Generator interlock question

[gerard]

Within the last week or so during one of the generator threads, someone posted a link that showed a dual key interlock system. There was two locks, both opened/closed with the same key but on the one you could only take the key out when a pin stuck OUT, the other you could only do when the pin was retracted. It was made to put on your breaker panel to prevent backfeeding the line when running a generator. For the life of me I haven;t been able to find it again in any of the forums, or through a google search. The system had some kind of a name before the word "key" if I remember right? Anyone that has a clue what I'm talking about feel free to steer me in the right direction. Thank you all in advance.

 

[techman]

I did not see the post, but keyed systems as you described are not uncommon. Usually power interlocks as you described. I have seen it in a plant with two independent power sources. One key, two key switches, and you can only remove the key when its switch is OFF.

Paul

 

[tommu56]

gerard

The brand locks we use at work are Kirkkey

KIRK® - Leader in Trapped Key Interlock Solutions

You can build any configuration you want but they aren't cheap

Sequence operating is what you would want.

tom

 

[gerard]

Kirk key is what I was looking for - thank you. Maybe I should talk to them because they obviously aren't optimized on google!

 

[Travelover]

If you don't need the keyed system this company sells the conversion kits.

Generator InterLock Kit

 

[tommu56]

Kirk key is what I was looking for - thank you. Maybe I should talk to them because they obviously aren't optimized on google!

you most likely will have to go to a decent electrical distributor ,

I have use the interlocks on the above post and they work fine

tom

 

[Pirate]

If you don't need the keyed system this company sells the conversion kits.

Generator InterLock Kit

I just installed this device. Works as advertised.

 

[JB4310]

Never heard of a keyed interlock.

I guess one caution with interlock, they only work with the cover in place. no way for the interlocking to work when cover is removed.

Still the best thing since sliced bread, for cost, ease of use and versatility of using any circuit in the box.

I wish I could get one but my box is considered "remote" so there's no main in it, only out by the meter

JB.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I used to use kirk keys to do the opposite, to ensure you don't drop power when switching high voltage feeders, but this was for large substations, never put one in a small panel.

 

[RonMar]

I used to work with kirk key systems on high powered LORAN transmitters. Each cabinet for the transmitter had a key, as many as 9 total if I recall, on the largest transmitters.

When transmitting, the cabinet keys were in a large interconnected block. To get any one of the keys out of it's assigned position, you needed the main key. The main key was in the block on the main circuit breaker. In order to get this key to release, the breaker had to be locked in the off position. You could then use this main key to unlock the cabinet keys, but removing any one cabinet key locked the main key in place. In order to get this main key out of the multi block, all the cabinet/cage keys needed to be in their correct position and turned to lock into place.

These were transmitters capable of outputting a megawatt signal and had internal voltages in excess of 25,000V. It was an immediate death sentence if you were to come into contact with certain parts, so this type system was warranted.

Very expensive and way overkill for a residential panel interlock. I use the sliding plate interlock mentioned above. Probably the best bang for your buck for powering your house using a generator, and perfectly safe...