Installing a generator breaker

[Jeffh40]

I'm going to be installing a 240v/50amp generator breaker in the near future. To do it, I need to relocate a few existing breakers. Those relocated breakers will need longer hot leads to get to their new position.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I did a google search on this and it seems that it IS code compliant to extend a hot lead inside the breaker panel. Are their any electricians that can verify this?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I did a google search on this and it seems that it IS code compliant to extend a hot lead inside the breaker panel. Are their any electricians that can verify this?

Not a sparky, but it is legal.

 

[Jeffh40]

Not a sparky, but it is legal.

Great, thanks. I'm basically looking to do what this guy is doing. Looks pretty simple and I'm comfortable working on the panel.

Only other real question is it would appear that the guy in the video is just installing a basic 240v breaker of the appropriate amperage (30 in his case, 50 in my case). Is that correct, and he is just feeding it in reverse? Sounds pretty simple.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Great, thanks. I'm basically looking to do what this guy is doing. Looks pretty simple and I'm comfortable working on the panel.

Only other real question is it would appear that the guy in the video is just installing a basic 240v breaker of the appropriate amperage (30 in his case, 50 in my case). Is that correct, and he is just feeding it in reverse? Sounds pretty simple.

yes you can splice in a panel. it is code permitted.

but we need to backup here. how are you isolating the utility feed from your generator? are you using an interlock?

Simply turning off the main breaker is not ok and dangerous.

 

[Jeffh40]

yes you can splice in a panel. it is code permitted.

but we need to backup here. how are you isolating the utility feed from your generator? are you using an interlock?

Simply turning off the main breaker is not ok and dangerous.

In the video I linked, the guy installed some sort of lock out mechanism for the main disconnect. That is what I was going to do if I can find out where to buy it, and what it is called.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I didnt watch the video

look for an interlock that is listed for the brand and model of panel you have.

 

[Jeffh40]

I didnt watch the video

look for an interlock that is listed for the brand and model of panel you have.

Yep, I just googled it. An interlock is what the guy in the video used. Geesh, they are kinda expensive for stamped sheetmetal, but whatever, I get it, they are necessary.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yep, I just googled it. An interlock is what the guy in the video used. Geesh, they are kinda expensive for stamped sheetmetal, but whatever, I get it, they are necessary.

Thanks for the reply.

sheetmetal- kinda expensive

a lineman's life? priceless

 

[Jeffh40]

sheetmetal- kinda expensive

a lineman's life? priceless

Agreed. I won't be circumventing this safety measure. That is the whole reason I started the thread. I need to relocate some breakers to make room for the interlock (now that I know what it is called).

 

[NockOn]

In my area we use a separate generator panel like this.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

Yep, I just googled it. An interlock is what the guy in the video used. Geesh, they are kinda expensive for stamped sheetmetal, but whatever, I get it, they are necessary.

Thanks for the reply.

Check for the interlock made by your electric panel manufacturer.

I bought the proper Square-D for my house and the Homeline for my Dad's online for fairly cheap.

Generic_Interlock.com or whatever was WAY more expensive as I remember it. . .

I had to move 2 breakers and splice their wires in the panel at my place and my Dad's - no biggie.

My generator inlet is inside the garage along with a cable mount point. The generator runs in the driveway with a 50' power cable and a 50' steel cable. Both cables run under the garage door and attach inside.

It's saved my **** thru 4 or 5 storms at this point - I think Genny has 250+ hours on it at this point since Y2K.

Jim

 

[quickfarms]

For my panel the factory Murray Siemens interlock is $27 on Amazon and the aftermarket one is $150.

In Southern California we very rarely loose power so I simply use a lockout on the main breaker and back feed the panel from a welder outlet, but I am the only one that sets the generator up. If we frequently lost power I would install a generator power I let and interlock.