Generator E stop

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mbrooke

mbrooke

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Whats with outdoor permanently mounted generators needing an accessible E stop? Typing a few more words to increase that 100 number limit which works great for trolls but punishes legit experts.
 
2020 is all about redundant Estops which, for reasons i can't fathom, can all be remote from each other MBrooke ~RJ~
 
The whole e-stop and disconnecting thing started getting a lot of revision and complication in 2017. Then more revisions in 2020.
 
mbrooke said:
Sadly its a good way for vandals to kill power.
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They like to hit the building EPO switches too. We have several drug store customers that have them, and in the bad neighborhoods they hit them. Had a big box hardware where they threw a 2x4 over the fence and hit the EPO button on the outside of the generator.
 
So... how exactly is one to comply with the requirement in a residential setting if the generator being installed doesn't have factory provision for wiring in the E-stop? Void the warranty on the generator?


SceneryDriver
 
SceneryDriver said:
So... how exactly is one to comply with the requirement in a residential setting if the generator being installed doesn't have factory provision for wiring in the E-stop? Void the warranty on the generator?


SceneryDriver
Click to expand...
I know I'm late to this thread and being retired I cannot afford to have up to date reference materials to hand. I am sure that those of you still in the craft notice every 3 to 6 years that the replacement code handbook is dammed expensive. So please put up with my asking do the present requirements apply to all sizes of permanently installed generators?
 
mbrooke said:
Would it be to much to ask to quote the 2020? I don't have it yet on PDF.
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And you never will. The NEC refuses to provide PDF anymore.

Here's the text from 2020:

​
(A) Disconnecting Means.​
Generators other than cord-and-plug-connected portable generators shall have one or more disconnecting means. Each disconnecting means shall simultaneously open all associated ungrounded conductors. Each disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.​
​
(B) Emergency Shutdown of Prime Mover.​
Generators shall have provisions to shut down the prime mover. The means of shutdown shall comply with all of the following:​
(1) Be equipped with provisions to disable all prime mover start control circuits to render the prime mover incapable of starting​
(2) Initiate a shutdown mechanism that requires a mechanical reset​

​
The provisions to shut down the prime mover shall be permitted to satisfy the requirements of 445.18(A) where it is capable of being locked in the open position in accordance with 110.25,​
​
(C) Remote Emergency Shutdown.​
Generators with greater than 15 kW rating shall be provided with a remote emergency stop switch to shut down the prime mover. The remote emergency stop switch shall be located outside the equipment room or generator enclosure and shall also meet the requirements of 445.18(B)(1) and (B)(2).​
​
(D) Emergency Shutdown in One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units.​
For other than cord-and-plug-connected portable generators, an emergency shutdown device shall be located outside the dwelling unit at a readily accessible location.​
​

Readily accessible doesn't preclude locks.
 
rnatalie said:
And you never will. The NEC refuses to provide PDF anymore.

Here's the text from 2020:

​
(A) Disconnecting Means.​
Generators other than cord-and-plug-connected portable generators shall have one or more disconnecting means. Each disconnecting means shall simultaneously open all associated ungrounded conductors. Each disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.​
​
(B) Emergency Shutdown of Prime Mover.​
Generators shall have provisions to shut down the prime mover. The means of shutdown shall comply with all of the following:​
(1) Be equipped with provisions to disable all prime mover start control circuits to render the prime mover incapable of starting​
(2) Initiate a shutdown mechanism that requires a mechanical reset​

​
The provisions to shut down the prime mover shall be permitted to satisfy the requirements of 445.18(A) where it is capable of being locked in the open position in accordance with 110.25,​
​
(C) Remote Emergency Shutdown.​
Generators with greater than 15 kW rating shall be provided with a remote emergency stop switch to shut down the prime mover. The remote emergency stop switch shall be located outside the equipment room or generator enclosure and shall also meet the requirements of 445.18(B)(1) and (B)(2).​
​
(D) Emergency Shutdown in One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units.​
For other than cord-and-plug-connected portable generators, an emergency shutdown device shall be located outside the dwelling unit at a readily accessible location.​
​

Readily accessible doesn't preclude locks.
Click to expand...
So how would others read the language in C in relation to the language in D. I see a lot of 10 kW generators for optional residential installations. They are obviously less than the 15 kW size in paragraph C. Paragraph D then says that "an emergency shutdown device shall be located outside the dwelling unit at a readily accessible location." Common sense would say that the" greater than 15 kW rating" would apply to the residential installation as well but that is not what the language of the code says. Should not the language "which are required to have the remote shutdown in paragraph C... be part of paragraph D?
 
imho... there is no reading the language in C in relation to Language in D. They each stand alone. Language in D is location specific. :)
 
C seems to address issue related to some older models had the e shutdown under enclosure cover, cover was also lockable, this became an issue when emergency personnel would shut down power to building for emergency response and ATS initiated start up and repowering building, and with e switch hidden or locked made for a dangerous situation for emergency personnel. They (NEC) is putting it back on us (the electrician) to ensure prime mover shutdown capability, rather than a mfg requirement which they don't do. Thus mfg still can make the product however they need to within UL listing requirement.
 
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