Generator main panel to distribution panel ideas?

[kerajam]

I'm planning a generator installation where the customer would like to have the capability to feed various existing distribution panels during a power outage from one portable generator.
My thought was to set up a 600 amp, 480 volt, 3R generator panel board on an outside wall fed by a 600 amp arc-tite receptacle which the 500 KVA portable generator will plug into and then have distribution from the generator panel board to the various distribution panels. Each 100 amp circuit off of the main generator panel would go to a transfer switch which would be tied into the existing 200 amp distribution panel. The customers intent is to control their loads during an outage manually.
Two questions that come to mind are: Do I need a main on the generator panel board? Do I need a disconnecting means/ OCP between the existing distribution panels and the transfer switches? I thought yes to the first question and no to the second.
BTW, the reason we're proposing to install a 600 amp system is for planned future expansion.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[augie47]

generator

generator

a few thoughts come off the top of my head....
(a) I will not argue with any man that can carry and plug in a 600 amp plug...however I would thing the design would be an "flanged uinlet" type arrangement on the building so the generator would not have exposed terminals, but that might not be a factor on 600 amp plug-cord arrangements (I've never had the pleasure)
(b) I would think each of your 100 amp circuits off the gen distribution would need proper overcurrent protection.
(c) if the generator has a main, I see no requirement for a main on the generator panel..

again these are "off my head" comments and not researched.

 

[ramdiesel3500]

I'll just add a little to what Augie47 has stated. Your distribution panel branch breakers should suffice for OCP on each 100A feeder. Also, I'll second what Augie said about the recepts and plugs. Pin & Sleeve devices can be confusing, but there are definitely four basic types: 1) connector bodies and receptacles for the line side and 2) plugs and power inlets for the load side. I know of a local telecom company that had a portable generator for several of its rural switch buildings. The generator had a 100A 480V 5 wire pin & sleeve PLUG on the end of its flexible power cord. Each building had a matching 100A pin & sleeve receptacle on it. Was like that for several years before they corrected the problem. Luckily, nobody got hurt!

 

[dahualin]

Please don't forget the automatic transfer switch or menu transfer switch for the system. If the portable generator has a main OCPD, you don't need any generator panelboard. Add a transfer switch to the existing power distribution system, reconnect the feeder from main disconnecting means to the transfer switch, and add a feeder between transfer switch to MDP. You can use you called receptacle or other means to connect the transfer switch to portable generator. Make sure the generator rating is big enough to handle the existing load. Otherwise, certain loads shall be disconnected or turned off before switching the system to generator.