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Alternating-Current Systems
Introduction: and 3 vs 4 Pole Switching
John J. Stark
Ground fault protection requirements
Marketing Services in distribution
Coordinator, Russelectric Inc. systems have
been in place in the NEC since the very early 70s. Since then,
closer scrutiny has been given as to when to switch the neutral, I.E.,
the grounded conductor, in Wye systems, when switching between
two independent sources of power.
Consider the GFP problem when applying transfer
switches :
There are many applications where switching the neutral is the most
practical of all methods.
This will satisfy code requirements and will insure that faults to
ground will not have multiple paths to follow. This will allow the
GFP to monitor the actual faults.
Ground Fault Protection Requirements:
National Electric Code, Section 230.95:
Gen Gen
Gen Gen
Exhibits 250.11 and 250.12 depict a 208Y/120-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire electrical service
supplying a service disconnecting means to a building. A feeder is installed from the
service equipment to the normal power terminals of a transfer switch. The emergency
or alternate power terminals of the transfer switch are supplied by a feeder that is
supplied by a generator with a 208Y/120-volt, 3-phase output. Emergency, legally
required standby, and/or optional standby loads are supplied from the load terminals
of the transfer switch in accordance with the applicable requirements of Articles 700,
701 (Legally Required Standby Systems), and 702 (Optional Standby Systems). N.E.C.
Gen Gen
Exhibit 250.11 depicts a 3 pole ATS with solid neutral. The neutral conductor from the generator to the load is
not disconnected by the transfer switch. The system has a direct electrical connection between the normal
grounded system conductor (neutral) and the generator neutral through the neutral bus in the transfer switch,
thereby grounding the generator neutral. Because the generator is grounded by connection to the normal system
ground, it is not a separately derived system and there are no requirements for grounding the neutral at the
generator. The conductor installed between the equipment grounding terminal of the transfer switch and the
generator frame/equipment grounding terminal is either an equipment grounding conductor or a supply side
bonding jumper, depending on where the first overcurrent device in the generator feeder circuit is located. See
250.35(B) for the requirement covering generators supplying systems that are not separately derived. N.E.C.
Gen
In Exhibit 250.12, the grounded conductor (neutral) is connected to the switching contacts
of a 4-pole transfer switch. Therefore, the generator system does not have a direct
electrical connection to the other supply system grounded conductor (neutral), and the
system supplied by the generator is considered separately derived. This separately
derived system (3-phase, 4-wire, wye-connected system that supplies line-to-neutral loads)
is required to be grounded in accordance with 250.20(B). The methods for grounding the
system are specified in 250.30(A). N.E.C.
Note: The above is only true when employing open transition (break-before-make),
fully rated neutral switching contacts.
Gen
Section 250.30(A)(l) requires separately derived systems to have a system bonding jumper
connected between the generator frame and the grounded circuit conductor (neutral).
The grounding electrode conductor from the generator is required to be connected to
a grounding electrode.
This conductor and the grounding electrode are to be located as close to the generator as
practicable, according to 250.30(A)(4). However, because the generator feeder is supplying
a building that is also supplied by an ac service, 250.58 requires both supply systems to be
connected to the same grounding electrode system. N.E.C.
N.E.C. Exhibit 250.12
Gen
If it is determined by the engineer that a separately derived
system is not required, then 3 pole transfer switches are
acceptable.
Gen
More on 4 Pole Switching:
1. The neutral switching contacts and related arc quenching means must
be identical to and mounted on the same shaft and mounting base as the
associated main contacts. This will insure proper mechanical
synchronism and alignment and avoid any possibility that the neutral
contacts will fail to open or close when they should. This would not
possible with an adjunct type neutral switching accessory, rather than a
true four pole switch.
3P 4P
CAD Rendering (side view) of a true 4 pole switch with
insulating barriers omitted for clarity.
Notice the neutral pole and contacts are indistinguishable from the power poles and
contacts because in fact- they are the same and they operate the same.
Conclusion: