Home Generator Interlock Kit Installation - EASY!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2021
- Easy home generator interlock kit installation guide. Here is what I used...
Interlock Kit amzn.to/3gkGuwv
Power Inlet Box amzn.to/3zzbhgS
Generator Power Cord amzn.to/3pP7UxK - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Here is what I used ....
Interlock Kit amzn.to/3gkGuwv
Power Inlet Box amzn.to/3zzbhgS
Generator Power Cord amzn.to/3pP7UxK
Since the generator is going to be outside does the back fed breaker in the panel need to be a GFCI rated? Or does the generator itself have some sort of GFCI protection on it's breaker...
Can I use any kind of 10/3 wire? Ufb okay?
Thank you for a very clear description of the list of things to do and how to do them. Also for the link for buying the parts.
Thank you for making this video! I live in Maine and we just lost power last week in an ice storm for 3 days, so I had generator cords running through the house, on top of that, the heat pump on the second floor didn’t work because it’s directly wired to the box. We have another storm coming this week and all the electricians in the area are booked. This was easy to follow and now my family and I have peace of mind for future storms. Thank you!
Thanks for the informative video. I installed mine today, tested it out and was so happy it worked! You never really know until you flip that breaker.
great video….. i bought these exact parts and installing them now…. i need a side by side interlock bracket but other than that its working out great thank you for this great video
thanks for watching!
Easy peasy! Thanks for the video did mines in no time. I would have felt dumb paying for it. I want to thank the 2 different electricians that never showed up lol. I was waiting for months.
Thank you!
I been searching for a video to show how to install one of the box. Your video was perfect.
I feel more comfortable if I decide to do it myself.
thanks for watching....please share the video for me. Thx
Nice my man, you actually gave me the courage along with the advice about checking with building codes along with the inspector. I am a retired Air Force Network Engineer required to clean HUGE POWER DISTRIBUTION BARS that powered large areas. I was so afraid to install this generator kit. All I can say is your calm personality and thorough not so chatty video set me straight. Thank you my friend. Shout out from USAF!
WHY check with the building codes & inspector?
You make this look easy, and I need to do this ASAP. I live in Idaho, and the power is interrupted without notice. This looks pretty easy, thank you!
thanks for watching! please share the video
Hardest part is working with the wire.
Great video. Exactly what I needed to get my generator hooked up. Thanks for the content, man!
thanks for watching....now you can help me by sharing this video on Facebook,
2 things to mention in addition to your video...a specific gen-lockout kit can be purchased for the various types of panels...they are not all the same. The other thing is the screw in the bottom of the receptacle box does not need to be completely removed. The cover slides off after the screw is loosened.
Thanks for the video. Very step by step. I’m sure I can do this using your method.
Excellent video. I have a transfer box for my generator. I've unfortunately had to use it a few times since Katrina. Its worked well up until recently. Transfer boxes have a set number of breakers, as I've had work done on my home to upgrade it I've added more breakers so all of them are not wired to my transfer box. I am definitely switching to this interlock as it powers the entire panel. I'll use an electrician. Thanks for the info.
thanks for watching
Do it yourself. Its not hard.
Great job. Installed an interlock myself years ago for hurricane season here in FL. The benefit is this allows me to choose which circuit I want to power unlike a transfer switch which limits you to the circuits that the transfer switch allows. I can power off some to allow me to power others through out the house but have a large enough portable generator to power the whole house if I choose. Better choice.
thanks for watching
So the power just feeds in through the 30a breaker?
Is it a normal breaker?
@@vettle1 Yes and yes.
What if there isn't a spot for the breaker up top by the main?
@@michaelfox7142 move that (those) breakers lower down the panel to an open spot, then install the generator breakers nearest the main panel switch
I have an interlock and had to use my generator (5KW) several times since I put it in. People think it is expensive but if there is a free dual pole breaker in the service panel, the actual installation is very easy install and should be only about 2 hours of labor but people have told me that electricians wanted to charge them $2000 to $3000. My install, complete with all parts was less than $500 including the professional electrician.
