Neutrals Relocated To Transfer Switch

[zander]

Is there a code article that specifically states that the neutrals of loads being moved to a transfer switch have to be moved to the same transfer switch as well?

I've seen several installations where the neutral from the circuit feeding the transfer switch is the only neutral passing through the nipple connecting the main panel to the transfer switch with an integrated load center. Plus, if you buy a manual transfer switch from the big box stores, the prefabbed whip that comes with the switch also doesn't have corresponding neutrals for each circuit being hooked up to it, just one neutral. Yet I've read in several forums, including this one, that all the neutrals need to be moved from the main panel to the transfer switch.

 

[roger]

There is no requirement to relocate the neutrals. Think of any switch, the feeds and switch legs are all that's needed to and from.

 

[synchro]

These transfer switches would not appear to support branch circuits that need a separate load neutral for GFCI breakers or some of the AFCI breakers.

 

[zander]

There is no requirement to relocate the neutrals. Think of any switch, the feeds and switch legs are all that's needed to and from.

Absolutely. I totally agree with the functionality of doing it that way, I've just also seen other posts where people are adamant that you move the neutrals. No code articles though.

 

[jaggedben]

Absolutely. I totally agree with the functionality of doing it that way, I've just also seen other posts where people are adamant that you move the neutrals. No code articles though.

People might be conflating the situations of a transfer switch with, say, moving circuits to a new subpanel.

Also, if you only run a single neutral as described above, with ferrous raceways it's important that both sets of hots and the neutral are all in the same raceway. If separate raceways are used for the line and load hots, then the neutral must run with the hots and loop through the switch.

 

[Birken Vogt]

with ferrous raceways it's important that both sets of hots and the neutral are all in the same raceway

With this type of transfer switch, typically the hot feeders come into the transfer switch, but the hot load wires are a multitude of individual circuits making their way back. So writing "both sets" might be confusing.