Transfer switch now the "main panel" ?

[gkallio]

I am nearing completion of my off-grid log cabin. I have my main circuit breaker panel inside the cabin, where the circuit ground conductors are bonded to the neutral conductors and where the ground wires from the grounding rod, water piping, and gas piping are connected. I recently added a transfer switch in my 6' high crawl space that allows switching between my portable generator (Honda EB5000) and a future PV power system. The generator has a floating neutral conductor (i.e., not grounded) which remains unswitched in the transfer switch.

During a recent inspection, the building inspector told me that the transfer switch now constitutes a main panel, and the circuit breaker panel inside the cabin is now a subpanel. As such, he informed that I must bond the neutral and ground conductors in the transfer switch and unbond the ground and neutral in my circuit breaker panel. Furthermore, he said that the ground wires from the grounding rod and pipes must now be routed to the transfer switch ground bar. Needless to say, this will involve several hours of work.

From what I have read about the NEC on this website, the inspector's opinion is incorrect and what I have done is correct. Can anyone confirm my conclusion and if so, possibly suggest how I should go about convincing my inspector that he is wrong?

Thanks, Greg

 

[George Stolz]

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