Outdoor Generator Disconnect

[dema]

When the 2002 NEC came out, I heard a lot of fuss over the Outdoor Generator Sets (702.11 in 2005 NEC). People were saying that there had to be a disconnect on the building, outside the building, unless one could see the generator disconnecting means. To my knowledge, all manufacturers put the circuit breakers, which are the disconnecting means, in the housing.

Since the 2005 NEC, I am hearing that inside the generator enclosure is accessible and that there doesn't need to be a disconnect at the building if the generator is within 50' of the building. And in the case where the generator is more than 50', the disconnect can be inside the building where the conductors enter the building.

Is this correct? (50' is so much more definite than 'within sight').

1. If the generator enclosure is right outside the building, do I need a disconnect other than the generator CB which is inside the enclosure?
2. When I need a disconnect, may it be located inside the building where the conductors enter the building?

 

[ron]

Re: Outdoor Generator Disconnect

This text seems relatively clear. They use "within sight", not 50'.

702.11 Outdoor Generator Sets.
Where an outdoor housed generator set is equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting means located within sight of the building or structure supplied, an additional disconnecting means shall not be required where ungrounded conductors serve or pass through the building or structure.

225.32 tells you where to put it ....

225.32 Location.
The disconnecting means shall be installed either inside or outside of the building or structure served or where the conductors pass through the building or structure. The disconnecting means shall be at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors. For the purposes of this section, the requirements in 230.6 shall be utilized.

Exception No. 1: For installations under single management, where documented safe switching procedures are established and maintained for disconnection, and where the installation is monitored by qualified individuals, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.
Exception No. 2: For buildings or other structures qualifying under the provisions of Article 685, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.
Exception No. 3: For towers or poles used as lighting standards, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.
Exception No. 4: For poles or similar structures used only for support of signs installed in accordance with Article 600, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.

 

[dema]

Re: Outdoor Generator Disconnect

So it is generally accepted that the generator manufacturer's breaker, within the generator enclosure, is readily accessible?

I received a lot of information indicating to the contrary in 2002.

 

[iwire]

Re: Outdoor Generator Disconnect

Service disconnects must also be readily accessible but we can still install them in locked electric rooms.

I do not see how opening a generators enclosure to access the disconnect is any different than having to get someone with a key to open an electric room.