gayler
Well-known member
A transfer switch is $700 dollars. Interlock is only 40 or so. Why spend all that money if an interlock will work?
Anyone using an interlock for their generator?
- Thread starter gayler
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aandpdan
Well-known member
I have an interlock. It is the way to go as you can select any or all circuits.
Not all localities permit them.
Not all localities permit them.
rlitman
Well-known member
The transfer switch may be automatic, and may come with programming to exercise your generator, etc.
The interlock will require you to step outside into whatever weather nature has provided to get the generator running.
The interlock will require you to step outside into whatever weather nature has provided to get the generator running.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Interlock here. Same for my previous 2 houses.
I have put in few here in Va, they are for portable generators, the ATS would be for a fixed/permanent generator. There is some language in the code that could be interpreted as not allowing them so a phone call to the local inspector is a good idea, but I have not had any deny it, and the interlock is widely available
D45
Well-known member
Don't you need a panel with an open circuit/slot?
If you panel is full though, what options are there?
If you panel is full though, what options are there?
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
D45
Well-known member
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Time for a new panel anyway, by the looks of that one
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
fixed it for ya
too many variables to be able to definitively conclude that an interlock will work
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I have an external panel. 8 slots, no main breaker. I will change to a panel with a main breaker. I would like to stay with Square D homeline. I would be using a 5KW generator for emergency use only, so only furnace blower, fridge,and lights.fixed it for ya
too many variables to be able tp definitively conclude that an interlock will work
pics go a long ways
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Good question ! Interlock is much more "flexible".
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Good plan ! Use an interlock.
you only want to power 1 of those 100a circuits with the generator? if so put a 100a manual transfer switch in:
ABB 100 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fused Emergency Power Transfer Switch (TC10323R) TC10323R - The Home Depot
GE Non-Fused Emergency Power Transfer Switch is great for running your outdoor backup generator. Ideal for running your backup generator.
www.homedepot.com
nadogail
Well-known member
Using an Interlock properly is inconvenient and might cause you to stand in inclement weather; if you are so sweet that you might melt in the Rain I guess you would be happier with an Automatic Transfer Switch.
Convenience has a COST.
Convenience has a COST.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A downside to interlocks is that you don't know when the power is back on unless you install a power back alarm, manually check by flipping back to utility power or see lights on at a neighbor that doesn't have a generator
sorry, I had to correct the grammar in the title...
D45
Well-known member
Main panel is inside the garage, not worried about inclement weather
I get a text from Poco when power is restored...
Interlocked here. Wheel Genny outside, plug in, start it. Go in and flip interlock, then breaker on generator. Viola, power.
Can not see the neighbor's lights?
Just get a indicator light wired in a the utility side of the main breaker.
If nothing else, walk to the panel and switch of the breaker to the generator, and flip on the main. You should be able to figure it out!
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Setup an alarm that is triggered via an inductive coil around the line side wire on the main breaker
What did I miss?
nadogail
Well-known member
I am learning as I follow this thread.
larry4406
Well-known member
Transfer switch installation will require you to jerk the meter and rewire your main panel as a subpanel (separate the neutrals and grounds). Depending on your power company, they may or may not let a licensed electrician pull the meter but the power company usually comes back to reinstall the safety seal.
With the interlock, you don't need to jerk the meter or convert your main panel to a sub panel.
With the interlock, you don't need to jerk the meter or convert your main panel to a sub panel.
uhh no? his main panel is in the yard. his house panel is a 100a sub panel. he can kill the breaker in the yard panel, put in a transfer switch for the house and re-energize without power company.
Anyone using an interlock for their generator?
A transfer switch is $700 dollars. Interlock is only 40 or so. Why spend all that money if an interlock will work?
www.garagejournal.com
White Shadow
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- Jan 26, 2014
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why not put a 400a ATS in?
dave*99
Well-known member
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Umm not in all cases
One could install a manual non-service rated transfer switch between main and a subpanel with all critical loads
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I even specifically mentioned that in my post...
it also an alarm if you turn the main on and it splits the generator in two.
White Shadow
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I have two separate 200A panels, so in order for my generator to run the entire house, I need two separate transfer switches. As far as I know, there's no way to have one transfer switch control both panels. And even if there was, how much does a 400A ATS cost?
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
About 2x the cost of a 200 from what I can see. Roughly 2k vs 1k each
You would have the meter flow directly to the 400a switch then the two panels off of it. But that would also require a new meter pan, I believe, so the separate ats's may be best
you can't take 400 from the 400/320 meter pan to a 400a ATS then split coming out of the 400a ATS?
its also a slight increase in redundancy with split 200s. and frankly easier to source anymore. so I get it.