How To Install A Generator Interlock Kit
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- For more information or a written out step by step you can stop by thediyguy.net/2... . A video on how to install an interlock kit on an Eaton electrical panel. --) amzn.to/2Rd6Epd
Nice! didn't even know they made those. I was looking at a manual switch setup.
Much easier of an install compared to a manual transfer switch and easier on the wallet. They started making them for other panels as well.
Is this used for a portable generator? And wheres your inlet
Where are these available
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet a
@@carlosreyes6448 the inlet is the 30amp breaker top right side- it back feeds the panel’s bus bar while locking the main breaker off
2 things I'd like to say. First make sure what ever interlock kit you are using is UL listed. Secondly you have to have a breaker tie down so the breaker can not come out. A generator is like a service. Your main breaker is also screwed in so it can not be pulled out or pop out as the inspector who failed me told me so.
Why would a generator breaker pop out? Why would any other breaker pop out of the panel? None of my breakers have even popped out. Sometimes I have a bear of a time getting breakers to come out.
Glad you mentioned this for those who purchase Interlock Switches. The Inspector will look for this in most cases! The kit I purchased Square D QOCGK2C from Lowe's came with the tie down and it is included in the directions on how to install. Again, very good comment!
@@HotDog88GT because the generator breaker becomes the main breaker when the generator is being used.
NEC section 408.36(D) Back-Fed Devices. Plug-in-type overcurrent protection
devices or plug-in type main lug assemblies that are
backfed and used to terminate field-installed ungrounded
supply conductors shall be secured in place by an additional
fastener that requires other than a pull to release the
device from the mounting means on the panel.
How does this breaker lockdown work? There is no slot for the long screw to go through a 50A Eaton breaker.
@@electricianron_New_JerseyGood to know, I bought a 30 amp BR double pole breaker for my Eaton panel. I don't see any way to install the screw to retain the breaker ... what am I missing? Is there a special breaker required?
Do you have a link with any examples?
That was the most ridiculous instructions, where do you connect the generator? That was nothing but how to install metal bracket.
Very helpful informative video...TY
How would you do this for Eaton parallel panels? So 2 200amp Eaton panels
So the interlock kit is literally only a metal bracket that prevents two switches from operating simultaneously? For $150? That's disappointing - I thought it was an entire solution to hooking up a generator to the panel (minus the power cord inlet from the generator).
Edit - I did more research and found an interlock kit for $27 on Amazon. Bought and installed perfectly. Shame on these people for bending people over a barrel on a $150 pricetag for a small piece of metal.
I don't live in the US but if I had to guess the reason for the price difference:
-$150 interlock has certification to show it meets code/electrical regs.
-$27 interlock is "a small piece of metal". I'm sure it functions fine but in the UK if you make electrical modifications it needs to get signed off by electrician before you can sell your house to show the house is safe for electrical installations.
Key questions:
Does $27 version have product certification?
in the US (I'm sure it's state-by-state rules not federal) would you have problems selling/insuring your home for making modifications without electrician sign off?
@@1221crazyace My $27 kit is made by Siemens, so yes, it's legitimate and fully certified. They charge $150 for that product because people don't know better and pay it before realizing other kits are available for a fraction of the price.
@@jeremyhale6403 my electrica supply house want 80 bucks where did you get onr for 27. i to have a siemans panel
@@tbasshandyman7610 On amazon. Just google interlock kits and you'll see a ton of them.
Lots of BS / Blue Sky / Government Overreach inflates the price.
Buyer beware.
Install carefully but you can save if youre smart / follow Electrical codes.
Hire a Trusted local electrician that way your only shock will be when paying the Bill.
What if my panel has no open breaker space for the generator?
If I understood it right, the generator + interlock will only energize/power up the "right side", so only breakers on "right side" will really be able to use/turn on. Is it right ? If so, is there a way where we can have both sides working ?
If you notice the bus bars on a single phase panel are in a zig-zag pattern. Single pole breakers will only contact the right or left bus bar only. Double pole breakers will contact both the left and right bus bars thus energizing the entire panel.