Good explanation of the step by step process, I'll check with our local city inspection department and get their feedback and go from there, Thank You
thanks for watching...
Excellent instructional video. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Glad it was helpful!
Put in an interlock, breaker, wiring, and 30 amp inlet. Tested it today and everything worked fine. Good DIY. Thanks for sharing.
please share the video
This was a good video and very clear instructions. There are a few steps missing which I would add, and one code violation.
1) code requires that an additional tie down be installed on the generator breaker. If you can remove the panel cover and pull on the generator breakers and they pop out; that’s a code violation. Need to add something else to retain the breakers in place. Could use a screw or zip tie depending on panel design. It’s not sufficient to only use panel cover to hold breakers in place when the breakers are being backfed.
2) I would suggest adding caulking behind the inlet box to reduce water infiltration into hole in house.
3) need to test main breaker to insure that in the off position that no voltage is present on the main buss bar. Use a volt meter. Don’t assume it’s working.
4) need to test generator breaker to insure that in off position that no voltage on wires. Don’t assume it’s working.
Good catch Neil. The hold down bracket was in the kit. Shown at the first of the video.
Do the screws on the interlock kit have to be facing a certain direction? One video i watched said they needed to be a certain way.
Should use wire strippers instead of side cutters when stripping wires also.
The Square D interlock kit seems to come with a bracket suited for this purpose.
Neil, I have always been confused about the rules for NM-B wire and outdoor use. I know it can't be used in a conduit outside, but for a run that goes from inside the house to outside (like to the generator inlet port), does that qualify for the NM-B being "outside"? Would you know about this? Thanks.
Thanks for the clear instructions. I’m going to do installation this weekend.
thanks for watching....please share the video for me. Thx
Fantastic - this is so simple. Thank you!
thanks for watching! please share the video
I did this installation a few months ago and it was surprisingly easy, effective and more importantly safe. I really like being able to choose which breakers are going to be powered by the generator.
We have the same setup and just had a 4 day power outage. I like we get to choose what we use so long as we don't go over the 30 amp limit.
What if there isn't a spot for the breaker up top by the main?
@@michaelfox7142
Move those circuits at the top to the bottom if you have the open slots. If your panel is full then you have some other decisions / considerations to make.
I’m waiting for a friend of mine who is a electrician to install for me
Correct me if I’m wrong but goes this method only allow you to powers one side of the breaker? Or is it both sides?
Awesome job! One thing I would suggest is to add some silicone around the hole so it makes a seal between the vinyl siding and box so that water doesn't get inside the hole.
thanks for watching!
Good video. I am seriously considering installing this setup
GREAT JOB IN EXPLAINING THIS VIDEO !!!!! 👍
I added a 50 amp breaker with 6/3 wire to outside 50amp plug. I turn main breaker off and open all breakers, start generator, then close breakers one by one. The only 220v breaker I close is my electric water heater. All other 110 breakers closed and my generator ran my entire house for 5 days ..not one single overload. My generator is a ryobi 6500/8250W. My generator only has the 30 amp plug. I used 50amp wiring because I plan to upgrade to a 12kw propane generator in the future. I bought the ryobi during an ice storm and had to drive 6 hour round trip to get it!
How did you convert the 30 amp cord to the 50 amp outlet in the meantime?
@@condor5635 You can buy an adapter plug. An electrician installed my interlock switch and got one for me. Mine's about a foot long.
Fascinating. A video for people with a vocabulary and comprehension level who would already know how to do it. It's not for people like me who don't know the vocabulary or don't know how to do the process. So, it's so interesting the logic behind instruction for people who don't need it because they already have the knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension to do it themselves.
This is not a beginner video. There are other videos that give you the basics of electrical work. If you do not have the vocabulary to understand simple terms such as a "ground wire" for example, then you should not be working anywhere near your electrical panel. Suggest sticking to some basic things like how to tie shoelaces.
