case load shedding would be required. Otherwise each transfer switch can work totally independent of the other. As far as the start circuit goes, it is simply a set of contacts that close when power is lost on the utility side of the switch. The start contacts in the transfer switches are connected in parallel to the generator start circuit so that in the event that either set of contacts or both sets close, then the generator will start and run until (and only until) both sets open again indicating utility power is back up at both locations. Since the automatic transfer switches are designed to "favor" utility power, it does not hurt anything for both utility and generator sources to be energized on the switch where the utility power is still available. The switch ignores the available generator power so long as utility power is present and clean.
 
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