I just had new service, panel, outdoor receptacle L14-30, 30 amp interlock breaker for feeding from a generator and one of these interlock kits installed. I'm shopping for a portable generator, does this setup require a bonded neutral or floating neutral generator or will either type work?
Westinghouse 1500, yes but why not the Generac GP 15,500 EFI
Where is the how to for wiring the breakers and generator plug?
GREAT VIDEO!!! there is no way this piece of metal should cost $100+ I mean really? these companies need to be ashamed of themselves. lol I will say Eaton at least put some thought into their design... interlockkit sells a mere piece of metal for $150 for a few different panel manufactures... pathetic
Couldn't you make one yourself?
I’ve been switching breakers manually for years but was always thinking about adding some idiot proof device just in case. $150 for two metal plates is beyond ridiculous though
If you look on eBay, you will find this exact interlock kit for sale for less than $80. And, most of the kits from interlockkit.com are for sale in the $60-$70 range.
There are others that you can buy that are slightly cheaper or you can make your own. However, those from the panel manufacturer, such as Eaton, and those sold by interlockkit.com have been tested by an independent lab to be UL listed and to meet NEC and NFPA regulations. That testing and listing is not easy or cheap for a company to do. They need to recoup those costs. Also, consider if your insurance will cover you if something goes wrong with your homebrew interlock causing damage, injury, or death. Keep in mind, if you injure someone you could also be criminally liable.
I have a main pole outside. Mobile home hooked to that... do I hook up to outside box ? Of mobile home breaker box? Main pole has well and shop only . Plus the main line to mobile home
I'm not sure what kind/ style panel you have outside. I believe they only make these lock outs for main panels. So I would guess it would have to go inside the mobile home panel. So you would need to see the make/ brand of the panel it is in order the correct lockout for that panel and then the correct size breaker and wire for whatever wattage your generator is. Also depending on the run/ length of the wire you may need to up size for voltage drop.
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet thank u
@@Robert.420 You're welcome. Thanks for watching and good luck with getting it hooked up.
Where is your generator breaker retainer
thank you for this very informative video. just have one question, do we need to install a breaker as well specifically for the generator, if yes, would you please give us information on what type and some link for purchasing it. thanks
I have a BR3030BC100 Panel. The main breaker is right above the first set of breakers. How do you install this on panel I have? I checked specs for Eaton BRMIKBR Interlock kit says its compatible with my panel but I'm Not seeing exactly how to mount to from instructions.
My main panel has 40 breaker slots and all are full so it appears the interlock kit isn’t feasible without some significant rewiring or moving several circuits to 1/2 size breakers.
Could have just opened the door and not use the block of wood, I think?
All new to me. Everything I've seen on the Interlock is assuming the top two right breakers are for your generator. If your panel is old and these two top right places are already being used they will have to be moved I assume for the generator? Do like the Interlock much better than a Transfer switch.
This is correct - the 'top, right' breakers will need to be re-positioned if already in use.
@@juarez9469 yes the electrician is doing this. Simply moving the top two to the bottom and adding two new breakers top left for the generator. I am comfortable with many things but not a panel.
@@34dawgsgo not as simple as it sounds. The home runs fed into your panel are cut to a certain length for space and accessibility to the breakers. By code, you can splice a short wire from the top of the panel breaker to add length to bring it down, but it now adds a couple of questions. Can you feel confident that with time, the wire nut doesn't somehow free itself and increase the chance to arc? Also, do you care about the aesthetic look of clean, uncut wiring in your panel? The NEC feels okay with wire splicing with a wire nut but you better feel good that you secured the hots well enough when twisting the nut. Best to use electrical tape as a precaution in this case. 👍
@@chucktrades3211 Not sure what my electrician did but the top two left breakers are being used with the Interlock. Have a 50 amp plug outside for cord to generator. Tested, it works. Glad I spent the money.
@@34dawgsgo that's awesome! I'm an electrician and was reviewing some videos about this since I've not dabbled with interlocks in so long and also seeing the different approaches that anyone took for amperages and generators. My neighbor wants one and I'll help him get it installed. Since we'll have to manipulate his current setup, I'm still superstitious about splicing home run feeds in his panel but I feel confident that we'll have no issues once it's done. 🤞
Yeah, but are you gonna go ahead and do something?
Helpful and informative. Perhaps a few words on safe removal of the front panel.
I have a similar panel except on my panel the main breaker ON position is set to the right as oppose to the left position on the panel you show in the video. Is there an interlock kit I can use for my installation? so on my panel the main breaker ON position is to the right and the generator breaker OFF position is also to the right. Thanks for posting this video and for your help.
Is it just simliar or is it actually an Eaton panel? Maybe it's Square D?
Trying to see if I can do this in Montreal Quebec anyone know.
How come these interlock plates are so expensive? They are only made of a couple dollars worth of metal and they do not include the circuit breakers either.
They are the cheapest code/ approved option compared to replacing the entire panel or add in an actual transfer switch. Basically they can charge almost whatever they want within reason compared to a transfer switch. The lower end/ cost transfer switches the give you only 6-8 circuits where with this plate you can use any circuit within the panel.
. thanks but... better off to Fab my own than spring for $150, that's ridiculous
Steve Izzo I agree. A few pieces of sheet metal and a few nuts and bolts and a screw or two and you now have an interlock kit. But you know there are some “Highly Educated College Graduates” who cannot even change the tire on their car! Let them pay $150 for the kit and then another $150 for someone to i stall it on their panel!
@@eagleviewhd - Interlock kits are NEC approved. Your homemade garbage is not. Hard to believe line workers stake their lives on other people's cobbled up junk.
@@eagleviewhd If your house burns down from your illegal wiring, insurance will not pay. If you try to sell your house that way, an inspector will flag it.
I bought a six circuit transfer panel. Works great and I like the built in power meter. However, six circuits is not enough and my 8K generator can handle more than that.
mine did not line up on the dimples. I had to slide to the left 5/8"
Hey, great video..keep them coming♡ love your channel :)
The only problem I have is the eeee-TON panel. 🤣🤣🤣
Will be doing mine soon.
Hi. I have a 200 amp main panel and another 200 amp sub panel next to it. Do I need 2 interlock kits and 2 double breakers or just 1 set in the main panel.
Feed the main, the main will than feed your sub just remember if you’re using a portable generator you’ll be pretty limited on amperage
To determine how much amperage you can use
Take your generator wattage and divide it by 240 to get your usable amperage
@@isaeproductions5217 if I have a 3500 wattage Honda Generator and so divide it by 240 it comes out 14.4+/-. Not much to work with correct??
@@bobgieser2943
Bob to me BARE MINIMUM for home backup is 4000 Watts.
If your Gen doesnt have a 240v 4 prong twist lock outlet on its front panel thats a clue its not intended to power an entire RV (for example) or a home 30-50amp Transfer Switch or Interlocked Panel.
Some 3500 watt units have 240v but many dont.
For our home I run whole house on a 6kw Propane Gen.
It had a hiccup & I subbed in a Champion 3500 / 4000 Watt Gasoline (has 240v outlet).
It ran hard but had to juggle loads to not overwhelm it.
Loads that the 6kw Propane didn't blink at.
Great info.
What if if a house has two separate panels? Perhaps a new "main power" panel could be installed with a whole-home on/off, a generator on/off, and an interlock?
This is my situation also. A 200 amp main panel exterior and a 100 amp sub-panel inside the house on the other end. As long as one panel feeds the other, you follow this video procedure. You leave the "main" in the sub-panel on, regardless of listed amps. Only turn on the essential breakers just as you did with the main panel.
I'm in the process of installing a similar kit. I going with stranded individual wire instead because it is easier to work with. Plus Lowes sells wire by the foot and only needed a couple of feet. Have to run it in conduit however. Your video gave me the confidence to do this. Thanks for sharing.
Because of this vidio i got the right inyerlock kit and got it done and also your reply to my questions ,thanks.
I have the same Eaton interlock kit, BRMIKCSR, for my panel which was installed in 1961 when the house was built (IOW I think my panel is older than yours). The kit contains a "generator hold-down retainer", a small plastic block less than an inch square. It's supposed to be installed in Step 3 of the instructions, right after you remove the panel cover. The next steps are two install generator breaker, then install the long screw from the kit into the breaker and through the hold-down retainer. Did you have to do any such thing?
UPDATE - I have the interlock installed and left the breaker hold-down out of the mix. I didn't see way to use that screw anyway, hold-down or not. The kit install went well, once I used the second drill bit to enlarge the holes (had a brain fart on that one).
My breaker panel does not have that orientation
So you wire your inlet straight to your generator breaker?
Basically yes.
Nema L-14 30A Inlet Box >>>10/4 Romex wire >>>30A Dedicated Interlocked 2pole Breaker.
Of course if larger Gen upsize to Amp / Wire level.
50amp use a 240v 50A Inlet Box >>>6/4 Romex>>>50A 2 pole breaker
how did you move the breakers to free up space for the generator breaker
E P would like to see an answer to this question too 🤙
@@MauiGuy1960 if you need more room, you can exchange a single breaker to one that is a tandem breaker. For every one you use, it will free up one spot.
You've got to move the upper right one to another spot OR move those wires to a new breaker elsewhere in box.
Interlock will only work in that one space for Generator Input breaker.
Great, but where does the generator plug in???
That's a separate topic. You'll need an outlet for the generator that is connected to the breaker and powers the house when the main is turned off and the breaker for the outlet is turned on.
@@CassieMaas so you simply feed generator output into the outlet on the other end of the 30 amp dual breaker circuit?
If you have central air you can piggy back off that and back feed into your electrical panel that way. If you don't have the knowledge to do this I strongly recommend that you hire a professional for this install.
You would simply buy a NEMA L-14-30amp 4 prong Twist lock Inlet Box Receptacle (Weatherproof if exposed - Standard if under porch cover already).
Run Romex 10/4 wires from that Inlet Box to the 30A dedicated Gen Breaker.
@@psalm2forliberty577 what kind of load could you sustain using a 7200W generator supplying power to this 30AMP breaker? heat pump, water pump, 2-3 electrical 100 watt outlets and a fridge?
Thanks that was perfect , i have the same panel .
Thank you for posting this informative vid. Well done.
You're welcome, Glad we could help. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave us a comment. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up. Thanks
Nice.
Can install a combination of both a transfer switch and direct connect? For example, using a 12KW generator, can I connect the 50A outlet to the main panel using a interlock device, and, at the same time, the 30A outlet to a transfer switch? Otherwise, how do I get all available 100A into the house? Thanks
I think you can feed it with a 220 volt 50 amp breaker and get 100 amps into the box.
Best ask an electrician to try that. It isn't rocket science BUT us Pro-Bono UA-cam electricians have a limit of 50amps of Free Advice LOL
When installing this breaker you have to go by the nec 408-36-f
I'm looking at the NEC 2022 Code Book & it only has to 408-36(D) no F
Nice protection for backfeeding the generator. The only problem with this is where does the unbalanced load go? Answer is it goes through the neutral back to the pole. The whole idea of a transfer switch is to cut off the neutral and have the panel run solely You still need to cut off the neutral and this could be dangerous to lineman
This is incorrect. The generator neutral is plugged into the neutral bar and it returns to the generator via that. There is no current travel up the pole because there is no potential driving it to return to the pole. The neutral could not go up the pole and still work because the neutral would need to return to the generator, otherwise you'd have a very unstable voltage on both legs - hence it being permitted to only switch lives, not neutrals - neutrals never have potential to ground, only potential to their connected lives.
A what panel?😂😂 EEEEEton panel
Eaton - a big electrical panel & breaker Mfr
Why are those brackets so expensive...stamped steel...should be $25 or less..they are around $75. Imo
Aside from being in code, its just a matter of switching off the main and turning on the breaker for the gen. Dont even need it.
