Just realized the split on generator hookup methods

More houses in my county are adding backup generators. Some sparkies swear by the manual transfer switch method. They say it's safer and code is clear. Other guys push for automatic systems. They claim it's what customers want, even if it costs more. I've seen jobs done both ways. Which side are you on? Manual or auto for generator installs?

3 comments

3 Comments

victorb511mo ago

Code is clear"? That's the part that gets me. Have these guys actually read the same NEC articles I have? That section is anything but clear cut, it's full of exceptions and local amendments.

derek_hayes571mo ago

Trying to wire a simple outlet turns into a legal research project with all those exceptions.

wendy_bell331mo ago

Ever have to deal with a local inspector who added his own twist to the code? I read a piece where a guy got flagged because his township had an amendment about box fill that wasn't even in the state's adopted version... it's a mess. Derek_hayes57 is right about it feeling like legal research, because you're not just looking up one rule. You're checking the base article, then hunting for exceptions, then seeing if your local guys added anything on top. Makes a simple job way too complicated sometimes.