Generator Transfer Switch above water spigot.

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patricknola

Electrical contractor/Generac Dealer
Location
new orleans, La, United States
Occupation
Electrical contractor.
Hey guys, I'm installing a generac transfer switch and the best place to set the transfer switch happens to be above a water spigot. I'm trying to find the code section that tells me the exact measurements of how far i need to be from the water spigot. Article 110.26 is what i was checking out but I didn't see anything definite. Thanks in advance.
 
It would seem clear that an ATS is not a switchboard, panelboard, distribution board or MCC, so the Code would not require dedicated space.

It might be a good idea to move the hose bib, but not required.
 
ron said:
It would seem clear that an ATS is not a switchboard, panelboard, distribution board or MCC, so the Code would not require dedicated space.

It might be a good idea to move the hose bib, but not required.
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Agree
 
ron said:
It would seem clear that an ATS is not a switchboard, panelboard, distribution board or MCC, so the Code would not require dedicated space.

It might be a good idea to move the hose bib, but not required.
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Well a service-rated transfer switch (most common) is considered the service disconnect and you would need those dedicated space requirements. Even so the hose bib would not protrude past the edge of the equipment so it wouldn't be a violation. Similar to if you had a main panel with a small copper water pipe below it.
 
jhachris said:
Well a service-rated transfer switch (most common) is considered the service disconnect and you would need those dedicated space requirements. Even so the hose bib would not protrude past the edge of the equipment so it wouldn't be a violation. Similar to if you had a main panel with a small copper water pipe below it.
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A panelboard would require dedicated space above and below the equipment the ATS would not.
 
infinity said:
A panelboard would require dedicated space above and below the equipment the ATS would not.
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A panelboard with a main breaker is the point of service entrance/service disconnecting means - so is a service rated transfer switch. They would fall under the same requirement.

And you're right it's from the floor (indoor) or grade (outdoor) to 6 ' above.
 
jhachris said:
A panelboard with a main breaker is the point of service entrance/service disconnecting means - so is a service rated transfer switch. They would fall under the same requirement.

And you're right it's from the floor (indoor) or grade (outdoor) to 6 ' above.
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A integral circuit breaker does not make an ATS a panelboard, switchboard, switchgear or motor control center. The reason that the 4 listed pieces of equipment require the dedicated space is because there is an anticipation that something may be run out of them in the future and the NEC wants to have a clear space to do so. An ATS does not require dedicated space for that reason.

110.26(E) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers shall be located in
dedicated spaces and protected from damage.
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infinity said:
A integral circuit breaker does not make an ATS a panelboard, switchboard, switchgear or motor control center.
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Inspectors in NY metro area disagree.

A service disconnect for a structure needs to be accessible.
 
And yes a service rated ATS w/ integrated main breaker meets the definition of a switchgear.

Switchgear: An assembly completely enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal and containing primary power circuit switching, interrupting devices, or both, with buses and connections. The assembly may include control or auxiliary devices. Access to the interior of the enclosure is provided by doors, removable covers, or both.
 
jhachris said:
And yes a service rated ATS w/ integrated main breaker meets the definition of a switchgear.

Switchgear: An assembly completely enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal and containing primary power circuit switching, interrupting devices, or both, with buses and connections. The assembly may include control or auxiliary devices. Access to the interior of the enclosure is provided by doors, removable covers, or both.
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With all due respect have you ever worked on switchgear? No an ATS is not switchgear.
 
Yea dude. I've been a licensed master electrician for almost 10 years. It meets the definition
 
jhachris said:
It meets the definition
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Curious, what definition ?
I would not consider a TS to be a switchboard as Transfer Switches are UL listed WPTZ whereas Switchboards are Listed WEVZ ie: Apples & Oranges
 
Switchgear: An assembly completely enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal and containing primary power circuit switching, interrupting devices, or both, with buses and connections. The assembly may include control or auxiliary devices. Access to the interior of the enclosure is provided by doors, removable covers, or both.
 
I'm not going to die on the switch-gear hill, I'll admit it's a stretch.

My whole point was just that a service rated ATS should be readily accessible and fall under the dedicated work-space requirements. This piece of equipment could have three/ four conduits coming out of it which we need clear space for. Furthermore this equipment could potentially be the only means of disconnect for the building or structure. I don't know a good inspector who wouldn't have issue with having one these installed behind a central AC unit or if inside, a wall with less than 3' of front clearance.
 
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