Opinion, Portable Generator Hookup

[Fred B]

Customer had gotten a 9000W inverter generator that they want hooked up for power outage use. Looking at the reliance 30A 10 circuit manual transfer switch like the one below. Home is older pre AFCI. Even at closest location posible it would be over 6 ft of extension of conductors. Will this initiate installation of AFCI breakers, or because the extension of circuit wire will be in conduit, AFCI can be avoided?
Please code reference for justification either way.

 

[LarryFine]

I would put an interlock on the panel instead.

Less cost, less labor, and much more versatile.

 

[infinity]

I'm with Larry, besides having to change those circuit breakers to AFCI those panels are more work then necessary. IMO an inlet, and breaker interlock are a better method.

 

[goldstar]

I'm with Larry, besides having to change those circuit breakers to AFCI those panels are more work then necessary. IMO an inlet, and breaker interlock are a better method.

I'm with Larry and Infinity on this. The only caution I would have is if you're getting inspected. Many EI's will not accept an interlock kit if it is not listed with the breaker panel (which I think is pure bunk). These two companies have done a lot of research on various panels and as long as the interlock kit will mechanically prevent you from back-feeding into the utility I say go for it (just my opinion) :

Interlock Kit & Accessories For Your Home | Generator Interlock Kit

Our Interlock Kits act like manual transfer switches for electrical panels providing safe, easy connections between homes & portable generators.

interlockkit.com

Generator Interlock Kits | Electrician Interlock Kits | GenInterlock

The GenInterlock.com generator interlock kit provides an economical and dependable way to meet your electrical needs.

www.geninterlock.com

 

[Fred B]

I'm with Larry, besides having to change those circuit breakers to AFCI those panels are more work then necessary. IMO an inlet, and breaker interlock are a better method.

Agree normally, but the panels in basement not easily accessible for these older homeowners in a power outage as foundations had been back poured with a really deep footing that now makes the panel recessed in a 4 ft ledge that is essentially a crawl space, just getting in to make the connections for me will be on hands and knees back to the panel but I will have about enough space to sit up and work. They are reachable from the standing level to just about reach the doors and see the breakers and reset a tripped one by leaning across the slab. Not sure when or whom did the foundation repair but it seems to have created a working space violation. That is why was kind of leaning towards the panel above, it can be placed and switched from outside. Big issue would be installing AFCI on all those circuits, if available and if will work on the MWBC present, thus wondering if having the conductors in conduit can bypass the AFCI issue.
I am recommending GFCI on that basement light circuits as now the bulbs are in head strike level, bumped my head on one but it didn't break (lucky for me).

 

[goldstar]

You certainly have a unique and difficult situation. I tried to do some research to find a product like the one in this link that was fused and service rated but had no luck. Maybe your supply house can find one for you :

Amazon.com

At least that way you can make the transfer over to a power inlet port withouy having to go into the crawl space.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Probably a dumb question, but would it not be easier to put a panel board outside and gut the inside panel, making it a junction box?
I’m trying to picture what your explaining..
Probably not, because I don’t know the obstacles or lengths involved.

Too bad you can’t use a generlink. We sold them for years. That would be a perfect solution.

 

[gadfly56]

Probably a dumb question, but would it not be easier to put a panel board outside and gut the inside panel, making it a junction box?
I’m trying to picture what your explaining..
Probably not, because I don’t know the obstacles or lengths involved.

Too bad you can’t use a generlink. We sold them for years. That would be a perfect solution.

These are what our POCO recommends.

 

[hillbilly1]

Probably a dumb question, but would it not be easier to put a panel board outside and gut the inside panel, making it a junction box?
I’m trying to picture what your explaining..
Probably not, because I don’t know the obstacles or lengths involved.

Too bad you can’t use a generlink. We sold them for years. That would be a perfect solution.

I think the op is trying to avoid the afci trigger, which the new panel probably would. I’m with the others, interlock would be the easiest other than the Generlink.

 

[Fred B]

I think the op is trying to avoid the afci trigger, which the new panel probably would. I’m with the others, interlock would be the easiest other than the Generlink.

Yes AFCI trigger will kill the installation with over $700.00 of AFCI breakers, also the length of the runs would be an issue on AFCI installation itself. Would make the runs too long and problematic tripping.