generator feeding 2 buildings

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Steviechia2

Steviechia2

Senior Member
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Massachusetts
I have 2 commercial buildings with their own services. Could I feed the 2 buildings with one generator as long as the generator could handle the load?
I am thinking I could just use 2 transfer switches ?
 
2 buildings with one generator

2 buildings with one generator

You definitely can use a single generator set to provide emergency/standby service to two different buildings.

If you're running a 277/480VAC genset you would be well-advised to use 4-pole switching in each of the locations. You will probably need a service entrance breaker at each building for the generator conductors.

Gary
 
Are both buildings owned by one company?
which building will you choose to feed the generator utility power sense?
 
mopowr steve said:
Are both buildings owned by one company?
which building will you choose to feed the generator utility power sense?
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They are owned by 1 company. The building is 20' away and they want to combine them to make one building with a roof and 2 walls. There is an existing generator feeding building 1.
Both buildings have a meter breaker combination so the panels are a main lug. I was thinking of adding a second ATS in building 2.
(The neutral and grounds are separated at the panels already) so I don't see a problem with any kind of problem with back feeding if there was a neutral break.
 
Steviechia2 said:
I have 2 commercial buildings with their own services.
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Steviechia2 said:
The building is 20' away and they want to combine them to make one building with a roof and 2 walls..
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are you doing away with one service and if so, will the current existing service be sized to handle the added load

you already stated the existent generator is large enough and if two buildings are becoming one the premise of your question changes
 
I suspect that some ATS with generator control will let either ATS start the generator while the other remains in normal state.

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david said:
are you doing away with one service and if so, will the current existing service be sized to handle the added load

you already stated the existent generator is large enough and if two buildings are becoming one the premise of your question changes
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I wanted to keep both

1 service and generator is large enough (200 amp single phase and 50kva gen) atm but i am concerned if they start adding more equipment
 
If I keep both services so in case they want to add more equipment, I could bring over a sub panel into building 2 for a few emergency generator circuits?

As long as I label emergency generator panel and the circuits I think that would be okay?
 
Steviechia2 said:
If I keep both services so in case they want to add more equipment, I could bring over a sub panel into building 2 for a few emergency generator circuits?

As long as I label emergency generator panel and the circuits I think that would be okay?
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Is there a code reason you could supply this building with two services
 
david said:
Is there a code reason you could supply this building with two services
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I am not sure i understand your question?
I don't think there is a code violation if I keep 2 service?
I Asked the municipal poco and inspector what I had in mind and they didn't have an issue with it.
 
If any of the loads in the building that currently has a generator are Article 700 loads (Emergency), then you will need an ATS just for those loads. I am guessing the other loads for that building and for the other building are Article 702 loads (Optional)?

Remember that 700 loads and wiring must stay separate from all others.
 
ptonsparky said:
We would need to install one Service and supply the two existing panels with feeders, isolating the neutrals and providing an EGC to each as would be typical.
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if you could install a service disconnect grouped by one of the existing service disconnects that would only be necessary

for one of the existing service panels and Feeder to supply the old panel
 
david said:
post # 4 they are converting two buildings to be one, if the two become one under there building code by adding the hallway between the two i think it is relevant
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Got it. I missed that, but if the building building department doesn't have an issue with it, they may still be considering it two separate buildings.
 
GoldDigger said:
I suspect that some ATS with generator control will let either ATS start the generator while the other remains in normal state.

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Im not sure, I can only think of Generac for example. Athough power sense wires originate at the ATS I believe it is at the generator that utility sense is connected, and I don’t know how you could combine different services under one connection without blowing fuses (if legs are out of phase) , backfeeding, or etc.
 
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