Generator Transfer serving as disconnect

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WV Sparktition

WV Sparktition

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Charleston, West Virginia
OK,
We installed a 17 kw LP generator at a residence today. The Boss "cheapskate" designed the layout of the system. Out of the meter, originally, the SE went straight to the panel inside the wall. The new system, which he wanted us to install, was to leave the meter base, go along the wall in 4/0-3, to a 200amp Automatic transfer switch, which had two 200 amp main breakers in it. The ground was bonded from the factory, in which showed me that it was meant to be a service disconnect, otherwise we would have to remove the bonding strap. I eventually made my boss see it my way, in running 4/0-4 (with ground) SE from there to panel, making the transfer switch a disconnect. (note: the ATS stated suitable for service disconnecting means.) We drove two new ground rods, bonding the ATS and generator, and had to isolate grounds from neutrals in the existing panel. "Costing him money" He wanted to treat it as a ATS only, not a service disconnect, and run 4/0-3 from it to panel, not isolating any grounds from neutrals, but leave the bonding strap in ATS...Im a Journeyman in WV, worked for 3 years, I admit im green, tell me im wrong and ill accept it. If there is a code sections or direct article i can argue with him about i would appreciate it. He is blaming me for losing money on that Bid job.
 
What did you do with the equipment grounding conductor and the grounded conductor in the generator?
Rick
 
Two ungrounded wires and grounding conductor enter the switch. Line side.
Two ungrounded wires to generator, with one grounding conductor. 4 bare from generator to ground rods, and to generator. Two ungrounded conductors to panel with grounding conductor and grounded conductor
 
Did you happen to read article 250.24(A)5 and 250.142(B)? There should be seperate equipment grounding conductor (if the generator has an OCPD in it) or equipment bondinding jumper (if the gen set does not have an OCPD in it) along with a grounded conductor going out to the generator from the ATS. With the ATS as a service disconnect i don't think your switching any neutrals in it.

Rick
 
Sorry it sounded like you didn't. Should be ok then if you removed the bonding jumper in the generator.

Rick
 
Well what my real question is...is that considered a Service disconnect? could it be set with three wire to and from and left the panel with the grounds and neutrals bonded. I.E. point of main disconnect being the panel not the ATS
 
any code article to state that point, thats what i told him and he said it is just a switch...and after we installed it the correct way( like i stated) he said it was a waste of money and time that we should have done it the way he wanted ...three wire to all
 
Funny that the neutral is bolted to ground in the meter and we have to make believe that we have to again connect the neutral to ground at the main, then we have to disconnect the neutral from the ground at the generator, and then we have to take the green screw out of the neutral bar at the panel.
Does it really, really matter?
 
Also see 230.82. This tells you what is permitted on the Line side of a Service Disconnect, and Transfer Switches are not one of the choices. The only switch like item is a meter disconnect switch, and I'd argue this isn't one.

So you did it right -- the ATS must be the Service Disconnect, and you go 4 wires to everything downstream of it.
 
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