Type 2 SPD installed as a Type 1 SPD in ATS for standby generator

[MrTomas]

Greetings. My electrician installed an Eaton CHSPT2SURGE type 2 surge protector in the ATS by double-tapping into the main lugs on the line side. I am about to schedule the final inspection for this work, and I'd like to know what to expect. My amateur opinion is its against code. I believe we are talking NEC 2023. Furthermore, as you can see in the picture, the 2 status LEDs on the SPD are out. They randomly go out, either one or both of them, then come back. I assume the very cold weather caused the double-tapped lugs to loosen. The ATS is Generac model RXSW200A3 (I think; another model # is given in the pic). I read nothing in the ATS owners manual saying the N1 and N2 connectors may be double-tapped.
Is this code compliant? How bad is this? Thanks in advance.

 

[ActionDave]

Given that this is a question seeking information and not how to do the installation the thread can be allowed by the forum rules.

 

[LarryFine]

Isn't passing inspection the electrician's burden?

 

[Ragin Cajun]

There are two studs right below the main breaker. Use yellow ring lugs with nuts to make the connections.

 

[LarryFine]

It also doesn't look like a water-proofed penetration.

This appears to be an amateurish installation.

 

[tom baker]

It also doesn't look like a water-proofed penetration.

This appears to be an amateurish installation.

Yes the conductor strands are poorly trimmed.
Check the instructions on the SPD, type 2 mat require connection to a 2 pole 20 or 30 amp breaker, not as shown
It’s violation to have more than one wire under a lug. The SPD nipple into the panel isn’t waterproof
All of which your inspector should find

 

[MrTomas]

I will make sure my inspector finds these violations.
The SPD the electrician installed is an Eaton CHSPT2SURGE which is described by Eaton as Type 2 and the instructions say to connect to a two-pole empty or new dedicated 15A breaker. Furthermore, the Eaton website has a "Recommended Installation Practices" PDF for UL1449 compliance. That document states "The CHSPT2 series is rated for a Type 2 (installation after a main disconnect) application and must be installed using a dedicated circuit breaker." and "The SPD still must be installed using a dedicated unused or new circuit breaker in an available space closest to the location where the SPD is to be installed."
So, given that, there is no way this SPD can be used in this ATS, correct? And Rajin Cajun's logical suggestion of using the studs below the main breaker is not allowed?

 

[LarryFine]

So, given that, there is no way this SPD can be used in this ATS, correct? And Rajin Cajun's logical suggestion of using the studs below the main breaker is not allowed?

Correct.

 

[MrTomas]

Is it recommended to have the electrician attend the inspection? (I have never had an electrical inspection before)

 

[LarryFine]

Is it recommended to have the electrician attend the inspection? (I have never had an electrical inspection before)

Normally, the customer is not directly involved at all, except to open the door for the inspector.

The electrician obtains the permit and calls for the inspection. I prefer to be present if possible.

 

[roger]

Is it recommended to have the electrician attend the inspection? (I have never had an electrical inspection before)

Absolutely. The electrician should pull the permit, schedule the inspection(s), have all paper work on hand, and be available to answer any questions the inspector has.

 

[MrTomas]

LOL, the contractor/electrician only applied for the permit. The work was completed in September. I only recently was told by the contractor to go to the township to pay for the permit. Upon reading the permit document, I learned an inspection is required. The permit document says the applicant (my generator contractor who employs the electrician) " is responsible to contract with a 3rd party inspector. I cannot trust the contractor/electrician will bring in a true 3rd party, which is why I want to have all these inspection problems written down so I can question the inspector about them.

 

[MrTomas]

How about the Fault Current Label? There is no label on the ATS, I found it inside the user manual, and blank. Will this be an inspection issue?

https://imgur.com/9ygWHYb

 

[roger]

Have your EC or GC fill it out. We can not help you here, regardless of how your contract was written it will be their responsibility to give
you a complete project (turn key)

Hate to be blunt but your GC sounds sorry.

 

[MrTomas]

In my initial post in this thread I wrote "I believe we are talking NEC 2023.". I think I was wrong. I was under the impression that adding circuits required us to use the latest code. My electrician said Pennsylvania is using 2017 NEC. And then I found the NFPA enforcement maps web page saying the same. So, here in PA, I am under 2017, correct?

 

[tom baker]

Suggest you contact the office where the permit was applied for to determine the code cycle being used

 

[roger]

So, here in PA, I am under 2017, correct?

Why not trust what your EC says?

 

[qcroanoke]

Why not trust what your EC says?

Would a type 2 suppressor connected that way pass in the 2017 NEC?
Might be a moot point.

 

[roger]

Would a type 2 suppressor connected that way pass in the 2017 NEC?
Might be a moot point.

Hopefully the inspector will catch the 2017 mistakes.

 

[MrTomas]

Why not trust what your EC says?

Because Mulder says trust no one.