Square D Generator interlock kit

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hillbilly

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Does anyone know if Square D makes a panel mounted, manual interlock kit for the Homeline series Main breaker panel?
It's a kit that allows a double pole backfed breaker and the main breaker to function as a transfer switch on a residential generator installation.
It prevents the Main breaker and the backfed breaker from being in the on position at the same time.

Thanks in advance for any replies

steve
 
I was always told that any modification of the electrical equipment voids the UL listing. We had this debate when installing a kirk key interlock system on a switchboard. Is that not correct?
 
MIEngineer said:
I was always told that any modification of the electrical equipment voids the UL listing. We had this debate when installing a kirk key interlock system on a switchboard. Is that not correct?
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Straight from UL to you.


Field Modifications​
What happens to the Listing if a UL-Listed product is modified in the field?
An authorized use of the UL Mark is the manufacturer?s declaration that the product was originally
manufactured in accordance with the applicable requirements when it was shipped from the factory. When
a UL-Listed product is modified after it leaves the factory, UL has no way to determine if the product
continues to comply with the safety requirements used to certify the product without investigating the
modified product. UL can neither indicate that such modifications ??void?? the UL Mark, nor that the
product continues to meet UL?s safety requirements, unless the field modifications have been specifically
investigated by UL. It is the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine the
acceptability of the modification or if the modifications are significant enough to require one of UL?s Field
Engineering Services staff members to evaluate the modified product. UL can assist the AHJ in making this
determination.

An exception for a field modification authorized by UL is when the product has specific replacement
markings. For example, a switchboard may have specific grounding kits added in the field. The
switchboard is marked with a list of specific kit numbers that have been investigated for use in that
particular switchboard. Only grounding kits that are included on the marking on the product have been
investigated for use in that product.

If a party wishes UL to determine if the modifications made to a UL Listed product comply with UL
requirements, the appropriate Field Engineering Service can be initiated to investigate the modifications.
This investigation will only be conducted after UL consults with the AHJ to ensure that UL?s investigation
addresses all areas of concern and meets all of the AHJ?s needs.

If you have any questions or would like to inquire about a Field Evaluation, contact Field Services at
+1-877-UL-HELPS, prompt #2 (+1-877-854-3577) or visit http://www.ul.com/field/index.html.
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Last edited:
any modification?

any modification?

why would factory supplied accessories for a panel be considered a modification? The product in the manuf. catalog is called an accessory. (one of a few) Although I don't have a package, I am sure the instructions describe its attachment and the parts are listed. :confused:
 
iwire, thanks for the post.

I considered it a modification because you have to drill the holes, they weren't tapped and ready to go. The same reason I wouldn't call adding a ground lug to a grounding bar an "accessory", it is intended to be there but the installer sometimes has to "modify" the equipment to satisfy it. Semantics I guess, thanks for clearing up a myth I subscribed to.
 
partyman973 said:
Does any one know if they make such a thing for a Culter Hammer BR style breaker?
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Check out www.interlockkit.com they have them for most panels that are installed in residential, cost about $150. I have installed one it works real easy. I drilled a couple holes on the cover to hold the interlock bracket not sure if that will violate the functionality of a breaker and the fact that it will not trip. Guess the UL approval will depend on the size of the envelope that the local AHJ will like, if he accepts the slight modification to a a UL panel with a UL listed MTS or not:rolleyes:
 
I am curious...

What happens to the interlock function when the cover is removed from the panel to perform maintenance to the panel enclosure?

Will the breakers still be interlocked?


Lets say the electrician is working on the panel and removes the cover. In doing so, the interlock is removed as well.
The electrician steps outside to his truck, something happens to cause the generator to start...what happens then?


Are these interlocks listed? I did not see any listing in the catalog or SQD's Digest.
 
With the cover removed, you could switch both breakers in the "on" position. This applies to many so-called generator panels, with the external interlocking hardware installed.

Auto-start generators should not be utilized with manual transfer interlock kits, IMO. :-?

If one has the funds to purchase and install a gen set with auto-start capacity, they should be able to foot the cost for an ATS. :roll:
 
They give you fancy stickers to place on the breaker "warning to keep in off postion while cover is off". It is a manual switch so if generator kicks on it will not back feed unless breaker for gen set is on. I installed this unit with a WP 30 plug for portable generator. In MA we were hit with the Ice storm in early Dec so word around supply house was lots of interlock kits were sold.
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
What happens to the interlock function when the cover is removed from the panel to perform maintenance to the panel enclosure?
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You beat me to the punch. I was ging to add that I remember reading something that requires the interlock to continue to function without the cover in place.


Oh, and thank you, by the way. :smile:
 
LarryFine said:
You beat me to the punch. I was ging to add that I remember reading something that requires the interlock to continue to function without the cover in place.


Oh, and thank you, by the way. :smile:
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You are welcome.:cool:

As you have mentioned, I am still wondering/concerned that the device may be listed for one thing, and when installed, the instructions to warn about how to position the breaker would not be sufficient for the purpose of the transfer switch sections of 700, 701, 702.
 
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