Separate ground bar

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mdgon

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Putting in a generator and the inspector asked why I installed a separate ground bar for the panel after the transfer switch.
I installed it because the last job the inspector made me put it in.
Is this to code or did I not need to install a separate ground in the panel?
 
I was under the impression that after disconnecting means on the service entrance you had to separate the ground and neutral. Unless a transfer switch is not considered a disconnecting means I think I need one.
 
You are correct; the neutral should not be bonded beyond the main disconnect, which should be part of, or before, the transfer switch.
 
Without assuming anything.

It depends on where in the system you are installing the Generator. If it is feeding the full load and then you would treat it like a service. If it is only certain loads then you would treat it like a subpanel.

It sounds like you are only picking up certain circuits.
 
cowboyjwc said:
It depends on where in the system you are installing the Generator. If it is feeding the full load and then you would treat it like a service. If it is only certain loads then you would treat it like a subpanel.
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I'm confused, why would the size of the load matter?
 
I'm sorry I said full load when I should have said feeding the main service. Our generator at the PD feeds the entire building. Just because it transfered from utility power to back up power it is still the main service for the building and is treated as such.

If it is downstream of the main then you would treat it as you would any other sub panel load and not bond the neutral.

Is that clearer?
 
mdgon said:
Putting in a generator and the inspector asked why I installed a separate ground bar for the panel after the transfer switch.
I installed it because the last job the inspector made me put it in.
Is this to code or did I not need to install a separate ground in the panel?
Click to expand...

Are you meaning seperate from neutral bar or 2 bars that are for grounding only ?
 
Seperate ground bar

Seperate ground bar

You are correct isolate the neutral after the main switch. Also if the generator is a separatly derived system (the neutral is switched at the transfer switch ) the neutral shall be bonded and grounded at the generator. If the transfer switch has a solid neutral then it is not bonded at the generator.
 
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