mikestock wrote:
... you need a transfer switch that is CSA or UL listed & labelled and it must be installed in accordance with the NEC (or CEC)...
If you are referring to my use of the DPDT description; This installation was done by a licensed contractor who purchased a permit and had it inspected. The switching device is four breakers with a mechanical interlock which closes two breakers when it opens the other two. Maybe my DPDT description was misunderstood.
Great to hear it was done by an electrician and an inspector passed it and it's not any kind of ordinary DPDT
switch! Even licensed electricians can get sometimes get it wrong as anyone who has had or read about getting 240 volts into their 30 amp RV would know. I understand many (all?) states require generator setups to be permitted and inspected by the AHJ.
The breaker mechanical interlock ("slide bar") lockout like in Learjet's post may be approved and passed by an inspector but these things are awfully easily to defeat or remove intentionally or otherwise. There are numerous styles/versions of it. I'd rather see a manual transfer switch with a single handle.
mikestock wrote:
If I were a lineman, out there trying to restore your power I would be very uncomfortable, knowing there were 20 customers down the line with these self installed devices.
I know you feel comfortable with your installation, and it appears safe, but would you feel the same about the other 19.
If there's one thing that strikes fear in the hearts of linemen and electrical inspectors, it's the possibility of a backfeed.