@@flannelguydiy6458 I agree. Too complex. I can't grasp the concept. Good thing I have a few shoes on hand.
You should not be working on electrical unless you have the basic skills. You can create a fire hazard that will burn down your house. Please call a licensed electrician. Not everything can be done from watching a TH-cam video.
I gave him a Like because of all the videos I watched, he was the only one to show and explain where the white, red and black wires go into the socket and why. 👍
GREAT JOB IN EXPLAINING THIS VIDEO !!!!
Excellent video. Thanks
Best video I've seen on this, thank you!
thanks for watching...
I did this too! Cheap and easy!
What did it costs in parts?
Thanks for Posting this, Watched a Couple Videos to see what a Non Electrician TH-camr would do, They Show Suicide Cords, Lot of Dangerous Stuff.
Interlock kit with a Power Inlet Box is the Best, Cheapest, Most Efficient, Safest way to do. The little 8-12 circuit Panels that allow Some Circuits a choice of Generator or Power Company, not worth it. The Power Inlet/Interlock kit allows ANY circuits to be used provided Generator Has the Power. Leave ALL 120 volt circuits On to have lighting everywhere, turn Lights/Fan off when not in that room. Do turn off 120/240 Volt Circuits not needed.
A guy showing Suicide Cord, and possible back feeding if Installer not Present when Power Restored. Couldn't leave a Negative or help him from Killing people, as he has Comments Turned off(Probably because People kept calling him an Idiot). Thanks for showing the Correct Way. I am an Installer of Whole House Generators with Automatic Transfer Switch. Your Video helps the Majority of Home Owners. Thanks Again
Thanks for watching and for the positive comments Randy
What is a reasonable price for a Electrician to do this work? 1) Wiring & mounting of outlet outside for 30A 120/220 socket for Predator 9500 backup generator
2) Add 30 A breaker for generator to basement service box. 3) Fuse box interlock Kit. Best way to find one?
Suggestion.... I wouldn’t hold the metal part of your screw driver while in a hot panel. I know the breaker was off, but it’s good practice just to hold the insulated part of screw driver. Besides that good video.
Learned this the hard way when I was a kid working for my dad. 😵💫 Wiha makes electrical screwdrivers that are insulated to the tip.
@@arsenaultken insulated tools are a much better choice. I work in panels that it’s impossible to shut down to work on them. If I don’t have any insulated tools with me I will put electrical tape on the metal.
He's an expert, he post of youtube
I was saying the same thing to myself……very bad and DANGEROUS habit.
Haha yeah I've been there. It'll definitely wake you up!
Great video bud!!!! I’ll be doing this soon.
That's way cheaper than I thought. thank you for your time!!
thanks for watching! please share the video
Excellent video,thank you!!!
thanks for watching!
Thank you, excellent information.
thanks for watching...
Excellent, very detailed….keep adding more videos like this 👍👍👍
I just replaced the box on the outside of my house with the plug inlet for the generator and a toggle switch that would turn off electric power from the electric company at the same time you turn on the switch to the generator. Home Depot sells the replacement box. It also supplies power to the whole house just as it would from the electric company
This is so simple. thanks. I could actually use an unused dryer outlet wiring in the garage, changing out the receptacle for an inlet box. and of course putting the generator outside!
Did this work out? I had the same idea.
This is called "back feeding" and while doable in a pinch, it is considered unsafe.
Your idea, I believe, would allow you to connect a running genset, WITHOUT first turning off the main feed breaker. This would allow backfeed , & potentially shocking someone working on the outside lines.
@@tomnuggen2573bad idea however
Thank you so much for this video👍👍👍
this was the best video to install the interlock kit, It really helped me
Nice job man! 'everyday man' says he is an electrician, yet uses a suicide cord, which can be a very
dangerous thing to do. You did a professional job. with the transfer plate and not needing a widow-
maker cord. again great work. When I get a power failure, I find out how long it will be out. if I need
power, I shut off disconnect under the meter and in the house also.I then plug into the dryer and
gen, with its breaker off so I don't start under load. I am very careful, BUT I know you have a safer set-up.
Thanks for the great video. You mentioned you were reluctant to turn off the main breaker because of computers operating in the house. I would hope that you have them on an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). APC makes an outstanding unit (NS1250) that makes battery replacement (typically every 5 years) easy. The battery spacer design is brilliant!
thank for watching
Thing is he already had the mains off when he installed the 30 Amp breaker. Let's hope.
Did the same thing the year before Sandy, I added one more thing an emergency Light above the Panel so when the electricity goes out the light above the panel comes on for safety.
thank for watching
TY 4 THIS !!!!!!! After hours of Sifting the garbage dump of videos out here and click bait junk, It's a breath of Fresh air to Finally find this VID which shows explicitly the interlock and gives concise information without all the fluff and nonsense.
Hi.i am a contractor by trade. I watched your video and it was amazing. Thank you again
thanks for watching...
Great Info !
Thank you
Good jobs of showing all the installation steps
thanks for watching...
Thanks you for your video very helpful 🙏🙏
thanks for watching
Thank you for this. Very informative.
Great video. Nice step by step. Please consider using an insulated electricians screwdriver! ALWAYS check for power on and off with a pre-verified meter.
You sound like you know a lot about electrical work. Maybe you could answer a question I have, if the breaker you need next to the main breaker for the lockout kit is already used. You would have to move it to make room for the 30 amp generator breaker ?
yes you will have to move it. The generator breaker needs to be directly beneath the main breaker. Otherwise, the interlock kit will not work
@@flannelguydiy6458 when moving breakers, keep in mind overall load balance between phases. Usually not a problem, but in certain instances.
Very good instructions, thanks!
thanks for watching! please share the video
EXCELLENT!! THANKS 👌🏽 VERY HELPFUL!!!!
thanks for watching....please share the video for me. Thx
This is probably the best video I've seen about this. Very well explained. About how much would an electrician charge to install it ? Is the whole house powered or just what's on that one breaker ? No one answer please except Flannel Guy DIY.
An electrician will charge at least $750 for this including the parts. Maybe more. You can power as much as what your generator can support. If you have a 6000 watt generator, then you should make sure you are not using that much in the house. Dont use your AC unit and keep most things off. Run your refrigerators, basic lights, WIFI, TV, etc. Be careful using hair dryers and microwaves
very good presentation. thanks God bless
thanks for watching...
Great video. Thank you for posting.
I went this route for my generator but not DIY. I paid a licensed electrician to install the lockout kit, install the 240 outlet outside to feed the electricity from the generator to the main breaker panel (and thus the house) and install the 10/3 wire. It is the least inexpensive way to have a safe and legal way to power your house with a generator, imho AND I can verify that it works just fine! Thanks again for posting this video.
Same here as my panel was far from the outside wall and our electrician is awesome.
Are you able to run your air conditioner this way or is this just for minor things like lights and refrigerator
thanks for watching
you cannot run an AC unless your generator is a very powerful one that can provide enough power for your AC. you will likely need a 50amp breaker also
@@flannelguydiy6458 ok. Thanks. I’ve been looking at a 9000 watt generator, 11,500 starting I think. Great video btw. Very easy to understand. I’d definitely hire an electrician to do this though. Also, I’ve been looking at a device that you hook up to the meter and plug it in there. Just dont know if it’s code in my state.
Great video. Thank you.
Excellent video. Thanks!
thanks for watching. please "like" the video
My home is off grid so I use a transfer switch at the inverter . I use a generator about 15-20 hours per winter. I use a propane powered genset because gasoline goes bad. The other 340 or so days the wind and sun keep things humming.
Pretty simple something I need to do, thank you sir
Hi I love the way you speak soft..
I am a Nurse I am not a eletrician But I am want to learn how DIY good work good explain.
