braveheart
New member
This question is a practical one driven by the enormous cost differential between service entrance rated transfer switches and those without.
Scenario is 320A/240V single phase meter base to 400A non-service entrance ATS to two-200A OCP distribution panels, and of course the feed from the Genset (OCP at the generator).
Since 230.82 requires a disconnect means on the supply side of the meter base before any ATS, and given that service rated transfer switches have expensive overcurrent protection, couldn't one satisfy NEC by simply placing an inexpensive manual disconnect switch in a NEMA 3R enclosure at the meter base outside before passing through the structure and to the transfer switch, thus avoiding the requirement for over current protection other than that on the distribution panels?
There have been exhaustive threads about the disconnect means for the generator side, and exhaustive threads about transfer switches being service rated, but is this an acceptable and compliant solution? Does NEC require the disconnect means to have OCP if not integral to the ATS, and does a simple disconnect fulfill all requirements?
Scenario is 320A/240V single phase meter base to 400A non-service entrance ATS to two-200A OCP distribution panels, and of course the feed from the Genset (OCP at the generator).
Since 230.82 requires a disconnect means on the supply side of the meter base before any ATS, and given that service rated transfer switches have expensive overcurrent protection, couldn't one satisfy NEC by simply placing an inexpensive manual disconnect switch in a NEMA 3R enclosure at the meter base outside before passing through the structure and to the transfer switch, thus avoiding the requirement for over current protection other than that on the distribution panels?
There have been exhaustive threads about the disconnect means for the generator side, and exhaustive threads about transfer switches being service rated, but is this an acceptable and compliant solution? Does NEC require the disconnect means to have OCP if not integral to the ATS, and does a simple disconnect fulfill all requirements?
Last edited: