Posted: 4/23/2011 3:38:56 PM EDT
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I want to be able to connect my generator(s) to my main panel.
The only interlock kit I have seen offered is for a panel with the main included. My main is on the outside of my house, separate from the panel. What can I do, other than remember to shut off the main myself? |
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put a transfer switch in, after the main before the panel.
size the transfer switch to the size of the main. it will put the full house on the gen. You will have to keep track of your loads so you don't overload the generator. You can buy a manual transfer switch at a reasonable price. i have a plug in the garage that i roll out my portable and plug it in. I plug it in and fire it up. i go downs stairs and flip the manual transfer switch. I run around and shut of lights and any un-need loads. if its summer, i'll shut of my breakers for the pool pump and heater before transfer. if you have electric water heater/stove/dtyer/heat you'll have to shut them off unless you have a really big gen |
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It's not absolutely necessary to switch the whole thing. You could feed a small panel off a single breaker in your existing panel that the transfer switches power from the breaker to the generator, and run the loads you want to feed from your generator from that. That's actually pretty common.
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Quoted:
It's not absolutely necessary to switch the whole thing. You could feed a small panel off a single breaker in your existing panel that the transfer switches power from the breaker to the generator, and run the loads you want to feed from your generator from that. That's actually pretty common. You can use a 150amp main panel as a sub panel with this Square D Interlock. Make sure you follow all wiring codes. This kit cost around $70 and I think it makes it a better deal then anything else I've seen. |
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ilbob and muddyfork, I appreciate the suggestions but I'm hoping to avoid another panel so that I can use any outlet or appliance in the house selectively.
I have a 200 amp main and will probably go with sport_shooters idea of adding a manual transfer switch between the main and the panel. What do you think of this switch? http://www.harborfreight.com/200-amp-generator-manual-transfer-switch-42163.html Any less expensive options? |
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Quoted: ilbob and muddyfork, I appreciate the suggestions but I'm hoping to avoid another panel so that I can use any outlet or appliance in the house selectively. I have a 200 amp main and will probably go with sport_shooters idea of adding a manual transfer switch between the main and the panel. What do you think of this switch? http://www.harborfreight.com/200-amp-generator-manual-transfer-switch-42163.html Any less expensive options? By shear coincidence, I'm going to pick up one of those panels in a few minutes. There is a one day 25% off coupon for Harbor freight that came by email. I've been waiting for the panel to go on sale, but no luck so far. Today is the day. |
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I think you should be shopping best quality-per-dollar rather than just best price. This is probably a very good time to use the buy-once-cry-once rule. Getting an excellent quality system rigged up will save you pain and anguish later. Search out CJan_NH he sets up a quality rig IMHO and has posted some pics. |
