Field-assembled transfer switch o.k.?

[LarryFine]

In a restaurant back room, is it compliant to use one of these:




. . . to make on of these:




. . . to be installed near the existing panel?

Owner wants to be able to use a portable genny (30a) to run the walk-in cooler (240v, 12-ish amps), a freezer (120v), and one other 120v load (tbd). The plan is to replace the 20a 2p walk-in breaker with a 40a 2p breaker to feed the above TS, with a 30a 2p breaker from the inlet.

I presume back-fed-breaker hold-down requirements apply. Can the TS be mounted above the panel, or does the 6.5' rule apply? Is it also compliant to use a flanged inlet and pop-rivet it to a wall plate to avoid having to hang a surface-mount inlet box to the wall (indoors, not out).

Anything else to consider? Danke!

 

[Little Bill]

What holds that device in place?
Never saw one like that.

 

[LarryFine]

What holds that device in place?
Never saw one like that.

https://www.schneider-electric.us/en/faqs/FA289096/

QO2DTI instructions.pdf

 

[JFletcher]

https://www.schneider-electric.us/en/faqs/FA289096/

QO2DTI instructions.pdf

Pretty neat. If it is a factory part, what is the problem? I do not have an answer to your other questions, however I do not see a problem with using a field made transfer switch in this application. What are your concerns?

Without delving into the exceptions on switch height, I would be inclined to think the six and a half foot rule applies, since it is not a stand-alone switch, rather a breaker panel.

 

[LarryFine]

What are your concerns?

Having to come up with a more expensive alternative to appease the inspector, mainly.

Without delving into the exceptions on switch height, I would be inclined to think the six and a half foot rule applies, since it is not a stand-alone switch, rather a breaker panel.

Agreed, since the additional breakers in the new panel would become the branch-circuit breakers.

 

[MAC702]

What holds that device in place?
Never saw one like that.

Just drive a Tek screw through the front of a breaker.

 

[MAC702]

... the six and a half foot rule applies...

Agreed.

Can a permanent step be installed in front of the panel to bring it within height requirements? If this is easier than moving it to another location...

 

[LarryFine]

Not moving, as it hasn't been installed yet.

 

[JFletcher]

Can you install it below the panel? Although having the transfer switch mounted 12" off the floor would be odd and inconvenient, it is not against code.

 

[JFletcher]

Agreed.

Can a permanent step be installed in front of the panel to bring it within height requirements? If this is easier than moving it to another location...

Would a step violate working space?

 

[MAC702]

Would a step violate working space?

Good question. Can it be big enough where the entire working space is on the step?

 

[LarryFine]

A step is out of the question, but below the panel is a small possibility. It's typical drywall-on-steel-studs construction, so I will also look into an adjacent stud space.