Thank you so much 🙂
Thanks for the video!
thanks for watching...
Thank you for the clear tutorial on a safe way to supply power. Since this will not supply 240 volts for air conditioning units or any other 240 apparatus - mentioned in a previous comment/reply - is it a must that you click off the breaker to those units? I think so. Although I think someone earlier wrote that they just wouldn’t work, not a problem to keep the breaker on. Can you please clarify your opinion..
I was leaning towards installing a manual transfer switch even though it limits the number of circuits it would feed. But how many basic things do we need powered? As you know, flipping the switch on a properly installed manual transfer switch safety feeds selected circuits and locks out backfeed to the street and not jeopardizing the lives of utility workers.
Thank you again. It is a top instructional.
This will provide 220 volt to the panel. The only limitation is the size of the generator.
@@lancefredrickson4791 im no electrician but wouldnt the wiring be a limitation as well? The 10/3 wire is rated for 30 amps so regardless of how much the generator is capable of you have to be mindful not to overload the wire
I think that I probably didn’t word my question correctly or clearly . What I was told outside of this discussion is that most portable generators wouldn’t supply enough amperage for central air conditioning.
Limitation is by the breaker. Breaker is installed to protect the wire not the equipment. But yes you would be limited to 30 amps but still 220v is available. It is possible the air conditioner could be less than that. Split unit air conditioners could be less depending on tonnage could.
Generators are usually 30 or 50 amp. 6/3 wire for 50 amp. May or may not run central ac on either depending on AC condenser initial wattage pull.
Thanks for the video. On my panel I dont have a 30amp double near the top of my main for the interlock. I assume I would have to move the existing breaker to another location then install.
Great Video!
thank you for watching
great video thanks,
Very nice.
Though I would have liked to see at least a 1ft service loop for that Romex feed, and a 'while in use' weatherproof cover for the power inlet.
I love that breaker safety clip, that's one hell of an invention.
thanks for watching...
Except service loops are against the NEC so he actually did a good job on that
@@mikemartin6978 for in-home permanent wiring sure, but for an emergency, backup connection?
I'm not doubting, just asking.
Thank you!
Excellent video. Just to mention too the inter lock kits are specific to the type of elect. panel you have. Your kit and the provided link above being specific to the Square D panel. When I did mine I installed a watt meter before I made the final connection to the panel which comes in handy for monitoring the load on both the hot feeds and total demand on the generator.
Do you have a pic of the watt meter install? Interested in maybe doing the same.
@@patrickgarrison8847 Sorry no I don't have any pics of the install but it was pretty straight forward. After I left that reply I checked online and Reliance Controls has discontinued the MB75 watt meter that I installed and now offers the WP7500.
Before you buy the interlock and install it, check with your building dept. Many municipalities do not allow them. They will require either a manual transfer switch or automatic transfer switch, depending on the generator selected. They usually require you to switch the neutral also.
you may need a permit anyway in your town which means you are going to find out quickly
Thanks for posting.
Very helpful! Thanks
thanks for watching! please share the video
Does neutral need to float on generator ? For this type of setup just wondering
Where did you buy the wire stopper you used at the beginning to peel back the heavy outer casing.
Very cool. Thank you.
thanks for watching...
Simple but effective. Wish I could have found that.
thanks for watching...
Really well done video. The only thing I would have done different is to put in a 50 amp breaker and wire the inlet box accordingly. (number 6 wire) This way you are set if you ever upsize your generator.
Wouldn't that be bad for the generator?
@@musicaljc The generator itself has it's own breaker for protection. By putting in proper size wiring and upping the breaker at the house panel, this allows you to run a 10 or 12kw if you want to. You are doing the work anyway...the additional cost is minimal.
@@musicaljc will not have any affect on the generator. Power should never be flowing to the generator.
