Sq-D Generator Interlock

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

tedge

Senior Member
Location
Camden, ME
While looking through the Sq-D catalog today, I ran across this Generator Interlock device hidden in small letters at the bottome of the page. Apparently it allows you to back feed a breaker from the generator, and won't allow the main to be in the closed position at the same time. It looks like it attaches to the panel cover, allthough I could be wrong about that. Anybody use these? It seems like a bad idea to me, as any Joe H.O. could open up the panel cover and move the back fed breaker to a different position if they wanted. :(
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

Okay, I should read before I post. Similar discussion in different thread. BUT, am I wrong about being leery of this?
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

I think your onto the same idea i am.I did consider something on the panel cover but like you see that as risky should cover be off.Any info you have on this would be apriciated
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

tedge,

Are you looking at the SqD QO2DTI ?

If so, that device sits under the panel cover, clipped to one double pole breaker.

The interlock stays in place when the cover is removed.

It is listed for the purpose, although some criticize it as being flimsy.

For setting up a low cost residential system from matching QO parts for something like a portable 5 KW generator, I think it's reasonable. I have one in my own home.

As for the tampering / safety angle, well, I think just about any load center commonly found in dwellings is very easily compromised by nothing more than a screwdriver.
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

Al
I think Tedge is referring to one that bolts to the panel cover. I used one about four months ago. It came with the mounting hardware, slider, and template for drilling holes in the panel cover. Each bolt had a collar which the slider rode on.

At the time I wondered about this for I assumed that the transfer device had to be independent of the panel cover.

Sorry, I don't have a catalog number.

Buck
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

Al,

I'm refering to QOCGK2. I don't know how it mounts, but it looks like it attaches to the cover. Assuming it does, is this a lawsuit waiting to happen or is it just me? Yes, people can do whatever they want to the panel after we leave. But this is more than just someone causing problems in their own house. This could potentially energize the whole neighborhood during an outage. Maybe I'm being melodramatic. What do the utility cos. think of these things?
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

Jim,

My local supply house has them in stock for $46. I just looked up the Sq-D site: http://ecatalog.squared.com/techlib/docdetail.cfm?oid=090089268013c2cf It comes with a 2-pole breaker retaining clip for the back fed generator breaker. Then you drill the panel cover and mount the interlock bracket to that. I guess it doesn't seem quite as chincy as I thought, but the possible danger is there nonetheless.
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

Buck & Jim, if this link will work, it should open a 1.6 Meg Adobe Acrobat file ( .PDF ) showing the SqD residential section of their catalog. Take a look at the bottom of page 13.

There you will find line diagrams of several assemblies , along with SqD's goofy suggested prices.
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

The interlock might actaully prevent homeowner joe from backfeeding the utility with his generator. Yes anyone could remove the cover and sabatoge an interlock, but on the other hand think about this: Joe wants his whole panel fed from a generator. He prices a 200 DPDT switch and finds it costs over $400. "Forget that" he says, "ill just back feed a breaker and make sure to be carefull and turn off the service disconnect first, the switch is too much money" If he can buy an interlock for 50 bucks, maybe he'll use it :)
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

There are 7 differnet generator interlock kits for SquareD panels plus the QO2DTI. Please download the installation directions from www.squared.com.

For 150 amp amd 200 amp main breaker panels:

RCGK2 and QCGK2 are for the combination service entrance devices and for similar outdoor panels that have a lift up door or a lift and turn door. These are also for the indoor panels.

QORBGK2 and HOMRBGK2 are for the outdoor panels that have a side hinged door.

For the 100 amp 8 slot panels that have a single row of circuit breakers you would use the QO2DTIM which contains the QO2DTI puls 2 main breaker retainers. This secures two 2 pole back fed main breakers.

For 100 amp and 125 amp main lug convertible load centers that have 2 vertical columns of circuit breakers:

PK4DTIM4LA and PK4DTIM4LAL which secure 2 back fed breakers up to 125 amps each provided that you have enough wire bending space for 110 amps or 125 amps.

For 150 to 225 amp main lug load centers that are derated to 100 or 125 amps use the PK4DTIM4HA kit. This secures 2 back fed main breakers.

Mike Cole,

Sorry about my spelling at 5 a.m.

(email address removed, please use PM feature to contact)

[ April 08, 2005, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: bill addiss ]
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

I forgot that 2 of the generator interlock kits for 200 amp main breaker panels fasten to the cover. The others fasten to the interior.
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

I installed this kit about a month ago & I bought it from my supply house for $46.11. Yes it mounts to the cover so yes it could be disabled but most home owners I don't think are going to take the cover off. I installed a receptacle for the generator to plug into to back feed the panel so that the cover would not need to be removed to hook it up.
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

I hope you installed an inlet (the male equivalent of a recetacle). :D
 
Re: Sq-D Generator Interlock

Yes as a matter of fact I did but until the 2005 code this was not a code requiremnt is I'm thinking right.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top