3 (easy) questions for electricians

[aczlan]

One problem I see with the installer put the green bonding screw in place this would tell me that this is the first switch after the meter which would make it wrong. There has to be a breaker or fuses before it goes to the switch. If you look close at the label on the transfer switch I don't think you will find the markings for " Service rated transfer switch". But other than that being against the code it looks good. lol

Can you cite a source for needing a fuse on a transfer switch when it is the first means of disconnection?
I don't see anything requiring that in what I can find online, here is what I found: http://www.mikeholt.com/download.php?file=PDF/11_Generators_and_Standby_Power_Systems.pdf
It shows a breaker after the transfer switch, but not before.

Aaron Z

 

[hr3]

Can you cite a source for needing a fuse on a transfer switch when it is the first means of disconnection?
I don't see anything requiring that in what I can find online, here is what I found: http://www.mikeholt.com/download.php?file=PDF/11_Generators_and_Standby_Power_Systems.pdf
It shows a breaker after the transfer switch, but not before.

Aaron Z

Open up a code book.. Don't send a link from 2011 code.. The pictures do show a breaker before the transfer switch,, they call it service ... Do you know the symbol for a breaker ???

 

[CobyRupert]

Can you cite a source for needing a fuse on a transfer switch when it is the first means of disconnection?
I don't see anything requiring that in what I can find online, here is what I found: http://www.mikeholt.com/download.php?file=PDF/11_Generators_and_Standby_Power_Systems.pdf
It shows a breaker after the transfer switch, but not before.

Aaron Z

NEC 230.91: "The service overcurrent device shall be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto..."

 

[hr3]

NEC 230.91: "The service overcurrent device shall be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto..."

Thanks Coby I don't have a code book handy..

 

[disney]

NEC 230.91: "The service overcurrent device shall be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto..."

OK, if that is a 2014 revision, then it is newer than when my switch was installed.... Would the (main) breaker in the Breaker box (less than 5" away) count as adjacent to??

Since we are now on technical details, I have another question, since there are more than 3 current carrying conductors in the pvc conduit (raceway) between the switch, and the breaker box, does it still have an adjustment factor as in table 310.15 (b)(3)(a), since the conduit/raceway is less than 5" in length? I could not find anything about length, but find it hard to believe that the short connector pieces between boxes, are actually considers raceways, requiring lowering current carrying capability.

I greatly appreciate all responses, and more importantly my mother will the next time she loses, power.

 

[hr3]

Hmm you don't have local inspection do you. Tell me how it was wired. I would assume that the utility pulled the meter and that the wires from the meter go to the transfer switch first. Then from the transfer switch back to the panel. Is this what they did??? If so then no on the (main) in the panel counting as the disconnecting means. I see that this isn't the same transfer switch as the first one you posted ????

The reason you need a breaker is to protect the transfer switch and provide a way to de energize the switch for repairs. Remember it's just a switch nothing more..

 

[disney]

Hmm you don't have local inspection do you. Tell me how it was wired. I would assume that the utility pulled the meter and that the wires from the meter go to the transfer switch first. Then from the transfer switch back to the panel. Is this what they did??? If so then no on the (main) in the panel counting as the disconnecting means. I see that this isn't the same transfer switch as the first one you posted ????

The reason you need a breaker is to protect the transfer switch and provide a way to de energize the switch for repairs. Remember it's just a switch nothing more..

The first pic with the wires, is on my house, permited, and installed by electricians (prior to 2014), and yes approved by county inspector. the 2nd pic is only the new one bolted I to the wall, wires are not run. Both transfer switches are 'service rated', so should that then negate the need for a breaker?

 

[Tractor Seabee]

A switch is not an over-current device unless it is a circuit breaker or has fuses.

Ron

 

[Tractor Seabee]

A switch is not an over-current device unless it is a circuit breaker or has fuses. The over-current device needs to be in the circuit coming from the generator. The breaker in the generator does not suffice for that purpose; it only protects the generator.

Ron

 

[hr3]

The first pic with the wires, is on my house, permited, and installed by electricians (prior to 2014), and yes approved by county inspector. the 2nd pic is only the new one bolted I to the wall, wires are not run. Both transfer switches are 'service rated', so should that then negate the need for a breaker?

No you still need a breaker before the transfer switch.. because of how it is going to be wired.. Utility will go the the switch first the way it is now and then back to he main panel. and that will mean that the grounds and neutrals will need to be separated in your panel too....