interlock switch for generator backfeeding panel

[GeneV]

 

[TractorTech]

I guess you are showing the lockout for generator/line feed on your panel. That system is very simple and has been marketed for awhile. Simple enough to DIY, providing you know what you are doing electrically!

 

[GeneV]

Oh yeh, it was super easy. The only thing that stumped me was what to do with the zip ties in the kit, instructions weren't all that clear. I had to google that, turns out it's code, you gotta anchor your generator breaker to the panel and put a warning sticker on there. So zip tying it to the neighboring breakers (1&3 position) counts as that.

I still gotta do a quick thing to my generator, I got a bonded neutral on there, so gotta take care of that. And also make a bonded-neutral plug for when I wanna use the generator for other stuff.

 

[BravoXray]

Looks the same as the one I installed on my breaker box. Easy to install and pretty foolproof. I've used it a couple of times so far.

 

[GeneV]

Actually, the only problem I had was with the inlet box. Ordered on Amazon per reviews, ok seems a winner. So Install that thing, go to plug in my generator cord, and it won't twist lock. I finally figured out that there's a lip in there that decreases the ID at the bottom, just enough that a standard L14-30 plug won't fully seat to twist lock. Evidently only a molded plug (which they sell) will fit in there. So, I raised a stink about it, got them to send me a free plug...and meanwhile, Amazon also refunded me for the inlet box.

 

[cqaigy2]

Actually, the only problem I had was with the inlet box. Ordered on Amazon per reviews, ok seems a winner. So Install that thing, go to plug in my generator cord, and it won't twist lock. I finally figured out that there's a lip in there that decreases the ID at the bottom, just enough that a standard L14-30 plug won't fully seat to twist lock. Evidently only a molded plug (which they sell) will fit in there. So, I raised a stink about it, got them to send me a free plug...and meanwhile, Amazon also refunded me for the inlet box.

Oh, that's sneaky. I got one from home depot, it fits a normal twist lock plug.

 

[Tinhack]

Nice job! I want to do that but can't find a lockout to fit my vertical main breaker. And I don't want to go through changing out the whole box and breakers. How do you know when service has been restored? I was planning on adding an indicator light on the service feed side. I have an of old neon bulb I could wire in. (I have a cutoff at my service pole before it goes underground.)

 

[GeneV]

Nice job! I want to do that but can't find a lockout to fit my vertical main breaker. And I don't want to go through changing out the whole box and breakers. How do you know when service has been restored? I was planning on adding an indicator light on the service feed side. I have an of old neon bulb I could wire in. (I have a cutoff at my service pole before it goes underground.)

One should be out there if you got a normal name-brand panel. Try here to find one that fits yours: Interlock Kit & Accessories For Your Home | Generator Interlock Kit

To check if your power is restored, flip off all your breakers, flip off the generator breaker. Then turn on your main, and flip on some breaker to check if the lights are on.

 

[LouNY]

One of the nicer and easy to install is this unit from Reliance;
THP108 The Home Protectors - Reliance Controls Corporation

THP108 The Home Protectors​

 

[FL Cracker Man]

Nice job! I want to do that but can't find a lockout to fit my vertical main breaker. And I don't want to go through changing out the whole box and breakers. How do you know when service has been restored? I was planning on adding an indicator light on the service feed side. I have an of old neon bulb I could wire in. (I have a cutoff at my service pole before it goes underground.)

I can tell the power is restored when the LCD display comes back on at the meter.