Transfer switch install with circuits in 2 breaker boxes?

[xrayos]

I have an electrician coming to install a transfer switch for a portable generator. The switch is an APC UTS10Bi.

Now, the problem is that we have essential circuits in two breaker boxes that are side by side. The electrician said that it would be easier if I could just choose one box for the portable generator to power, but how difficult is it to power circuits from both breaker boxes? There will be a county inspector, so I suspect everything must be done to code. Is there anything that I should look out for?


Thanks

 

[pattenp]

I don't see it as a big deal. If you need circuits in both panels to be on the gen then that's just the way it needs to be done.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It will cost you a bit more because he will have to run conduit from the transfer witch box to both panels.

 

[VHF]

I looked up the installation manual for the APC UTS10Bi. Looks like a pretty smart and flexable transfer switch for use with a portable generator, including the ability to have some circuits powered by a UPS until the generator is on-line.

http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/KBOK-74JRFQ_R3_EN.pdf

Because each circuit is individually switched after the breaker, nothing precludes having circuits in two different breaker panels protected by this switch. The wiring is slightly more involved because the UTS comes with a bundle of wires which will end up in one panel. For each protected circuit in the other panel, a pair of wires will need to be extended to the other panel.

Some inspectors might not like it or be confused, but I think it can be done in a NEC-compliant manner.

 

[xrayos]

thanks guys. so, it's just more work for the contractor.