Generator through sub-panel

[zhaddock]

I was "gifted" a almost new 5000w generator this weekend. I know how to hook it into my panel but the issue lies in that I only have two available spaces in my main panel that I had planed to use for adding a sub in the garage. It would be very convenient if I could hook the generator in at the garage sub panel but I don't know if that would be kosher?

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Technically you can't isolate the main breaker and gen breaker at the same time when doing it thru a sub panel so that's a no go. If you go the interlock route you can do it at the main panel. Very easy to do. I am not a transfer panel fan because I want everything live when the power goes and I go on generator.

****the interlock isn't approved everywhere.

 

[nehog]

... It would be very convenient if I could hook the generator in at the garage sub panel but I don't know if that would be kosher?

Not even remotely kosher. You must have an interlock or transfer switch which a sub-panel won't be able to do.

 

[larry4406]

Use some piggy back breakers in the main panel to gain the two spaces for the generator breaker.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Technically you can't isolate the main breaker and gen breaker at the same time when doing it thru a sub panel so that's a no go.

This is crucial for safe operation.

If you go the interlock route you MUST do it at the main panel. Very easy to do. I am not a transfer panel fan because I want everything live when the power goes and I go on generator.

Not the change I added.

****the interlock isn't approved everywhere.

This keeps coming up and I don't understand it. If the interlock is NEC and UL approved, how can a local code ban it ?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Use some piggy back breakers in the main panel to gain the two spaces for the generator breaker.

Proper terminology is tandem breakers. 2 breakers that take up 1 slot. Install 2 and you now have 2 empty slots !

 

[wyliesdiesels]

This keeps coming up and I don't understand it. If the interlock is NEC and UL approved, how can a local code ban it ?

Its called a local amendment.

Just like how chicago bans NM-b wiring. Everything must be in pipe.

And UL doesnt approve things, they list them.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If it is a detached garage, park the generator in the garage and run a 8/4 extension cord from there to the generator inlet on the house.

 

[maintguy]

This is crucial for safe operation.


Not the change I added.


This keeps coming up and I don't understand it. If the interlock is NEC and UL approved, how can a local code ban it ?

The NEC states that majority of the code is up the authority having jurisdiction.