ATS Readily Accessible?

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San -Brooke

San -Brooke

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With an existing building with an existing emergency generator and ATS for life safety having a second ATS to provide backup emergency power for a UPS system. All I can find applicable for requiring specifically that the new ATS be Readily Accessible is #1 Article 100 definition and #2 404.8 (A). Any ideas?
 
I don't understand what else is needed If the ATS meets the requirements of the articles sections you posted. You may look into NFPA 110 for specific requirements beyond the NEC.

Roger
 
The ATS was designed to be located where it did not meet the requirements by definition as "Readily Accessible". I required that it must be, but I can't find any specific NEC requirement other than NEC 404.8 (A) to justify it. I believe it is an appropriate reference but it seems to be all that I can find.
 
I would say that an ATS must meet the sema access requirements as any service disconnecting means.

IMO, once you instal ANY sort of transfer switch, the transfer switch becomes your 'point of service.' All of your sources - PoCo, generator, UPS, whatever - are your 'utility' sides .
 
In what way is it not readily accessible? The working space requirements in 110 would apply.
 
steve66 said:
In what way is it not readily accessible? The working space requirements in 110 would apply.
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Maybe I have overlooked it Steve but I can't find "Readily Accessible" anywhere in NEC 110. In fact the only specific reference in NEC that I can find is 404.8 (A) that is germane to this specific application.
 
San -Brooke said:
Maybe I have overlooked it Steve but I can't find "Readily Accessible" anywhere in NEC 110. In fact the only specific reference in NEC that I can find is 404.8 (A) that is germane to this specific application.
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Can you explain the actual situation in a little more detail. If the requirements of 110.26 are met "readily accessible" should pretty much be covered.


Roger
 
roger said:
Can you explain the actual situation in a little more detail. If the requirements of 110.26 are met "readily accessible" should pretty much be covered.


Roger
Click to expand...

Yes! An existing building with an emergency generator with an ATS that feeds an emergency distribution system that feeds almost all life safety with a few unfortunate but not serious existing exceptions. The customer requested to have backup generator power to supplement the UPS power. Based on NEC 700.4 (B) I allowed an additional ATS which would be in parallel with the exising ATS off the existing generator and provide "Optional Standby Power". The new ATS had been drawn in to be installed directly above the existing ATS which would mean the bottom of the new ATS would exceed 6' to the bottom of the new ATS and more than likely exceed 6'7" from any control features on whatever ATS would be installed. So I required that it must be installed in a location to meet the requirements of "Readily Accessible". I just like to have my ducks in a row as far as making a justification for any decision.
 
I don't think they can argue with you. IMO, citing that the definition of "Readily Accessible" is not met is all that you need.



Roger
 
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