@@musicaljc it would be if you wired it wrong 🤓
Yes you can upsize wire safely but you cannot upsize a breaker if you aren't using the additional amps. Breakers are supposed to trip before anything burns. Too big of a breaker and wires burn instead of breakers popping.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Flannel Guy! Very well presented and professional. Question? Do I have to use the 10/3 or can I use two 10g wires from box into 30A breaker? Most likely, will use what you used as It makes more sense. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Cheers from Michigan.
Just follow the instructions and use 10/3. thanks for watching... and I hope you also enjoyed the holidays Robert
Great video. What size generator do you have?
Very strightforward!
thanks for watching!
Very good video, thank you. Another shout from the Naval Air Force. PAX RIVER
thank you for watching Gary
WOW! Thank you.
thanks for watching...
On a tri fuel generator using natural gas Is it better to run a long gas line or long cable connection to panel or does it matter? Hope that makes sense. Concerned that long gas line will reduce pressure somehow with long 40-50 ft hose.
This may have already been answered already but I just found your video today...great job, by the way. Enjoyed the step by step explanation. Where did you get that awesome wire stripper?
They used to give one away with a roll of Romex but you can get them in the Big Box store. DO NOT use that tool on a 3 conductor 12 as it will cut into the conductors, it's only for use on a flat cable.
Great video
Nice video. I personally don’t have the room in my box for this set up. I wish I did.. I have to add the additional box on my end. BTW please make sure to turn the power main off it is safer if your not so experienced. Thank you 🙏
They make tandem breakers for many panels that can create room for the two pole gen breaker. You may already have em but just fyi.
@@victorseaton9123 Game changer. Thanks.
@@victorseaton9123 there seems to be a negative effect if you install double pole Breakers I don't remember can you update me please?
Thank you
@@lts30000 2 pole breakers are required for the generator feed in most cases. This is so you make sure you are energizing both bus bars of panel. Tandem breakers are similar to 2 pole but don’t have a handle tie between the two and they only take up one space. Tandems are specific for 2 separate 120v circuits. They give the ability to convert 1 space into 2 circuits.
@@lts30000 no real negative effects. All houses have some. Main issue is making sure you have the correct wire size for breakers and load. If you don’t you can run into serious issues.
Did you have extra available circuit breakers already in the panel that had no wires hooked up to them so you could dedicate them to the generator hook up?
It's good that the generator lead from outside went down and then back up into the breaker box like a interior drip loop. The water that rolls down the exterior wall and follows the non weatherproofed unrestricted wire path into the house just rots out the plywood wall and wall plate instead of going straight into the breaker box, shorting out and burning the house down. It's a much slower process if your house rots down instead of burning down. Also drilling a drain hole (to counter the un weatherproofed wire/water inlet hole)in the exterior box will lessen the potential shock hazards from pooling for non-coded exterior installs.😮
You have a 30A break for the generator but would I be able to use a 50-100A breaker?
Great video. 👍👍💛
thanks for watching...
Didn’t see it but duct seal in back of outside box helps keep water out. Have seen and repaired alot of GFCIs water logged because of no seal between box and siding
Just got a Genmax 9000ied this week. Looking to do the Same, but wondering if it can be done with a 50 amp breaker?
Plan to get an additional generator to run in Parallel in the future, if it’s needed and wanted it to be on a 50 amp.
I over-engineer safety protection (>35 designing chemical plants). I used the interlock kit for my breakers; but I also installed a locked A/C disconnect box between the breaker box and the Power Inlet Plug. I could not accept a single "interlocked" breaker preventing those prongs from being energized. Anything that is life threating needs a least 2 levels of safety protection. I could not find a Power Inlet Box with a locakable cover.
you are welcome. please share the video
W O W….an actual video that I understand and can now do.
thanks for watching! please share the video
What I have used to install boxes with vinyl siding is to use cut pieces of plastic toilet feed pipe to space the box so it doesn’t collapse the siding, then seal them with clear silicone and seal the box to the exterior vinyl siding wall using silicone. That way I have a clean looking installation.
that works...
Good video. Thx for this. subbed.
Hello, what size collars did you use? Thank you