@@thisone. In THEORY you are correct, but if someone fails to do that (and it is possible without this safety device) you can end up backfeeding the main line. Watch this video:
ua-cam.com/video/GA_zhLogUG8/v-deo.html
How would this work if you have a bottom fed panel?
I'm not sure what panel you have.. Some of there panels are the same just the face plate and covers switched around. If you click the link in the description and on our website there is a picture with the list of panels that this particular lockout fits or look at your panel and grab the model # and see if they make a lockout kit for your panel.
Just the same. My breaker box took the same interlock (BRMIKCSR), but it is fed from the bottom so the main breaker is at the bottom and the interlock is mounted on the bottom. Just install your generator/inverter breaker in the appropriate bottom breaker position.
Awesome install, thank you for sharing! Quick question... Why does it say you can’t run the AC, oven or range from the generator? Do you know? Shouldn’t that be based on watts?
Yep. It's based on watts. You'll need a big gen to supply that stuff.
How big
The wire and breaker to do so would be huge! But another thing is generators are notorious for damaging electronics so... would be hard on the electronics of those appliances and no way of line conditioning to large appliances
To find the size, you would need to do load calculations. So hvac uses say 3600w while running, BUT it uses 9800w just to start. So those bigger usage items use 2.5 to 3 times the amount just to start than their running wattage.
If you get an inverter generator like the Honda EU line they won’t hurt sensitive electronics, they actually can put out a cleaner signal than utility power.
Will this work for RV hook up when not in use?
No, you need to feed power female to male, and the plug and receptacle would be reversed for an RV hookup.
And you would have to remove the interlock to power your breaker.@@jeffscott1543
After the 10th "now we are going to go ahead and..." I shut it off.......
You have teally nice elbows :o
This is the Best Example of a Perfect Teaching Video. You speak clearly and YOU SHOW YOUR WORK. Just 'telling how' is not enough. SHOWING makes the difference. Wishing you 1 Million Subscribers - John 3:16
You're so cute, thanks for not shoving your face in front of the camera through out the whole video.
This was a great video. However, Eaton is pronounced Eat-un, NOT ee-ton. Eaton was headquartered in the Cleveland, Ohio area for nearly a century.
Why install a interlock device? Tell me why you should?
I’m being sarcastic
Just curious. What’s the reason for screwing the interlock from the inside of the panel?
So it can’t be easily removed.
@@JosephSchneider
Ahhh makes sense
How do i know which interlock kit will fit my panel?
Look inside your panel cover, it might be listed there.
That is a nifty idea, I back feed my generator, but I don't have the interlock kit installed, I make sure that the main is off before I hook up my generator, that might be something I'll do as I get old and senile, but for now I can remember to shut off my main.
It is actually illegal to have a generator breaker without a interlock, or a transfer switch
@@JV-rj7qd I'm sorry, this statement doesn't make sense. Either you are missing a word or something. Are you trying to say that it is illegal to have a generator breaker WITHOUT an interlock?
@@BryanTorok Correct - You must have an Interlock or a Transfer Switch, otherwise you could inadvertently send current out on the line when linemen are trying to fix or address an electrical outage. If it would happen, prepare to be sued bigtime.
Did you just use a standard type breaker for the generator or does it need to be a special type?
Yes, A standard breaker works. Just make sure it is sized correctly for the wire between the generator and the panel and also to the wattage of the generator.
Please if you can , what amperage wire for a typical generator 30 amp ? Thank you
Can you give me the interlock kit part No? I have same panel as yours
Here is a Amazon link to the exact one I used in the video amzn.to/30nHrv6
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet Thanks
Probably a good idea to shut main breaker off Before removing panel cover
Shut up.
Thanks?
Waste of money.
Until something happens. Your insurance will not pay out if you burn down your house from illegal wiring. Or if you kill someone with an illegally back fed generator that puts electricity into a line they are working on.
@@leetullberg604 exactly
Watch this video. It shows the importance of an interlock... NOT a waste of money.
ua-cam.com/video/GA_zhLogUG8/v-deo.html