1 generator feeding two services

[wellcraftedcontracting]

I have a customer who wants to feed both units of a two unit appartement with a single generator. She would like it to automatically transfer When talking to the generator manufacturer, I was told that it was possible, but would not meet code. I think it has to do with the neutrals being hooked togather. Wondering if anyone has run in to this, and if so what the answer was?
rik

 

[mcclary's electrical]

I have a customer who wants to feed both units of a two unit appartement with a single generator. She would like it to automatically transfer When talking to the generator manufacturer, I was told that it was possible, but would not meet code. I think it has to do with the neutrals being hooked togather. Wondering if anyone has run in to this, and if so what the answer was?
rik

How are the apartments fed? Are they metered seperately?

 

[yucan2]

I have a customer who wants to feed both units of a two unit appartement with a single generator. She would like it to automatically transfer When talking to the generator manufacturer, I was told that it was possible, but would not meet code. I think it has to do with the neutrals being hooked togather. Wondering if anyone has run in to this, and if so what the answer was?
rik

It can be legally done, but you need (2) transfer switches to do it.

Also you should have a generator that starts on a simple 2 wire ignition signal from the ATS or you will need to do some additional control wiring with relays, if your preferred generator looks at sensing voltage or a lack thereof and starts itself.

 

[steve66]

It depends a little on where the service neutral and ground are bonded.

But if the two services have separate Neutral to Ground bonds, I think you need a 4 pole transfer switch. Then the services should have N-G bonded as normal, and there would be another N-G bond at the generator that would be used when the generator is running.

You would also a grounding electrode (or electrodes) at the generator.

 

[yucan2]

Another item of consideration in such a scenario is to make sure that all appropriate labeling is applied notifying others of a standby power source.

If tenant A or B moves out and service is interrupted to that particular unit, the generator will start right up unless that tenants ATS has been disabled.