Double occupancy generator install - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Mrkbalon4 · 09-25-2009, 11:24 AM

I'm looking for some ideas on the most cost effective solutions for this customer. It is a 200 amp main service with a double meter socket feeding 2 100 amp disconnects outside and ser feeding 2 100 amp panels in the basement. He's wanting an auto transfer switch and the ability to feed the critical loads only. Of course he's looking for the cheapest solution. Is my only option here to install a 200 ATS outside or is there a cheaper solution? It's a mast service with 2" rigid. I'd like to get the job but price is his main concern. Thanks for any help.

woodchuck2 · 09-27-2009, 10:27 AM

Is the customer wanting to keep the double meter for billing purposes or can you go with a single meter socket? They could go to a single meter socket, put the transfer switch in line and then put the dual meter sockets on the load side for monitering the homes individually. Now doing this the meters will read when the generator is on too so this may be a way for the customer to get back some costs of the generator running, but he would have to monitor/pay the power bill himself and bill the tenants accordingly. You could also put a load shedding transfer switch in that will power both homes, one home could be put on a breaker inside the transfer switch and become the primary load if the generator becomes overloaded.

Mrkbalon4 · 09-29-2009, 08:31 AM

Thanks for the reply. The customer needs to keep the separate billing so going to a single isn't a option. I called around and there is an option to use 2 transfer switches working together with one generator. I've never done or seen this but there seems to be no code issues with doing this.

480sparky · 09-29-2009, 09:46 AM

I find it totally incredibe that a landlord is willing to even investigate installing a generator in a rental unit. I think you'll find he's gonna choke on the price unless you say you can do it for less then $250.