HomeMy WebLinkAboutTemporary Generator Requirements 2019Page 1 of 2
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Building & Safety Department
73-510 Fred Waring, Palm Desert, CA (760) 776-6420
TEMPORARY GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS
A temporary generator permit is required for the temporary installation of electric generators at special events,
commercial and industrial facilities to ensure that the electrical installation meets the safety requirements of the 2019
California Electrical. A temporary generator permit is only valid for 90 days from the date of permit issuance as
allowed by the 2019 California Electrical Code for temporary wiring (CEC 590.3(b)). After 90 days, the generator shall
either be removed, the installation permitted on a permanent basis using permanent wiring methods or the temporary
permit renewed.
The following is required for a permit:
1. Approval from Planning Department (Noise DBA Rating)
2. Building and Safety Application completed along with the following:
• Site plan showing location of generators (20 ft. away from buildings), wires, temporary enclosure
from public CFC Section 3104.20, and placement of a currently serviced fire extinguisher (20B:C)
• Note on site plan stating wire grounding
• Electrical plan with single line drawing and load calculation
• Spec’s for generator (including noise) and transfer switch (if applicable).
• Available Fault Current, Utility / Generator
3. Verification/Approval for generator from AQMD:
Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP)
Call AQMD's PERP Hotline: 1-877-810-6995
4. Utility notification @ back fed service
5. Fire Department Approval:
Submit plans that include design, details and specification that comply with California Fire Code Chapter
57 – Flammable & Combustible Liquids. Upon approval, field inspection will be performed.
Fuel Storage Requirement – Fire Department requires a separate plan review for the generator.
****** Southern California Edison & Imperial Irrigation District Warning ******
Page 2 of 2
Improper use and connection of a backup or portable generator can be a safety hazard. If you have an electric
generator that is, or can be, connected to your electrical wiring, state law requires you to notify SCE of its location.
Violators can be subject to fines up to $500 or six months imprisonment (Section 119090 of the California Health
and Safety).
CALIFORNIA CODES
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
SECTION 119075-119090
119075. (a) The Legislature intends to prevent electricity generated by permanent or portable electric generators
from back feeding into a utility electrical distribution system by the enactment of this chapter.
(b) Any portable electrical generator that is capable of being connected temporarily to a customer's electrical
system, that is normally supplied by an electrical corporation or state or local public agency, shall be connected
only after opening the customer's main switch so as to isolate the customer's electrical system from that of the
electrical corporation or state or local agency.
(c) Any electrical generator, other than a generator designed to run in parallel with the system of the serving utility
and approved by that utility, that is capable of being permanently connected to a customer's electrical system shall
be connected only by means of a double throw switch so as to isolate the customer's electrical system from that of
the electrical corporation or state or local agency.
119080. (a) Every manufacturer of a portable or permanent electrical generator that is capable of being connected
either permanently or temporarily to a commercial, industrial, or residential structure's electrical system, shall
include a warning statement in the generator's instruction manual and a legible warning label on the generator that
states the requirem ent of Section 119075 and explains the electrical hazards of back feed into a utility's distribution
system. The same warning information shall be included in all advertisements offering portable electric generators.
(b) No person or public agency shall sell, rent to another person or public agency, or offer for sale or rent to another
person or
119085. (a) Every public utility or utility district shall notify all electrical service customers of the electrical back feed
hazards
(b) Any owner, renter, or lessee who possesses and operates an electric generator, when the generator is
connected to a commercial, industrial, or residential structure's electrical system that is connected to the service of
a public utility or utility district, shall notify the utility of the location of the generator.
119090. (a) Any person who violates Sections 119075 to 119085, inclusive, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject
to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or not more than six months' imprisonment.
(b) For purposes of this section, "person" shall not include public agencies, officers or employees of public
agencies, or public utilities.
1/31/20