Posted: 4/26/2014 4:15:01 PM EDT
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Last month we had power out for 60 hours. I had an old generator, and ran all sorts of extension cords through and under the house to get us heat, light, fridge, freezer, sump pump, condensate pump power. We have gas heat, water heater and stove.
So I finally decided to get some sort of transfer switch installed, buying a 10 circuit switch. One of the electricians suggested an interlock kit, which I had not heard of, and after researching it, and considering the fact I have a 50 amp subpanel which really isn't compatible with my 30 amp transfer switch, I selected the interlock kit. Interlock on main panel installed, 30 amp inlet box and watt meters, and my new Honda generator ready for the next power outage... 
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can't do an interlock due to the type of panel I have ..finally found a transfer switch yesterday ...guy took $100 for it
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Quoted:
can't do an interlock due to the type of panel I have ..finally found a transfer switch yesterday ...guy took $100 for it here I installed this same unit on my house last year. Have not had to use it yet. I have it powering a furnace blower, microwave, refrig, hot water heater and lights in the TV room. T |
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This is strange because I was just talking with the wife about figuring out how I could plug in my generator to power items in the house. Could one of you explain what these items are? I'm assuming they allow you to power through your main box. Is this right?
What are the requirements? I have a similar generator, but it is one from Tractor Supply. Thanks |
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Quoted:
This is strange because I was just talking with the wife about figuring out how I could plug in my generator to power items in the house. Could one of you explain what these items are? I'm assuming they allow you to power through your main box. Is this right? What are the requirements? I have a similar generator, but it is one from Tractor Supply. Thanks They allow you to power through the main box, while at the same time disabling the main power switch. You can't have the main on while the box is powered by the generator. However, it will allow you to overpower your generator if you're not careful about how much power you are using. |
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Quoted:
This is strange because I was just talking with the wife about figuring out how I could plug in my generator to power items in the house. Could one of you explain what these items are? I'm assuming they allow you to power through your main box. Is this right? What are the requirements? I have a similar generator, but it is one from Tractor Supply. Thanks The Inlet box is what your generator gets plugged into, using in my case a 30 amp cable (L14-30 twist lock). The inlet is wired to the back feed breakers. The power is measured by the meters, each measures power from the 2 hot wires which go to the 2 generator back feed breakers in the panel. The interlock prevents generator power from reaching the power lines which would be dangerous and illegal. You can use anything that the panel goes to so long as you balance the power using the meters, and don't go above the rated power of the generator, in my case 22.9 amps or 2750 watts per hot wire (total 5500 watts). I can't power everything in the house, such as the dryer, or A/C units, but I can run most everything else us as long as we're careful about it. Search interlock kit and you'll get more answers. |
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The Inlet box is what your generator gets plugged into, using in my case a 30 amp cable (L14-30 twist lock). The inlet is wired to the back feed breakers. The power is measured by the meters, each measures power from the 2 hot wires which go to the 2 generator back feed breakers in the panel. The interlock prevents generator power from reaching the power lines which would be dangerous and illegal. You can use anything that the panel goes to so long as you balance the power using the meters, and don't go above the rated power of the generator, in my case 22.9 amps or 2750 watts per hot wire (total 5500 watts). I can't power everything in the house, such as the dryer, or A/C units, but I can run most everything else us as long as we're careful about it. Search interlock kit and you'll get more answers. Quoted:
Quoted:
This is strange because I was just talking with the wife about figuring out how I could plug in my generator to power items in the house. Could one of you explain what these items are? I'm assuming they allow you to power through your main box. Is this right? What are the requirements? I have a similar generator, but it is one from Tractor Supply. Thanks The Inlet box is what your generator gets plugged into, using in my case a 30 amp cable (L14-30 twist lock). The inlet is wired to the back feed breakers. The power is measured by the meters, each measures power from the 2 hot wires which go to the 2 generator back feed breakers in the panel. The interlock prevents generator power from reaching the power lines which would be dangerous and illegal. You can use anything that the panel goes to so long as you balance the power using the meters, and don't go above the rated power of the generator, in my case 22.9 amps or 2750 watts per hot wire (total 5500 watts). I can't power everything in the house, such as the dryer, or A/C units, but I can run most everything else us as long as we're careful about it. Search interlock kit and you'll get more answers. Thank you, for the info! |
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I installed this same unit on my house last year. Have not had to use it yet. I have it powering a furnace blower, microwave, refrig, hot water heater and lights in the TV room. T Quoted:
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can't do an interlock due to the type of panel I have ..finally found a transfer switch yesterday ...guy took $100 for it here I installed this same unit on my house last year. Have not had to use it yet. I have it powering a furnace blower, microwave, refrig, hot water heater and lights in the TV room. T I just had an electrician look at it..6 circuits It won't be enough with an 8750/7200 generator according to him.especially needing 2 for a well. we discussed the interlock option and he seems to like it...My panel is pne of those where the main switch is at the bottom...apparently not a lot of options there for interlock devices. |
waited for a few bargains but I got it done..$150 generator from Heavy equipment auction..bought a 6 circuit reliance transfer switch kit from a tweaker on craigslist for $100...decided not to use the transfer switch and put it up for sale on Ebay (but I kept the inlet box and generator cord) then I bought a natramelec interlock plate for $69 and found a moonlighting electrician to install everything for $100..I'll get a pic of the panel up shortly
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