Ideal Configuration - New Construction

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

This is to set it up for generator power.

With the new requirement for whole house SPD, and keeping in mind that all that is really available in my area is Eaton, I would install a main with no distribution, or one of the 8/4 mains with factory feed-through lugs, and do a line side feed.

If it was main with no distribution, I would use a Type 1 SPD off the main lugs.

If I used an 8/4, I could set a breaker and use a Type 2.

Neither configuration would provide surge protection while on gen power however.

Im talking with PG&E about installs now, and they are not thrilled about line side feeds to ATS, and one service tech I spoke to the other day thinks they will be a thing of the past soon. This will make SE-Rated transfer switches mostly useless, as it seems they are pushing for panel upgrades and line side feeds.

What would be your ideal setup, if you were installing new with the provision that there would be future generator power at the site?

I see that Generac makes a combo ATS/meter main, but that would limit you to utilizing Generac power generation.

 

[letgomywago]

Metermain with distribution for outdoor stuff ect..-ATS-indoor main breaker panel with surge protection there for the dwelling.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Metermain with distribution for outdoor stuff ect..-ATS-indoor main breaker panel with surge protection there for the dwelling.

Thats an idea. Put the ATS inside and intercept the sub panel. But I think I’d put the outdoor stuff on the sub as well. Except maybe the hot tub.

I’ve tried that on so many retrofit jobs. Most places don’t have a sub-panel that supplies the entire house.

 

[letgomywago]

Thats an idea. Put the ATS inside and intercept the sub panel. But I think I’d put the outdoor stuff on the sub as well. Except maybe the hot tub.

I’ve tried that on so many retrofit jobs. Most places don’t have a sub-panel that supplies the entire house.

I've wired many that way. Even a couple 400s I try to keep electronic stuff inside.

 

[electrofelon]

Im talking with PG&E about installs now, and they are not thrilled about line side feeds to ATS, and one service tech I spoke to the other day thinks they will be a thing of the past soon.

That's Interesting, what's the big deal? A service rated ATS is just a an enclosed circuit breaker with some other stuff on the load side

Anyway, how to set it up? I would want a generator and a non generator panelboard. How about a meter main with spaces, with a branch breaker feeding the ATS which feeds panel A, and either another branch breaker or the feed thru lugs which feed panel B?

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

That's Interesting, what's the big deal? A service rated ATS is just a an enclosed circuit breaker with some other stuff on the load side

Anyway, how to set it up? I would want a generator and a non generator panelboard. How about a meter main with spaces, with a branch breaker feeding the ATS which feeds panel A, and either another branch breaker or the feed thru lugs which feed panel B?

They are fussy about the conductors in “their” side of the panel.

Some panels that have the conductors instead of busbars, that go from the line side of the meter to the backfed breaker, I remove them from the breaker, and run them to the new ATS. I told them I didn’t run the feed through your section, I rerouted conductors. We’ll see if that will fly.

Most everyone I install for here wants everything backed up. I tend to agree, if you’re going through the expense of putting in a whole house genny, I’d want it to run all panels/circuits.

 

[electrofelon]

They are fussy about the conductors in “their” side of the panel.

Some panels that have the conductors instead of busbars, that go from the line side of the meter to the backfed breaker, I remove them from the breaker, and run them to the new ATS. I told them I didn’t run the feed through your section, I rerouted conductors. We’ll see if that will fly.

Most everyone I install for here wants everything backed up. I tend to agree, if you’re going through the expense of putting in a whole house genny, I’d want it to run all panels/circuits.

Ok but that is the issue of modifying a meter main by rerouting the factory installed conductors - ok fair enough, but that doesn't have anything to do with a service rated ATS

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

I’m not sure I understand what you mean.

They don’t have an issue with an SE-Rated ATS, it’s just that if there is no acceptable way to do a line side tap, then it makes an SE-Rated switch not necessary as every install will have to be a load side tap.