easiest gen trx switch options for this setup

[shannonw]

Wow haven't been on gj in a long time (kids life covid crazy moves yada yada) just not after many years even getting to garage hobby stuff again.

So this setup i have a 30 amp inverter generator 7500 watts....i'm not trying to power the whole house not concerned about brief outages, i'm in florida hurricane SHTF zone and i prep for the shtf weeks long outages and shtf recovery not minor stuff. My main house is on LP i ran for days during last storm on 3500 inverter gen for few gallons of gas, very comfortably too since the big stuff runs on lp (except ac which i don't plan to run even though i could probably on this big inverter with the soft start). Since last storm i've also stocked up on some inverter window ac's...they are super quiet and most of time don't use more then few hundred watt (i have one in one building). But yeah i'm still running drop cords...

I have an outside meter -> few inches distance -> outside main -> inside breaker panel (ge power mark gold) no main in the inside panel. (see pic of pinkish coral wall). That outside main at least from what see on the metal cover doesn't have knock outs for other breakers,etc). Local power doesn't allow generlink btw.



Got a quote for few thou a few years ago, iirc it would have replaced that main outside panel with a transfer switch and there would be an inlet. I didn't really know options then and let it slide since i had other stuff going on.

I know my cheapest and easiest option would be interlock and backfeed breaker but i don't see that possible here with no main indoors. Next would be protrans which i'm leaning towards. Just wondering if any other feedback is out there so next would be what the electrician recommended?

The indoor panel is a lot of circuits there's spots for 40 breaks and only 2 half slot empty (besides an unused dryer breaker/outlet since i run LP dryer).

Thanks for any feed back.

 

[mm08822]

Look in to Reliance Controls Outdoor transfer panel. Has a main cb interlocked with gen cb. Mount this to the left of your meter.
Remove the existing disco and have a conduit from new reliance panel feed into LB on exterior into existing panel where old disco was.

Add power inlet box to the left of the reliance box.

Inside panel could be changed out now or at a later time.

 

[dogdog]

GENERLINK | GENERLINK Transfer Switch

GenerLink transfer switches work with portable generators from manufactures like FIRMAN, DuroMax, Generac, Champion, and many more. View our Compatibility Guide [link to guide] for a list of compatible generators.

www.globalpowerproducts.com

seen these posting but don't know where/how to get one.

 

[The Cobbler]

seen these posting but don't know where/how to get one.

looks like they refer you to a utility company or fill out a form on their site

 

[wyliesdiesels]

GENERLINK | GENERLINK Transfer Switch

GenerLink transfer switches work with portable generators from manufactures like FIRMAN, DuroMax, Generac, Champion, and many more. View our Compatibility Guide [link to guide] for a list of compatible generators.

www.globalpowerproducts.com

seen these posting but don't know where/how to get one.

read the last sentence of his post. his PoCo doesnt allow those. Mine doesnt either

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Id replace all that with a meter main, then you would have breaker space for an interlocked gen breaker

what does the disco on the left of the meter feed? off that they have circuit conductors running thru the meter pan.

 

[shannonw]

thanks for the replies the disco to the left goes to a low pressure sewage pump we pump uphill to the main lines in this area. The tall box on right of that is the main.

Yeah no generlinks supported here.

a protrans may be easiest and cheapest few hundred bucks and some wire, no need to disconnect the mains for period of time,etc....within my skillset. In some ways that's easier power out, turn on gen, flip the inside protran main vs a whole home trx which the process would be flip all breakers off (or leave marked ones on), go outside start gen, flip transfer switch. But with so many circuits less thinking about critical ones needed for sure with the whole home and less mess in the laundry room wall where the inside breakers lie.

So sounds like guy got quote from had same idea as mm08822, flip out the main shutoff to a main/gen trx switch, put the inlet under iirc. About all i can come up with too

 

[mm08822]

I suggested adding on to the left of the meter to avoid the stairs. The stairs technically impede the required working clearance.
Ask your inspector whether he will pass or fail that condition before buying anything.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Id replace all that with a meter main, then you would have breaker space for an interlocked gen breaker

Listen to the man !!

He speaks the truth from many years of experience !

 

[shannonw]

Listen to the man !!

He speaks the truth from many years of experience !

Yeah i wasn't 'clear on that...i was gonna get back to that one. But sounds that's a combo meter/breaker (moving the main to the meter breaker) , then flip the pre-existing main breaker into a generator interlock? they'd have to deal with the county sewer disconnect which would move to that same meter/breaker.

sounds expensive? worse or better than last guy maybe i can find the quote tomorrow but pretty sure it was replace that main disconnect with a new panel. Either way thanks for the ideas i'm gonna keep these in a list to discuss with whomever.

