arabassa
Member
- Location
- Rockville, MD
We plan to use a 2-axle enclosed aluminum trailer (8' wide x 6.5' tall x 12' long) at our job site to place radio equipment inside to assist with on-site radio communications. We are having a wide range of opinions over the term "trailer" and what code requirements must be satisfied. It has a 115W solar PV panel on the roof, and we plan to install an Inlet (15A 125V) for portable generator (small 800W) as a backup source. The solar PV and generator systems are 3' apart and not interconnected. Safety is our #1 concern- as we are outdoors.
1. Basically, this looks like a 2-axle Race Car Trailer (not a RV, not a mobile home, etc.,)- so the NEC appears silent in this regard. Definitions 100. Article 702 Optional Standby Systems.
2. The 800W portable generator provides outlet-based power (15A 125V) using UL listed cords to a covered Inlet connection (15A 125V) on the trailer. We can have the doors closed/locked and sill provide generator power to the radio equipment. Level-5 commissioning can be quite loud, so radio communication is a must-have.
3. N-G bond is made at the generator. No Grounding Electrode is required- as the frame serves as the ground.
4. GFCI is used inside the trailer within a single 1900 box (EMT from Inlet to 1900 box). Tested before each use.
5. The generator is within 50' of the trailer and the Inlet connection point.
One view is that this is not covered by the NEC. Use best practices for safety. Follow OSHA guidelines for Use of Portable Generators.
Another view is that this is a "trailer", requires a disconnecting means, 2-position panel, GFCIs, a 8' GE at the generator or 8' GE at the trailers Inlet connection point, etc.
I need help pointing to the NEC for specific guidance, or exclusions. Thank you.
1. Basically, this looks like a 2-axle Race Car Trailer (not a RV, not a mobile home, etc.,)- so the NEC appears silent in this regard. Definitions 100. Article 702 Optional Standby Systems.
2. The 800W portable generator provides outlet-based power (15A 125V) using UL listed cords to a covered Inlet connection (15A 125V) on the trailer. We can have the doors closed/locked and sill provide generator power to the radio equipment. Level-5 commissioning can be quite loud, so radio communication is a must-have.
3. N-G bond is made at the generator. No Grounding Electrode is required- as the frame serves as the ground.
4. GFCI is used inside the trailer within a single 1900 box (EMT from Inlet to 1900 box). Tested before each use.
5. The generator is within 50' of the trailer and the Inlet connection point.
One view is that this is not covered by the NEC. Use best practices for safety. Follow OSHA guidelines for Use of Portable Generators.
Another view is that this is a "trailer", requires a disconnecting means, 2-position panel, GFCIs, a 8' GE at the generator or 8' GE at the trailers Inlet connection point, etc.
I need help pointing to the NEC for specific guidance, or exclusions. Thank you.
