Generator transfer switch

[tonype]

60-amp 2-pole breaker in main supplies transfer switch (gasoline generator is other input). Circuits breakers in the main panel have been disconnected - replaced with ones in the transfer switch panel. However, circuit conductors are then routed from the breakers in the transfer switch panel back into the main panel and spliced to the original circuit conductors with wire nuts.

In this configuration, the panel seems to be a raceway for the conductors, which is something I thought is a no-no. Am I correct?

 

[iwire]

60-amp 2-pole breaker in main supplies transfer switch (gasoline generator is other input). Circuits breakers in the main panel have been disconnected - replaced with ones in the transfer switch panel. However, circuit conductors are then routed from the breakers in the transfer switch panel back into the main panel and spliced to the original circuit conductors with wire nuts.

In this configuration, the panel seems to be a raceway for the conductors, which is something I thought is a no-no. Am I correct?

The cabinet the panelboard is installed in can be used as a raceway.

See 312.8 but read all of it.



Also just as a side note take a look at article 100 and the definition of panelboard

 

[infinity]

Where is the interlock to keep to two sources from energizing the panel simultaneously? Also the device on the upper right has it's leads double tapped with the SEC's and no OCPD.

 

[tonype]

Where is the interlock to keep to two sources from energizing the panel simultaneously? Also the device on the upper right has it's leads double tapped with the SEC's and no OCPD.

Top of left cabinet.... interlock between the 2 breakers connected to the main and to the generator.

 

[tonype]

Where is the interlock to keep to two sources from energizing the panel simultaneously? Also the device on the upper right has it's leads double tapped with the SEC's and no OCPD.

Here are closer views of the SEC connections. Lightning arrestor

 

[tonype]

T



Also just as a side note take a look at article 100 and the definition of panelboard

Thanks

 

[iwire]

Thanks

No problem, I am kind of a stickler about the words panelboard and cabinet.

The reason being is that when you are looking for rules it helps to know what the NEC calls things.

In this case you have article 312 covering the cabinet and article 408 covering the panelboard.


Another term often used is 'load center' that is not an NEC term, it is just a manufacturers marketing word for a panelboard, cabinet and cover combined for sale as one item.

In the commercial world we have to buy our cabinet, cover, panelboard and breakers as separate items.

 

[kwired]

Where is the interlock to keep to two sources from energizing the panel simultaneously?

In the "transfer panel" to the left. Generator only supplies the transfer panel when selected.

Also the device on the upper right has it's leads double tapped with the SEC's and no OCPD.

That particular type of surge protector needs to be landed on a 30 amp or less 2 pole breaker which has lugs rated for landing two conductors in Square D panels. I don't believe the SPD is intended to be connected directly to the service conductors either - especially if located indoors.

 

[tonype]

No problem, I am kind of a stickler about the words panelboard and cabinet.

The reason being is that when you are looking for rules it helps to know what the NEC calls things.

In this case you have article 312 covering the cabinet and article 408 covering the panelboard.


Another term often used is 'load center' that is not an NEC term, it is just a manufacturers marketing word for a panelboard, cabinet and cover combined for sale as one item.

In the commercial world we have to buy our cabinet, cover, panelboard and breakers as separate items.

There has been a lot of mis-used words in electric aspects of home inspections (which i perform) - I learn a lot by hanging out here. Your brief discussion above helps immensely. HI's sort of use panels, panelboards, etc loosely to refer to item that houses everything. I think it is simplified for the sake of clients understanding.

 

[iwire]

HI's sort of use panels, panelboards, etc loosely to refer to item that houses everything.

As do I when in the felid talking with coworkers or customers.

It's just when we get to talking about codes it becomes helpful to know the NEC terms.

 

[goldstar]

Where is the interlock to keep to two sources from energizing the panel simultaneously? Also the device on the upper right has it's leads double tapped with the SEC's and no OCPD.

I'm guessing that the device in the upper right side of the main panel is a surge protector. Most manufacturers require the wiring to be landed on a 2-P breaker and as close as possible to the main breaker as possible.

We need a better photo to determine whether the gen panel has an interlock built in. I tried to expand the photo but it got too fuzzy.

Apparently these manufacturers run these panels thru UL and get them passed. I was always under the impression that the neutrals of branch circuit wires had to originate in the panel they're fed from. I have no Code reference for that presumption - just the way I was taught.