Generator on Adjacent Building

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beanland

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Vancouver, WA
I had a client install an optional stand-by generator on the roof of an adjacent building rather on a ground level pad because of space limitations. The generator is physically supported by the adjacent building but not electrically connected to it in any way. The power for battery charger, the controls, power leads from the ATS are all come from the main building. The EGC is from the main building. I have received feedback that the AHJ will not approve (no specifics) because it is on an adjacent building.

Can anyone cite a likely NEC violation?
 
Does any wiring ?pass through? any portion of the rooftop building before proceeding to the main building? Does both control locations have an e-stop? Is the genset labeled indicating where ATS is located; and visa-versa? What is the type of raceway used? Does genset have a MCB? Assuming non-SE and solid N ATS, correct; if ATS is not qualified as rated safety disconnect, it may be necessary to provide line-side safety disconnect in the main building. How is access between the buildings achieved? Assuming client currently owns both; what happens if building ownership changes? All I can think of.
 
Also is the roof structurally engineered for the extra weight of the generator? I'm assuming it's a natural gas or remote propane tank also. I had one customer that wanted one on top of a three story office building had no natural gas available, and wanted to put a propane tank up there with it! It would be interesting seeing them fill it. Had another one in downtown Atlanta that I mounted a 12 kw on the side of the tilt up concrete wall 20' up. The owner did not want the vagrants messing with it.
 
The Answer

The Answer

I finally got the whole story, the AHJ wanted to make sure that there were no issues by reviewing all of the applicable codes. After his review, he indicated that there were no problems. He reminded me that adequate signage was required at the service entrance. I recommended that signs be installed at the service entrance, at the ATS, and at the generator that the generator and load served were at different locations.

All is well.
 
I finally got the whole story, the AHJ wanted to make sure that there were no issues by reviewing all of the applicable codes. After his review, he indicated that there were no problems. He reminded me that adequate signage was required at the service entrance. I recommended that signs be installed at the service entrance, at the ATS, and at the generator that the generator and load served were at different locations.

All is well.

The inspectors I have been dealing with want the signs to be specific as to the locations of the other disconnecting means and generator. One I had to do for the service disconnect read " This building has more than one power source. Generator disconnect located outside of building on the center of rear wall"
 
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