Generator Plug Question

[DocPhilMD]

A few of you guys might remember about a year ago I received a TON of help installing a generator plug and interlock kit. I thank you for that.

For a variety of reasons, I am considering moving the plug and breaker to the pole building. I have a 200 amp square D panel that is hooked to the pole building via a dual pole 100 amp breaker. And I have another 100 amp panel in the pole building. Can I just move the 30 amp breaker to the garage and run juice into the main panel that way?

My only concern is that this isn't code. I have the interlock kit in place right now but this won't do much with the juice flowing from the garage. I attached pics below.

 

[pattenp]

In effect you are allowing the gen to back feed the main panel without a means of assuring that the main breaker is disconnected before flipping on the gen breaker at the subpanel. So yes it's not code nor safe.

 

[mike93lx]

Do not backfeed a panel without an interlock. The one time you forget to shutoff the main will be the time a linesman is working on the service.

 

[DocPhilMD]

Is there a way to do it and make it code?

 

[Norcal]

Is there a way to do it and make it code?

Leave it where it is, that is the only way.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Is there a way to do it and make it code?

It is not just a "code" issue, it is a safety issue !

Sure. Run another cable to the pole building and put the plug there.

OR

8/3 "extension cord" if the distance is less than 100'.

 

[DocPhilMD]

What do you mean run another cable? From the main panel to the pole building?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If u want power in garage and house with generator at garage:

U would have to leave the interlock on the main panel and then get an additional breaker for the subpanel.

Shut the main off slide interlock then go to garage plug in generator turn on breaker and fire up generator.

Whats wrong with generator feeding the garage through the main panel?

 

[DocPhilMD]

If u want power in garage and house with generator at garage:

U would have to leave the interlock on the main panel and then get an additional breaker for the subpanel.

Shut the main off slide interlock then go to garage plug in generator turn on breaker and fire up generator.

Whats wrong with generator feeding the garage through the main panel?

I think the issue here is that you can send power through the sub panel and back into the line without having to turn off the main

 

[theoldwizard1]

What do you mean run another cable? From the main panel to the pole building?

Yes !

 

[theoldwizard1]

I think the issue here is that you can send power through the sub panel and back into the line without having to turn off the main

DING DING DING !! We have a winner !

Doing what you suggested is nothing more than a fancy "suicide cord".

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I think the issue here is that you can send power through the sub panel and back into the line without having to turn off the main

I just realized i wasnt clear in my previous comment.

U would have to leave the interlock in the main panel and slide it over when using the generator in the garage.

Of course this isnt legit since the garage feeder breaker cant br part of the interlock if u want utility power in the garage.

 

[pattenp]

What do you mean run another cable? From the main panel to the pole building?

If I'm reading you correctly you want the generator to reside in/at the pole building when in use. The only way to do it is leave the interlock in place along with the generator breaker in the house main panel. The generator power inlet located at the house will need to be moved to the pole building by running new wires for the power inlet to the pole building. This way you have the generator located at the pole building but can power circuits at both the house and pole building. I apologize in advance if I'm in left field as to what you are trying to accomplish. I assume when you said pole building and then later garage, they are one in the same.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If I'm reading you correctly you want the generator to reside in/at the pole building when in use. The only way to do it is leave the interlock in place along with the generator breaker in the house main panel. The generator power inlet located at the house will need to be moved to the pole building by running new wires for the power inlet to the pole building. This way you have the generator located at the pole building but can power circuits at both the house and pole building. I apologize in advance if I'm in left field as to what you are trying to accomplish. I assume when you said pole building and then later garage, they are one in the same.

That was the other idea i had.