Is tapping in the main service panel after a transfer switch still considered a line-side tap?

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tom08588

Member
Location
Florida
Occupation
Engineer
I have a customer with a Generac standby generator. If I do a tap on inside their main panel, is that still considered a line-side tap? Or is it a load-side since I'm technically backfeeding their transfer switch circuit?
 

jaggedben

Senior Member
Location
Northern California
Occupation
Solar and Energy Storage Installer
I have a customer with a Generac standby generator. If I do a tap on inside their main panel, is that still considered a line-side tap? Or is it a load-side since I'm technically backfeeding their transfer switch circuit?

It's not a good idea to connect solar on the load side of a generator and transfer switch. Generator and

As far as your original question, the info is a little two vague. Is the ATS the service equipment? Where is the overcurrent protection and service disconnecting means? I suspect Larry is right but you need to clarify the setup.
 

ggunn

PE (Electrical), NABCEP certified
Location
Austin, TX, USA
Occupation
Electrical Engineer - Photovoltaic Systems
I have a customer with a Generac standby generator. If I do a tap on inside their main panel, is that still considered a line-side tap? Or is it a load-side since I'm technically backfeeding their transfer switch circuit?
It's a line side connection only if it's a connection on the line side of whatever is the first OCPD from the service. If you are saying that you want to connect the solar on the load side of a transfer switch (the same side as the generator), don't do that. The solar can backfeed the generator which would be bad news for the genny.
 

tom08588

Member
Location
Florida
Occupation
Engineer
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I have a similar situation with this home. It is certainly physically possible I can tap inside this transfer switch box. Our concern now is voiding their warranty with Generac by doing so. I'm worried I'll open a can of worms by calling up the manufacturer/customer for permission to do so. Has anyone else interconnected inside one of these switches? It's so close to the meter i don't really have an other option for tapping in before the ATS breaker.
 

ggunn

PE (Electrical), NABCEP certified
Location
Austin, TX, USA
Occupation
Electrical Engineer - Photovoltaic Systems
View attachment 2551632


I have a similar situation with this home. It is certainly physically possible I can tap inside this transfer switch box. Our concern now is voiding their warranty with Generac by doing so. I'm worried I'll open a can of worms by calling up the manufacturer/customer for permission to do so. Has anyone else interconnected inside one of these switches? It's so close to the meter i don't really have an other option for tapping in before the ATS breaker.
You can tap inside the ATS enclosure; we do it frequently. The breaker in the ATS is your service disconnect; you'll want to connect on the line side of it so that the PV and the generator output cannot be connected.
 
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