Generator disconnect

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The problem is in the wording. Isnt that generally the case for all of the confusion in the code?
We tend to come to an acceptance by talking it out among professionals but if you take it specifically as it is stated it becomes open to suggestion.

I always try and make my decision based on the intent not by the wording.
I tend to understand that better.
If I went strictly by the wording I'd be too afraid to install any kind of electrical work.
 
So what's the intent of having a generator disconnect within sight of a building.

To a Fireman probably so he can turn it off so power wont be going to the building.
To an electrician, maybe he needs to work on the Transfer switch and needs to disconnect the generator.
in either of these cases does it help that it's within sight of the building? probably not.
If I'm inside working on the transfer switch, I probably cant see the disconnect or the generator anyway.

So why does it have to be within sight when it would make more sense just to be capable of being locked in the open position regardless of wether it's within sight or not?
 
jap said:
So what's the intent of having a generator disconnect within sight of a building.

To a Fireman probably so he can turn it off so power wont be going to the building.
To an electrician, maybe he needs to work on the Transfer switch and needs to disconnect the generator.
in either of these cases does it help that it's within sight of the building? probably not.
If I'm inside working on the transfer switch, I probably cant see the disconnect or the generator anyway.

So why does it have to be within sight when it would make more sense just to be capable of being locked in the open position regardless of wether it's within sight or not?
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jap that is logical thinking and there is no place here for that. The wording is terible and the " insight of the building or structure" as you stated makes no sence. In reviewing code proposals changes for 2014 this should clear up using 445.18 to clarify what you are saying.
 
And I will say this, you are getting tunnel vision on the breaker on the generator. For optional generators they are covered under Article 702. 702.11 (2008) states "with in sight" MPO it doesn't meet the requirement if its behind a cover. But it goes on to say the disco. shall meet the requirements of 225.36. In Gus's OP he states that the breaker on the generator is service rated, so that is covered. But what are the conductors from the gen to the ATS? Outdoor feeders. Where is that covered? Art. 225. 225.36 takes you to 225.31 which leads to 225.32. It is there that it is stated a disconnect SHALL be installed inside or outside of the building or structure served at a readily accessible location NEAREST the point of entrance.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
I read 110.26(F) as permitting the door to the disconnect to be locked, however, the disconnect behind the door at the generator would not be "within sight" from the building and that will trigger a requirement for a disconnect at the building.
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The code is someone vague on just what "within sight" means.

I might argue that the compartment containing the disconnect switch is visible and within 50 feet and that is adequate. The definition of "within sight" does not specify that the handle or the switch or the contacts be visible.
 
petersonra said:
The code is someone vague on just what "within sight" means.

I might argue that the compartment containing the disconnect switch is visible and within 50 feet and that is adequate. The definition of "within sight" does not specify that the handle or the switch or the contacts be visible.
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I threw a disconnect in the dumpster the other day that was 50' away from a retail shop.
I sure hope nobody mistakes it as a Generator.
 
In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight). Where this Code specifies that one equipment shall be ?in sight from,? ?within sight from,? or ?within sight of,? and so forth, another equipment, the specified equipment is to be visible and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from the other.


The specified equipment is the listed and labeled generator set with the service rated disconnect built into it. The disconnect is there and readily accessible, and within sight of, to serve as a disconnecting means for the generator if the fire department, or service provider needs access.
 
To me the disconnecting means is the specified piece of equipment we're talking about not the generator itself.
 
Gregg Harris said:
In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight). Where this Code specifies that one equipment shall be ?in sight from,? ?within sight from,? or ?within sight of,? and so forth, another equipment, the specified equipment is to be visible and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from the other.


The specified equipment is the listed and labeled generator set with the service rated disconnect built into it. The disconnect is there and readily accessible, and within sight of, to serve as a disconnecting means for the generator if the fire department, or service provider needs access.
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The code rule specifies the means of disconnect, not the equipment itself.
 
jap said:
someone could be hiding on the far side of the generator enclosure and slowly be reaching thier hand inside the generator and around to turn the breaker on and you'd never see them?

I'd be too afraid to install any kind of electrical work.
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If you're that paranoid I don't think you should install any more electrical work!:p:lol:
 
jwelectric said:
I have a generator that has a valve to shut off the gas. Once the gas valve is turned to the off position the generator will run for another 15 to 20 minutes. Would this be considered a means of disconnect.
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I'm sorry but I highly doubt you have a generator that will run for 15-20 minutes after you turn the gas off. And every single generator I've installed I have always considered the shutoff as a disconnect and never once questioned.
 
A gas valve does not disconnect the electrical conductors from thier source and cannot be considered a disconnect.
 
dwellselectric said:
I'm sorry but I highly doubt you have a generator that will run for 15-20 minutes after you turn the gas off.
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So if it's 2-5 minutes does that change things?
dwellselectric said:
And every single generator I've installed I have always considered the shutoff as a disconnect and never once questioned.
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In that case your inspectors need some up to date code classes.

Roger
 
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