Generator Interlock

[mkgrady]

I have a customer that wants a portable generator connection. I typically install a gen breaker in the main panel and interlock it with the main breaker. In this case he does not have a main in the panel. It is out at the meter. There isn't enough room in the panel to add a main.

I'm hoping to install a breaker between the outside main and the inside panel. I'm picturing a 3R enclosure main lug with a 100 amp and a 30 amp breaker and interlock. I'm not sure I will find a four space 100 amp panel that can accommodate an interlock. Any ideas?

 

[hillbilly1]

A lot of manufactures use the same can for the mlo and breaker type load centers, if the panel is new enough, I just buy the main breaker version and swap out the guts and the cover. Then an interlock kit can be used inside. Just done that last year with a Siemens loadcenter.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Why aren't you going to use a main breaker panel? They make interlocks for them and some manufacturers make a panel designed with an interlock built in.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We usually buy our interlock and gen stuff from here. My suppliers can't come close to there prices esp on cords etc.

 

[mkgrady]

The panel inside does not have a main breaker and there is no room to add one. The main breaker for the service is a combo meter socket/main breaker so there is no place to put a gen breaker and interlock. I plan to put a mlo panel outside and interlock it with a gen breaker. I just can’t picture a 3R four circuit panel that will accept an interlock.

 

[mkgrady]

We usually buy our interlock and gen stuff from here. My suppliers can't come close to there prices esp on cords etc.

Thanks Dennis. That is where I get mine also. Very competitive pricing there

 

[drcampbell]

Maybe a meter, main and breakers in one box?
(Eaton #MBT48B200BTS)

 

[mkgrady]

Maybe a meter, main and breakers in one box?
(Eaton #MBT48B200BTS)

I’m not sure they make an interlock for that but even if they do I hope I don’t have to change that much equipment just to connect a generator.

 

[neonbkw]

We usually end up doing a Sq D HOM816M200FTRB with a gen interlock in a situation like this.

Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk

 

[mkgrady]

We usually end up doing a Sq D HOM816M200FTRB with a gen interlock in a situation like this.

Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk

Thanks. That looks like it would work. I don’t need the 200 amp rating but it can’t hurt. I was thinking something more compact but it doesn’t look like I will find anything

 

[jim dungar]

The QO line has a QO1DM10030TRBR: 100A main interlocked with a 30A gen breaker, subfeed lugs, and space for 4 branches, probably still bigger than you need.

 

[Eddie702]

I have done it with older panels with no interlock available by installing a sub panel with a main and an interlock. Move the 'emergency circuits into the new sub panel

 

[GerryB]

I have a customer that wants a portable generator connection. I typically install a gen breaker in the main panel and interlock it with the main breaker. In this case he does not have a main in the panel. It is out at the meter. There isn't enough room in the panel to add a main.

I'm hoping to install a breaker between the outside main and the inside panel. I'm picturing a 3R enclosure main lug with a 100 amp and a 30 amp breaker and interlock. I'm not sure I will find a four space 100 amp panel that can accommodate an interlock. Any ideas?

How about just the old style 100 amp manuel generator bypass switch. Did one years ago for a friend, I would say you can still get them but I don't know. The 200 amp is pricey but the 100 amp is not. (just looked online, saw one for $153.00, not available for 4 weeks because of the storm on the east coast.)

 

[LarryFine]

Square D QO2DTI

 

[Todd0x1]

The QO line has a QO1DM10030TRBR: 100A main interlocked with a 30A gen breaker, subfeed lugs, and space for 4 branches, probably still bigger than you need.

I was just going to post this after confirming it comes with the 100A main, the datasheet isn't 100% clear but sqd confirms it in a faq, but you beat me to it.

This is probably the most cost effective option as the whole thing is only around $100 and includes both breakers.

Datasheet: https://www.se.com/us/en/product/download-pdf/QO1DM10030TRBR

 

[mkgrady]

Thanks for all the replies. My supplier came up with http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?TCA1003DR looks to be just what I need.

 

[Todd0x1]

Thanks for all the replies. My supplier came up with http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?TCA1003DR looks to be just what I need.

How did that compare in cost to the sqd?

 

[mkgrady]

How did that compare in cost to the sqd?

$170. A little more than the square D panel

 

[LarryFine]

$170. A little more than the square D panel

Coulda saved you about $100. Above SqD interlock, two breakers, and this or similar:

Square D QO 100 Amp 6-Space 12-Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center with Cover QO612L100RBCP - The Home Depot

Visit the Home Depot to buy QO 100 amp 6-Space 12-Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center 80509

www.homedepot.com

 

[mkgrady]

Coulda saved you about $100. Above SqD interlock, two breakers, and this or similar:

Square D QO 100 Amp 6-Space 12-Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center with Cover QO612L100RBCP - The Home Depot

Visit the Home Depot to buy QO 100 amp 6-Space 12-Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center 80509

www.homedepot.com

Yes $100 is nothing to sneeze at but I avoid square D because my local supplier charges crazy prices and I’m not sure what I can find at big box stores for interlock hardware. I once paid about $200 for a panel that Big Box sold for $80.