Generators

1. All NEC, NESC, UL code, and NFPA requirements shall be followed.
2. Owner/operator must agree not to operate the generator in parallel with Menard Electric Cooperative (MEC)'s system other than as indicated.
3. An inspection and test may be requested by MEC. The member and MEC shall agree on inspection/test date. Systems may be inspected periodically to ensure proper operating condition.
4. MEC does not require the transfer equipment to be capable of switching the neutral conductor.
5. A one-line diagram may be requested by MEC, showing the location and wiring of the existing service, transfer switch, disconnects, and generator.
6. An open transition transfer can be achieved with a manual transfer switch or an automatic transfer switch. If an automatic transfer switch is used it is required to have voltage-sensing capability or other means for detecting the loss and restoration of the MEC source.
7. If a closed transition transfer scheme is used synchronizing capability shall be required. Article 705 of the NEC must be followed. This is required in order to tie the two sources together. The duration of the synchronized closed transition shall be less than 100 ms during startup and shutdown of the backup unit. An undervoltage protection scheme shall be required which prevents a closed transfer in the event that MEC's source is not present. It is required to have a transfer failure scheme, that will cause the opening of one of the sources within two seconds of the start of the paralleling condition.
8. Programmable logic controller (PLC) shall have a backup control scheme independent of the PLC that shall prevent extended paralleling operation. The PLC and backup control logic shall be enabled when the transfer scheme is placed into automatic operation and disabled when the transfer scheme is placed in manual operation. The PLC shall not lose power at any time as a direct result of automatic transfer switching. The automatic transfer switch shall be supervised by the status of a bypass switch, disconnect switch, or breaker. The is so that if any of these switches is manually tripped the PLC control will disable automatic transfer. 
9. Two permanent weatherproof signs approx. 5"x7" shall be installed. One sign shall be placed at the metering indicating "Backup Generation Present." The other sign shall also be placed at the main generation disconnect indicating "Main Service Disconnect for Isolation from Generator." If removal of a grounding or bonding connection in normal power source equipment interrupts the grounding electrode conductor connection to the alternate power source grounding conductor, a warning sign shall also be installed at the normal metering location per NEC.