Is this a NEC Service Dissconnect (Switch)

[SteveWag]

This is USA and NFPA as well as other US codes are in force.
I have just returned from a generator and transfer switch start-up. The transfer switch is rated a ?Suitable for Use as a Service Entrance? and the AHJ has signed off (although at the time of inspection the transfer switch was not receiving control power). The procedure for disconnecting utility power is: move a front mounted control switch from AUTO to SERVICE OPEN; wait for the gen-set to start (in this case 4 min); the gen-set will power the utility breaker to open; manually stop the gen-set. The building is now powered down. The other option is to open the transfer cabinet and manually operate the breaker. This is a 480 volt 800 amp system and will require near max PPE.
I can see how this meets the intent of 230.76 and/or 230.77.
The gen-set in not life/safety and the four min is to allow an air handling door to open.
Too insure utility disconnect OPEN, the PLC must function, the gen-set must come up to speed and voltage and the breaker motor must operate (transfer).
I can?t believe this meets code. The Utility switch is a thermal-magnetic overcurrent device, so the Service Overcurrent protection seems OK. My question is that this does not seem to satisfy the intent of 230.76 and/or 230-77. Or even the spirit of 230.71 (B), mentioning ?six operations of the hand?. In this case, a dead battery will prevent operation of the Service Disconnect.
Thanks
Steve

 

[iwire]

The transfer switch is service rated, to be so requires a way to manually open both sources.

Any other controls would be in addition to that and not count as throws of the hand.

Also you may want to go with the default text size.

 

[SteveWag]

Sorry about the text size. My point is, that to manually disconnect the Utility supply, you need to open a locked enclosure and with exposed 480, 3-phase with an 800 amp (or more if in fault) terminals, manually open the switch. Does that meet the definition of Service Entrance Rated?
Steve

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't know why you have exposed parts to disconnect but if the unit is service rated then it is service rated. The fact of how the unit operates has nothing directly to do with it

BTW, I change his text to a default size

 

[Sierrasparky]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If I was inspecting and even if the equipment was listed as a service disconnect, but you had to open the equipment to operate the disconnect, the installation would get a red tag.

That being said, the UL Guide Information (White Book) for "Transfer Switches (WPTZ)" says:

Automatic transfer switches are required to be designed so that the load cannot remain simultaneously disconnected from both the normal and alternative sources when either or both sources are available, except that transfer switches marked "SUITABLE FOR USE AS SERVICE EQUIPMENT" are provided with externally accessible means to independently disconnect each source intended to be a service .

It appears that the listing requirement for a transfer switch that is "suitable for use as service equipment" is for the transfer switch to have an externally operable switch. If the switch does not and is marked "suitable for use as service equipment" I would suggest that the OP contact the listing agency.