2017 NEC 700.3 (F) is a new addition to the National Electrical Code that relates to legally required emergency power systems. In a nutshell, the provision requires the installation of a permanent means of connecting a temporary power source while the main emergency power source is taken offline for maintenance or testing. An excerpt of the new code is below.
The easiest and most affordable solution to this new requirement is our Quick Connect Generator Tap Boxes.
Our Generator Connection Boxes are available in three main configurations, which can be customized for your exact application.
Add-On Panel
Our Add-On Tap Box has been designed to install on the bottom of an existing manual disconnect switch, transfer switch, or main
circuit breaker panel. This cost-effective solution provides the owners of existing buildings a way to quickly, safely, and easily integrate a portable generator or load bank into their electrical system.
Wall Mounted Panel
Our wall-mounted tap box has been designed to allow the safe integration of a portable generator or a permanent generator with an automatic transfer switch into an existing electrical system.
Modular Pad-Mounted Panel
The modular pad-mounted tap box has been designed to allow you to choose a unit that does exactly what you need it to without any underutilized compartments, minimizing the space required for the unit. The modular design also allows for easier and safer installation in areas with restricted or limited accessibility, yet still, supply all of the standard features of our other quick connect docking stations.
(F) TEMPORARY SOURCE OF POWER FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR OF THE ALTERNATE SOURCE OF POWER.
If the emergency system relies on a single alternate source of power, which will be disabled for maintenance or repair, the emergency system shall include permanent switching means to connect a portable or temporary alternate source of power, which shall be available for the duration of the maintenance or repair. The permanent switching means to connect a portable or temporary alternate source of power shall comply with the following:
- Connection to the portable or temporary alternate source of power shall not require modification of the permanent system wiring.
- Transfer of power between the normal power source and the emergency power source shall be in accordance with 700.12.
- The connection point for the portable or temporary alternate source shall be marked with the phase rotation and system bonding requirements.
- Mechanical or electrical interlocking shall prevent inadvertent interconnection of power sources.
- The switching means shall include a contact point that shall annunciate at a location remote from the generator or at another facility monitoring system to indicate that the permanent emergency source is disconnected from the emergency system.
It shall be permissible to utilize manual switching to switch from the permanent source of power to the portable or temporary alternate source of power and to utilize the switching means for connection of a load bank.