Portable generator transfer switch in NYC

[Caddybill]

Does any one know any reason why a generator transfer switch would be illegal in NYC? My sister is having a house built, and her electrician said now way no how to either a transfer switch or an interlock. He claims both are a no no in NYC. I thought the interlock was no good in NYC but the transfer switch would be fine.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Because they don't want you to use a generator at all in an emergency????

Truthfully, I have no idea.

Seems stupid, but I'm sure there is some ill thought out reason for it, that made perfect sense to the guy who wrote the rule.

Charles

 

[ACDNate]

Some cities have very odd code requirements. Isn't it NYC where you can't buy a coke bigger than 12oz?

 

[Stuart in MN]

As long as a transfer switch was installed correctly I don't see why they'd prohibit it, but you'd have to look at the regulations for New York City or New York State to see if there's some specific restriction.

 

[nehog]

As a first step, have the electrician provide the code references that ban transfer switches. I can see an interlock being banned but not a transfer switch.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Could you call the inspector or their office directly ? Hate to go around the electrician, but at least you know directly from the source. They could be correct , or maybe he experienced a situ that prevented the use, and he is applying that experience across the board.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Call the city's building department and ask one of the inspectors. Be sure to ask for the specific codes. Nothing wrong with learning local amendments on your own. Obviously, the electrician didnt care to elaborate, which is fine and all but there's nothing like giving your clients great customer service and educating them on what youre doing and the local code requirements. It never hurts to get the info straight from the horse's mouth and your electrician shouldnt have a problem with that.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Does any one know any reason why a generator transfer switch would be illegal in NYC? My sister is having a house built, and her electrician said now way no how to either a transfer switch or an interlock. He claims both are a no no in NYC. I thought the interlock was no good in NYC but the transfer switch would be fine.

Call the local building department.

Hard to imagine that something with UL approval would unacceptable.

 

[Caddybill]

My brother in law is going to see the electrician this week. I hope to get more info then.
I did call reliance controls (I used their 6 circuit switch) and asked them, they never heard of a problem.

 

[Mustang51js]

I would have to bet it's prob something con-ed doesn't want. Maybe because of the power going underground and safety of their guys down in the man holes. But maybe the guy is thinking the city and not the more rural areas of the city. I would check with the local building inspector.

 

[dogdog]

so what ever happened to this, just curious since I am in that area.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yeah im curious too...

 

[yeldogt]

I can't comment on this particular issue .. I do know getting any kind of a private generator within the city limits is extremely difficult ... and very expensive.

NYC has extremely rigid and restrictive rules ... I had lots of issues getting an exterior outlet on a rebuild.

 

[Caddybill]

No update yet. Electrician has not given details yet. I will keep this thread updated.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

She can always have the house built, then you could install an interlock after the fact. They are simple to do. I did mine a couple of years ago and love it. Granted it's not an automatic switch over, but it's the next best thing and cheap to do.

If any type of back up power integration is outlawed, I don't think I would do it. All the POCO has to see is her house lit up during an outage. I am just thinking maybe the electrician is confusing the issue with something else.

 

[Caddybill]

Well I spoke to the electrician today and the only thing he could tell me is that NYC Buildings Dept. will not pass any type of manual transfer switch. He went on to say that any generator would have to be a permanent installation and have a automatic transfer, with permits filed with the city. I think he may be confused about portable gennys and permanent standby generators. He did not give me any more specific info and I am not going to talk to him about again.
I am going to have to ask another electrician licensed in NYC.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Why not go to the building department and ask them directly? I think someone already said this...

 

[dogdog]

Here it is not as easy as pie like many other townships. They will flip you the birdy and ask you not so nicely to go get a licensed electrician. It's like a maze within a maze trying to navigate through any of the City's departments. There are people make a life long career out of this here.

This seems to say it allows it but until some one have that big book of building electrical code 2014. can't say for sure. Some of the links mentioned that it seems to want you to switch neutral as well.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/ll111of2013.pdf
http://urbangreencouncil.org/content/add-hookups-temporary-generators-boilers

 

[Caddybill]

Why not go to the building department and ask them directly? I think someone already said this...

Not that easy. An example, when an inspection occurs it is not uncommon for the inspector to tell you everything looks good and then after he leaves you get a notice that you failed. Then you have to go back and ask why.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Here it is not as easy as pie like many other townships. They will flip you the birdy and ask you not so nicely to go get a licensed electrician. It's like a maze within a maze trying to navigate through any of the City's departments. There are people make a life long career out of this here.

This seems to say it allows it but until some one have that big book of building electrical code 2014. can't say for sure. Some of the links mentioned that it seems to want you to switch neutral as well.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/ll111of2013.pdf
http://urbangreencouncil.org/content/add-hookups-temporary-generators-boilers

I have the 2011 code book so what are u looking for?

Also, unless they specifically forbid owner builders in your local AHJ, then they cant tell u to get a licensed contractor...

And BTW NY is still on 2008 NEC code cycle:

http://www.mikeholt.com/necadoptionlist.php

Not that easy. An example, when an inspection occurs it is not uncommon for the inspector to tell you everything looks good and then after he leaves you get a notice that you failed. Then you have to go back and ask why.

That doesnt make sense. When u get an inspection, the inspector is suppose to sign off on your permit paper while on site. How can they pass u while on site and then turn around and fail u later with their approval signature on the jobsite paperwork?

 

[Scott r c]

Not that easy. An example, when an inspection occurs it is not uncommon for the inspector to tell you everything looks good and then after he leaves you get a notice that you failed. Then you have to go back and ask why.

I had a plumbing inspector try and pull that **** on me. Called his boss and we got that squared up real quick.

 

[theoldwizard1]

That doesnt make sense. When u get an inspection, the inspector is suppose to sign off on your permit paper while on site. How can they pass u while on site and then turn around and fail u later with their approval signature on the jobsite paperwork?

Concur !

I did have a "general occupancy" inspector tell me I needed a plumbing permit because he "suspected" that pipes/fixtures had been replaced and that he would hold the occupancy certificate until then.

When the plumbing inspector passed the finish plumbing (never had a rough inspection because all the piping was already installed, but it was also 99% exposed) I found out the occupancy permit had been filed immediately after the first inspection (that first inspector did point out a couple of minor problems; laundry tub not fastened down, old gas valve on water heater and gas dryer)

 

[lksdrinker]

This is purely speculation but since nyc has very few single family residences, maybe that has something to do with it? No way to confirm that a multiple family dwelling (be it a 2+ family house or a 100+ unit apt) didnt perhaps incorrectly split the electric?

In any event, I'm curious to hear the final answer!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Bump! My curiosity is waiting!!