May go one of those routes was hoping to stay away from the thousands quotes since most of the house runs off LP really only powering outlets for inverter ac's if needed , lights and a few things but the typical subpanel transfer switch is bit tough to do drywalled breakers, and that is in center of house so up to the attic fishing feed to outside etc. i did that at last place but panel was on exterior wall not flush mounted,etc but more work on this place than an outside whole home option.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If most of your circuits are connected to the inside breaker panel, what is in the exterior breaker panel ? A picture with the breakers labeled of the outside panel would be useful.

If my understanding is correct, I would do what Wylie says, except KEEP the inside panel. It will be fed from the exterior panel that will have the generator interlock and a connection to the generator inlet.

 

[shannonw]

The exterior breaker is just a 200 amp main breaker...no other breakers or knock outs (thus why i suppose an interlock can't be used there without panel replacement?)

the inside doesn't have a main it's just all the circuits and breakers.

More i think about the feedback that does seem like limited options there.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

switching to a meter main with multiple spaces allows you to run additional circuits off this panel in the future. yes you can move the sewer breaker/disconnect to the meter main and get rid of that mess (shouldnt be running branch circuit wires thru a meter pan that is sealed), install a generator breaker with interlock, etc

 

[shannonw]

switching to a meter main with multiple spaces allows you to run additional circuits off this panel in the future. yes you can move the sewer breaker/disconnect to the meter main and get rid of that mess (shouldnt be running branch circuit wires thru a meter pan that is sealed), install a generator breaker with interlock, etc

yeah that makes a lot of sense i have a semi attached garage (connected via roof , but has breezeway) no 240 there, just 120 would be much easier to get 240 there than ran across house thru the breeze way. And a pool house/ shed is powered by a single circuit from the house breakers. Not much expand-ability ....your solution while may cost would make any future work a heck of a lot easier i think.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

im curious where your sewer pump circuit is fed from. did they line side tap it off the disconnect or does it connect to the house panel?

 

[shannonw]

im curious where your sewer pump circuit is fed from. did they line side tap it off the disconnect or does it connect to the house panel?

yeah i have no idea how they do that, there's no house breaker for it. Either taps off the disconnect or meter somehow i'd assume. I believe new installs are separately metered from what i've heard. Common to have one here we're all low

 

[brewchief]

It may be possible to add a main breaker to your inside panel and then use a basic interlock, some panels are considered convertible and have the option of adding a main breaker.

 

[shannonw]

It may be possible to add a main breaker to your inside panel and then use a basic interlock, some panels are considered convertible and have the option of adding a main breaker.

Funny you mention that as it caused me to remember i ran into that couple years ago and forgot!

something like

Amazon.com

(i'll read up on these again later)

this panel is



and inside is this






ANy reason you can't have two main shutoffs? seems like an easy cheap route!

That's how i'd like to go i know reworking the outside stuff like whyliesdiesel says is ideal just....i have 2 kids heading to college soon so $$, and with everything running off LP , a few k just to run some lights and outlets seems overkill which is why i haven't done this yet, During ian we lived comfortably for days but i had drop cords everywhere. And by now i've worked around my lack of subpanels in some areas (garage, pool shed) i have 220v in another building...reworking all that isn't really critical.


But if i can add a main like above that's the way to go for my needs too. add main interlock, outside is 20 feet away easy drop, boom done get on to more enjoyable ****.

I'd have already tossed in a generac homelink (switched neutrals vs reliance) if not for having the main in drywall and that adding some time, but i'll investigate above again tonight, that had totally slipped my mind.

 

[shannonw]

in fact...funny i just remembered that review first review on that amazon link was


Bought this 200 amp main breaker conversion kit, but not through Amazon. It fit my GE indoor 200 amp lug panel breaker box perfectly, and let me install a generator interlock kit. Great. Ended up purchasing through local big box store (online and shipped to my house for free) for less than $100. Wanted to buy through Amazon, but not when it's being sold for over 3x the price. Shame.

i'll check this again a bit later when have time not sure how to tell yet if the panel is convertible outside of it does have a main breaker knock out so i'd assume so

 

[shannonw]

confusing a bit load center IS TM4020CCU MOD 6 and front is tm40bcd

all that decodes to main breaker which there is none except knock out ?

https://www.iesbuy.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/GE_TM10RMC_Catalog.pdf

says all main lug convertable to main breaker.

Course this panel is from 03 or 04...but i think that verbage would imply reverse if main lug is convertible to main breaker, the inverse would be true? (my job relies on technical docs i tend to think alot between lines due to the missing bits in verbage).

 

[shannonw]

Could use a double check but it looks like these powermarks the main breaker is convertable and visa versa so i just need

ABB/GE THQMV200E - 200A Bolt-On Main Circuit Breaker (replaces THQMV200D)

Electrical supplies, residential and commercial lighting products, smoke detectors, electric motors and power/hand tools etc. for the electrical contractor, institutions, and the homeowner.

www.galesburgelectric.com

and

ABB PowerMark Gold Load Center/Generator Interlock Kit (THQLLX1) THQLLX1 - The Home Depot

Convert an existing load center into a generator panel by using this UL certified GE PowerMark Gold Load Center or Generator Interlock Kit.

www.homedepot.com

i already have a free 240 double pole 30 amp breaker as thats unused (LP dryer) so that leave an inlet box and 8 or 10 gauge it's short 10 gauge would work (< 30 feet max up wall over 15 feed down outside wall).

then boom in business

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Funny you mention that as it caused me to remember i ran into that couple years ago and forgot!

something like

Amazon.com

(i'll read up on these again later)

this panel is



and inside is this


Any reason you can't have two main shutoffs? seems like an easy cheap route!

