HO permits for transfer switches

[petersonra]

I was on another forum and there was a discussion about transfer switches for home generators. (I was the guy cautioning against hooking it up to your dryer outlet and was not convincing a whole lot of people on that score).

A fellow claimed that he tried to get a permit to install a transfer switch to hook a generator up to his trailer and the city refused to give him one stating that trailers are not allowed to have transfer switches because it did not come that way from the factory.

Any one ever heard of such a thing? Why would trailers be prohibited from having transfer switches or generators? Doesn't that just about force people into doing something unsafe if they want a backup generator?

Or is it just that they don't allow HOs to install transfer switches? Never heard of that one either.

Just curious.

 

[iwire]

I think they are typing without knowing.

 

[petersonra]

I think they are typing without knowing.

I suppose it is possible the fellow is lying about what the city told him. it does not seem like the kind of thing someone would just make up though.

 

[iwire]

Well the NEC does not prohbit new wiring in mobile homes so unless there is a local rule.

 

[S'mise]

I agree with Bob. Ok with NEC but local codes may prohibit it.

That being said, One could mount it on a service post next to the trailer to comply. (If they can afford a service rated 3R ts):roll:

I am guessing they are looking at the trailer as an UL listed product and don't want to alter it.

 

[growler]

I was on another forum and there was a discussion about transfer switches for home generators. (I was the guy cautioning against hooking it up to your dryer outlet and was not convincing a whole lot of people on that score).

A fellow claimed that he tried to get a permit to install a transfer switch to hook a generator up to his trailer and the city refused to give him one stating that trailers are not allowed to have transfer switches because it did not come that way from the factory.

Any one ever heard of such a thing? Why would trailers be prohibited from having transfer switches or generators? Doesn't that just about force people into doing something unsafe if they want a backup generator?

Or is it just that they don't allow HOs to install transfer switches? Never heard of that one either.

Just curious.

When you talk about mobile homes things can get tricky depending on where the mobile home is located. If it's on private property then a homeowner can get a permit for the service in most areas. If it's located in a mobile home park then the service doesn't belong to the owner of the home and is commercial property so the trailer owner won't be allowed to do much with the service. This can even confuse the people at the permit counter.

This is just a guess but I would think that when he went to get his permit he only talked to the people at the permit issue desk/counter and didn't bother talking to the real inspection department. I have had mobile home owners that were denied permits at the start and I would have to go and talk to the head electrical inspector ( whick was also the building code official ) and explain what they really wanted to do, there was a lack of communication between the owner and those at the permit counter.

Some areas really don't like mobile homes to start with and you have to know what you are doing when you go in to have a talk with them.

 

[petersonra]

I agree with Bob. Ok with NEC but local codes may prohibit it.

That being said, One could mount it on a service post next to the trailer to comply. (If they can afford a service rated 3R ts):roll:

I am guessing they are looking at the trailer as an UL listed product and don't want to alter it.

He said there is an outside disconnect switch that feeds an outdoor CB that feeds his panel inside the trailer. He wanted to put the transfer switch after the outdoor CB.

 

[cowboyjwc]

When you talk about mobile homes things can get tricky depending on where the mobile home is located. If it's on private property then a homeowner can get a permit for the service in most areas. If it's located in a mobile home park then the service doesn't belong to the owner of the home and is commercial property so the trailer owner won't be allowed to do much with the service. This can even confuse the people at the permit counter.

This is just a guess but I would think that when he went to get his permit he only talked to the people at the permit issue desk/counter and didn't bother talking to the real inspection department. I have had mobile home owners that were denied permits at the start and I would have to go and talk to the head electrical inspector ( whick was also the building code official ) and explain what they really wanted to do, there was a lack of communication between the owner and those at the permit counter.

Some areas really don't like mobile homes to start with and you have to know what you are doing when you go in to have a talk with them.

And it get's worse, here mobile home parks are controlled by the state.