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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.