New twist for home generators

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Re: New twist for home generators

I know that some poco's can shut power off from office.Might be something similar to that.Am assuming its solid state but could be wrong.
 
Re: New twist for home generators

In my opinion, they are in violation of 230.82 and, I do not believe, they are SUSE rated. I have opposed them from the first time I heard about them. :mad:
 
Re: New twist for home generators

I think the idea is great, however the process of installation is not sound. I know the ultility in my area (FPL) will not install nor permitt the installation of something foreign onto their meter. This will lead to shady contractors and sneaky homeowners trying to install the device themselves. We already have a huge problem with contractors pulling meters and performing work without notifying the utility or building department of their actions. This just provides another means for them to continue this practice.
 
Re: New twist for home generators

Some utility companies are offering them installed. They are not available in my area. Before the hurricane season I was looking to see what different utility companies around the country were offering as safety tips for portable generators, one that was offering the hub for an additional monthly fee. I believe that the fee was around $10, which would be affordable for most people. I didn't care if it was code compliant or not since it was to be installed and maintained by the power company ( still safer than back feeding ). Here is an example of an offer by a utility company. http://www.dom.com/products/generators/hub.jsp
 
Re: New twist for home generators

Since this is on the load side of the service point and it is not metering equipment so 90.5(B)(5) doesn't apply and it is covered by the NEC. Now, go back and read my first post. :D
 
Re: New twist for home generators

From the NFPA NEC Handbook
Systems such as emergency lighting, fire alarms, fire pumps, standby power, and sprinkler alarms are permitted to be connected ahead of the normal service disconnecting means only if such systems are provided with a separate disconnecting means and overcurrent protection.
Click to expand...
:D
 
Re: New twist for home generators

Charlie, you work for or with the utility companies. From everything I have read about this device it must be installed, repaired ( if needed ) and even moved by the utility company. So, wouldn't it be safe to assume that they are trying to consider it as part of the metering equipment. They must have found some loop-hole to allow them to be installed. See we are just humble electricians and the definitions of technical terms are decided be those with large wallets.
 
Re: New twist for home generators

There is a company in the Seattle area that is developing a meter socket transfer switch, similar to whats being discussed here.
I am sure we will see some proposals for these devices in the 2008 NEC cycle
 
Re: New twist for home generators

I looked at the instructions for selecting a generator. The Generlink product requires a generator with a floating neutral. Most portable generators (with receptacles) have the neutral bonded to the generator frame.
 
Re: New twist for home generators

I work for an electric utility and work with EEI that has only investor owned electric utilities as members. Whenever something is added between our cash register (meter) and its socket, we get to control the device but it is not metering equipment since it has absolutely nothing to do with the metering. In my opinion, this is nothing less than a transfer switch and should meet all the requirements that a transfer switch must meet. Sorry, I just can not agree that this meets all of those requirements. :D
 
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