Right way to wire a generator tranfser switch?

Hi Readers,

The installation instructions for the generator transfer switch I want to buy (figure 4 on page 5 of

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that I'm to leave neatly placed wire nuts as connections inside the circuit breaker panel box. My neighbor (with some construction knowledge) says doing so would be an electrical code violation: he says there should be no wire nuts within the panel box. Is it a code violation? If so, what would be the "correct" way?

Thanks for advice, Theodore.

Reply to
millinghill
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indicate that I'm to leave neatly placed wire nuts as connections

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Jay

Reply to
Jay Hanig

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indicate that I'm to leave neatly placed wire nuts as connections

Your neighbor is absolutely WRONG . A breaker panel is totally acceptable as a junction box. Pigtailing of circuits inside a breaker panel is totally acceptable and very common.

Reply to
Steve Barker

Do it just as it shows in the documentation that comes with the U.L. listed transfer switch, and you will be Nec compliant . and tell your neighbor not to quit his day job

Reply to
RBM

But, but, but... what if his day job is "electrician?"

Reply to
HeyBub

Thanks, RBM. However, consider the comment "Codes vary in this regard. Some, like ours, allow twist connectors in the main panel, while others may require that you pull all disconnected circuit cables from the main panel and route them into the side panel, via junction boxes." in the website

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) posted in previous reply by Jay Hanig above. Do you have an opinion on this, and on where I would I ask to find out more? Location is New York State.

Reply to
millinghill

if that's the case, he's a doofus bastard.

Reply to
Steve Barker

I am not Electrician and in many places have they own code however if any connection is to be done it should be inside some type of electrical enclosure, it could be same panel where switch, Switch-over is located or separate, as long there is enough of room I believe that you neighbored is full of?

Reply to
Grumpy

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indicate that I'm to leave neatly placed wire nuts as connections

The National Electrical Code allows junctions inside a breaker panel. Some anal retentive jurisdictions may not. I would ask your electrical inspection department in the city or county where you reside.

TDD

Reply to
The Daring Dufas

Well said, and understood. Thanks, all, for the info!

Reply to
Anna Falcone

Thanks, RBM. However, consider the comment "Codes vary in this regard. Some, like ours, allow twist connectors in the main panel, while others may require that you pull all disconnected circuit cables from the main panel and route them into the side panel, via junction boxes." in the website

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) posted in previous reply by Jay Hanig above. Do you have an opinion on this, and on where I would I ask to find out more? Location is New York State.

You have two different types of transfer switches. If I were wiring the one from Green Trust, I would remove the cables from the existing panel, and relocate them into the transfer panel. The Reliance panel you have is not designed to do that. The NEC requires that you follow the instructions that come with the U.L. listed equipment. What you might want to do, is contact whatever electrical inspection authority you have, and just ask if they follow Nec rules regarding generator installations

Reply to
RBM

I agree with verifying what you want to do with the inspector.

The NEC section that allows splicing in a panel, and wires to run through a panel (subject to space limitations) is 312.8.

A while ago John Grabowski posted a link to

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is a relatively cheap and flexible way to do a transfer switch. A circuit breaker (must be "secured in place") in the service panel is connected to the generator. An mechanical interlock on the panel cover prevents both the generator breaker and the service disconnect breaker from being on at the same time. I believe SquareD has a similar interlock for their panels.

Reply to
bud--

Yes, I use the Square D interlock kit on my QO panel and it works well.

Reply to
Pete C.

When I installed mine here in upstate NY a few years back, the local code office said it was OK as did the inspector who came out to approve it. And that's what you should do; check with your local codes office.

HTH,

Twayne`

Reply to
Twayne

Not necessarily compliant to electrical code, though; the only source is codes offices as they have the final say and have the info thr inspectors use. NEC isn't the final word: The code enforcement is the final work. There are also differences in how and whether the external disconnect is positioned; check that too while you're at it.

HTH,

Twayne`

Reply to
Twayne

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