That's how i'd like to go i know reworking the outside stuff like whyliesdiesel says is ideal just....i have 2 kids heading to college soon so $$, and with everything running off LP , a few k just to run some lights and outlets seems overkill which is why i haven't done this yet, During ian we lived comfortably for days but i had drop cords everywhere. And by now i've worked around my lack of subpanels in some areas (garage, pool shed) i have 220v in another building...reworking all that isn't really critical.


But if i can add a main like above that's the way to go for my needs too. add main interlock, outside is 20 feet away easy drop, boom done get on to more enjoyable ****.

I'd have already tossed in a generac homelink (switched neutrals vs reliance) if not for having the main in drywall and that adding some time, but i'll investigate above again tonight, that had totally slipped my mind.

you mean a main breaker in your load center? you could if there is a listed one for that panel. you would have to find the parts list for that panel.

also your load center is full so there isnt room for a generator breaker. you would need to combine some circuits to free up 2 spaces at the top

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Could use a double check but it looks like these powermarks the main breaker is convertable and visa versa so i just need

ABB/GE THQMV200E - 200A Bolt-On Main Circuit Breaker (replaces THQMV200D)

Electrical supplies, residential and commercial lighting products, smoke detectors, electric motors and power/hand tools etc. for the electrical contractor, institutions, and the homeowner.

www.galesburgelectric.com

and

ABB PowerMark Gold Load Center/Generator Interlock Kit (THQLLX1) THQLLX1 - The Home Depot

Convert an existing load center into a generator panel by using this UL certified GE PowerMark Gold Load Center or Generator Interlock Kit.

www.homedepot.com

i already have a free 240 double pole 30 amp breaker as thats unused (LP dryer) so that leave an inlet box and 8 or 10 gauge it's short 10 gauge would work (< 30 feet max up wall over 15 feed down outside wall).

then boom in business

you would need to check if that breaker is listed for your panel.

 

[shannonw]

you would need to check if that breaker is listed for your panel.

yeah that's the confusing thing ...

if you have a different load center model number for main lug, main breaker, and convertible (tlm)

is that just sales verbage for out it comes out of the box but they're all the same? as i have a main breaker model number obviously without a main breaker implying they're all same just depends on how they're sent out the door.

The ABB breaker docs mention convertible

PowerMark Gold and PRO main circuit breaker kit for use in 150A, 200A, & 225A convertible load centers - Example - TLMXX20CCU - 200A Convertible Load Center - Includes mounting base - Not for use in 125A and below Convertible Load Centers (TLMXX12CCU) - Main Breaker Conversions for 125A load centers - see footnotes for individual catalog numbers

whcih ok i get but then why do i have a main breaker part number without a main breaker if they're not all just removable or addable.

i think all TM means is main breaker factory installed , but then why the tlm verbage on the breaker conversion shrug..

 

[shannonw]

sheesh i think i found it, tried to find install for the thqmv200e (formally 200d) conversion kit..

https://library.industrialsolutions.abb.com/publibrary/checkout/DEH-40538?TNR=Installation%20and%20Instruction%7CDEH-40538%7CPDF&filename=DEH40538A%20TQMVXXXD%20or%20THQMVXXXD%20MB%20Conversion%20Kit.pdf

---
NOTE: This main breaker kit fits all 100-225 ampere TLM/TM load centers labeled “MOD 6”. This breaker kit may be used on TLM or TM load centers labeled MOD 1- MOD 5 but the Front must be replaced with a MOD 6 compatible Front. For a list of replacement Fronts, see the Front package carton or visit www.GEindustrial.com.
---


my panel is TM4020CCU MOD 6

So TM & TLM are interchangable. Lordy....mind screwing model numbering...

 

[shannonw]

87 bucks home depot!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-200-Amp-Main-Circuit-Breaker-Conversion-Kit-THQMV200EP/320305895

thanks for help gonna double check install docs when it gets here (free delivery) and easy return but looks like the one to me...

I have a free 30 amp breaker in the panel already it's used for the dryer outlet which we don't use as we have that stuff on LP. So 2 slots and breaker already here. I just have to move it to top right for the interlock

 

[shannonw]

that was the one, plug and play install, torqued to specs, lucked out with an easy fish thru drywall and insulation into the panel. Glad brewcheif reminded me of that here, i had looked at that a year or two ago and thought 'not sure how to tell compatibility i'll revisit it' and forgot....had to have reminder and moment of sanity from a thousand things to dig thru the doc.