install a generator power inlet box on my main ?

[bkmont]

Hello,
First time poster.


I want to install a generator power inlet box on my main Square D QO 100 amp house panel. The 100 amp house panel is lugged. No 100 amp breaker. It's a convertible panel so I can install a 100 amp main breaker

The Service panel at the meter does not have a main disconnect from power line. It has a 100 amp breaker that feeds the 100 amp lugged house panel.

The 100 amp convertible breaker will act as the disconnect for the required mechanical interlock to isolate the house panel from the service panel to prevent back feed to the power line.

Am I looking at this correctly? Thoughts?

 

[bad_idea]

You should start a new thread with a question like this. Your question will probably get buried with people replying to the initial question, missing yours all together. Happens often on this forum.

To answer your question, first let me say my knowledge is from years of DIY. I believe it would function as intended - isolating the grid from your generator. BUT, you will also need to install an interlock device to prevent both the main and the generator breakers from being energized at the same time. Many manufacturers make a metal bracket that bolts to the panel and blocks one or the other breaker from being flipped on while the other is on.

Welcome to the forum. Lot of good information here, some very knowledgable people. Be careful you don't fall down the rabbit hole of building a huge garage and outfitting it with great tools. That habit is more expensive than most.

 

[The Cobbler]

You should start a new thread with a question like this.

post moved to new thread

 

[sparky 1971]

Hello,
First time poster.

Old subject bringing back up.

I want to install a generator power inlet box on my main Square D QO 100 amp house panel. The 100 amp house panel is lugged. No 100 amp breaker. It's a convertible panel so I can install a 100 amp main breaker

The Service panel at the meter does not have a main disconnect from power line. It has a 100 amp breaker that feeds the 100 amp lugged house panel.

The 100 amp convertible breaker will act as the disconnect for the required mechanical interlock to isolate the house panel from the service panel to prevent back feed to the power line.

Am I looking at this correctly? Thoughts?

Yep. You need a QOM100 breaker along with whatever breaker you need for the generator.

 

[bkmont]

Yep. You need a QOM100 breaker along with whatever breaker you need for the generator.

Thank you!

 

[bkmont]

You should start a new thread with a question like this. Your question will probably get buried with people replying to the initial question, missing yours all together. Happens often on this forum.

To answer your question, first let me say my knowledge is from years of DIY. I believe it would function as intended - isolating the grid from your generator. BUT, you will also need to install an interlock device to prevent both the main and the generator breakers from being energized at the same time. Many manufacturers make a metal bracket that bolts to the panel and blocks one or the other breaker from being flipped on while the other is on.

Welcome to the forum. Lot of good information here, some very knowledgable people. Be careful you don't fall down the rabbit hole of building a huge garage and outfitting it with great tools. That habit is more expensive than most.

Thanks for your reply and the moderator is quick! I thought it kind of fit in with the hooking breakers up in series post.

Yes, I do intend to install a mechanical interlock to prevent both breakers from being on at the same time.
Trying to do it safe and keep the cost low.
The power inlet receptacle will only be rated at 30 amps. I'll just load manage my house panel to run the necessities when we have a prolonged bad weather outage.

Cheers

 

[wyliesdiesels]

post moved to new thread

wow good thing your put this here. i was ready to go postal on bad_idea (jk ) cause this is a new thread lol

 

[killahog]

I have an automatic transfer switch for sale if this might help. It can be set up completely automatic or manually operated.

 

[bkmont]

I have an automatic transfer switch for sale if this might help. It can be set up completely automatic or manually operated.

I do appreciate the offer. I'm just keeping it simple for now by going the power inlet route to plug in my 5500 watt portable generator.

Cheers