interlock kits for home generators

[101010]

I was wondering if anyone is using the new home generator kits that install right in the existing panel. They make sure that the main and backfeed generator breacker cannot be on at the same time. They sure save time and money if they are allowed, no need for transfer switch. They also allow you to use whatever you like in your house if you have the right size generator

[hillbilly]

I was wondering if anyone is using the new home generator kits that install right in the existing panel. They make sure that the main and backfeed generator breacker cannot be on at the same time. They sure save time and money if they are allowed, no need for transfer switch. They also allow you to use whatever you like in your house if you have the right size generator

That sure sounds like a manual transfer switch...walks like a duck, quacks like a duck.....
Is it listed?
steve

[czars]

A lot of us would like to use such kits if they are listed for use. Who is the manufacturer??

[tom baker]

Circuit breaker manufacturers make the two pole breaker interlock kits. They are UL listed and out here, very popular. The gentran panel uses 15 ampere push button CB's and are not as common as they once where. Gentran is good on a retrofit.

[ceknight]

I was wondering if anyone is using the new home generator kits that install right in the existing panel. They make sure that the main and backfeed generator breacker cannot be on at the same time. They sure save time and money if they are allowed, no need for transfer switch.

I assume this is the beast you're talking about?

http://www.interlockkit.com/intro.html

[101010]

Thats the ones Iam talking about. It says they are ul listed, just wondering if anybody is using them.They are not cheap .they cost 150.00 each But still alot cheaper than a transfer panel and the labor.

[roger]

Sq D, makes their own kits for QO and Homeline panels.

Roger

[paul]

I don't like it. It's too easily defeated by removing the deadfront. It also modifies the exisisting deadfront, which could possibly void that UL listing.

[ramdiesel3500]

The power panel companies such as GE, square D , etc have their slide mechanisms attached beneath the cover to prevent the problem of dead front removal. I investigated the Interlockit product several months ago and their product is listed, but I do not understand what kind of listing it is. Appears to be a listing from a private laboratory of some kind. It appears to be quite a clever product that is pretty easy to install and would definitely be better than an extension cord with a generator plug on one end and a dryer plug on the other like I have seen so many times!

[paul32]

I don't see how installing a UL listed item would void the listing of the panel. For the dead front issue, what is to prevent someone from removing the cover and violating any manual transfer switch?

Does GE make one of these? I wasn't able to find it on their web site. I've seen Square D's, so would use that instead of this generic vendor.

[101010]

This dealer makes them for almost all panels, look them up on the web.

[Jim W in Tampa]

I made my own for my CH panel.Would bought one had they been available.As long as it only permits one or the other to be in the on possition i think its safe.Only time a cover should be off is if an electrician is standing there.

[77401]

It also modifies the exisisting deadfront, which could possibly void that UL listing.

Uh Oh!! Not The UL Police!

:eek:

[JHarvey]

Sq D, makes their own kits for QO and Homeline panels.

Roger
I'm not sure about the Homeline varity, but at my previous job we used the ones for the QO panels by the hundreds in the signal house we built. We only used them in MLO panels and they worked great. You could only have one "main" in the on position at any time and you could lock it so neither could be on for service. I'm not sure if they make one for MCB panels or not, if they do they would save alot over a transfer switch.


JHarvey

[BarryO]

I investigated the Interlockit product several months ago and their product is listed, but I do not understand what kind of listing it is. Appears to be a listing from a private laboratory of some kind.

Aren't all the qualified testing laboratories (UL, ETL, etc.) private?

[George Stolz]

http://www.interlockkit.com/images/MEPanel030a.jpg
That's so simple it's brilliant.

For the $150 price tag, it better be durable. :)

[paul]

Uh Oh!! Not The UL Police!

:eek:

Obviously your state doesn't enforce the listing requirements in the same manner as mine. Last time we modified a deadfront, we had to have a field UL inspector come and pass it off before the AHJ would pass off the job.

[wireman3736]

http://www.interlockkit.com/images/MEPanel030a.jpg
That's so simple it's brilliant.

For the $150 price tag, it better be durable. :)

Thats looks like something I made back in my metal shop days.:D

[kbsparky]

i have used both the Square D and InterlockKits. The InterlockKits cost about 3 times as much as the Square D. They both work quite well.

Both mount on the dead-front, and the interlocking feature can be defeated by removal of the panel cover. But UL doesn't seem to think that this is an issue.

[frankft2000]

FOR PAUL

GE makes one THQLLX1 for its PowerMark Gold/Plus panels

[batch]

How does the generator connect to this?

Do you just put a receptacle in the wall or something?

I hear this alot now where folks are just putting receptacles in walls and using two male ends on a 4 wire 10 cord. I don't like a cord that could have energized exposed prongs...

[kbsparky]

For typical portable generator installations, you use what is called an "inlet" (as opposed to an outlet) for connection to the generator. That inlet is wired to your back-fed breaker in the panel. The inlet has exposed prongs, and generally can be the twist-lock type. A 30 Amp inlet would use a
NEMA L14-30FI.

Then you take your typical generator extension cord and plug the male end into the gen set, and the female end into the inlet.

A permanently installed unit would not require the inlet, nor the extension cord, but be direct-wired to your input breaker.

[VoltageHz]

Do you need a special back feed breaker or just a normal 2-pole?

What does the Square D kit come with or recommend to be used with?

[kbsparky]

No special breaker needed. But be warned: Do NOT attempt to back-feed a GFI breaker. Disaster will result when it tries to trip. :(

[Interlockkit]

Gentlemen,

I can answer thses questions for you, as we are the innovator and manufacturer of the Interlock Kits.

Our listing is as follows, listed to UL standards 67, as an accessory to the panel. Not a transfer switch. Since the interlock kits possess no electrical components and do not actually transfer power from the utility to the generator, we are considered an Accessory to a panel.

This does NOT negate UL listing on the deadfront cover of your panel, and is perfectly legal if installed correctly.

Some of you have asked if whether the kit will work with the panel cover OFF.
The answer is NO, and if a homeowner is inside the panel in the first place messing around, then there is a bigger problem then having the deadfront cover missing.

Any homeowner can go outside and rip the meter off the wall too, but that doesn't mean that the meter is unsafe. The same rule applies here. The interlock kit is safe and compliant with code, but in extreme circumstances of safety such as the one mentioned above, you can not expect for customer to be so un aware of the problem with first taking off the cover.

Check out our website www.interlockkit.com if you have anymore questions regarding the interlock kit and its safety measures.

Thanks, Ryan