Sub Panel Question

[JimHagan]

Hi,

I want to install at double 30amp breaker and interlock into my main panel to hook up a generator. My problem is the main panel is full, but I do have a subpanel right next to it. I am trying to figure out if I could move some of the breakers from the main panel to subpanel. The subpanel is fed with a 70amp double breaker. I would be moving two tandem 15amp breakers (so really four 15 amp breakers). I don't know if the 70amp is big enough to handle the additional four 15 amp breakers. What do you think?

The picture of what is attached.

Thanks in advance.
Jim

 

[aandpdan]

Unless you do a load calculation you won't know.

What exactly is on the "lights and power" circuit?

Odds are the subpanel is no where near capacity. Worst case, you can always upgrade the feed to the subpanel.

 

[gasaxeman]

I have done several of this type of install.
If you basically make your sub panel the em and know your loads you should have no problem.
Since this is a manual transfer switch you can turn off the extra breakers in your sub panel when running on generator power. That is how I do it.
I only have a 5k generator and I have to pick my loads so as to not overload generator.
You can feed it with as large a 2 pole breaker , up to 100 amps from your main panel. Wire size will have to match your breaker ampacity.
I used a 100 amp from my main and I have a 30 amp that is my generator breaker.
Uses an interlock so that when the 100 amp from normal power is on generator supply is off and vice versa.

 

[Mustang51js]

If you decide to use a interlock kit then you need to add a main breaker to the sub panel since they are made so the gen breaker and main aren't on at same time. But I don't see it being an issue moving some lighting circuits over. You can run a lot of lights on 30 amps

 

[Mustang51js]

My response was thinking you were using the sub panel for the gen, but you will be fine moving those breakers over

 

[gasaxeman]

Are you able to get an interlock that will switch off the main and switch on the generator breaker? I have only done them with the two breaker setup in the sub panel, using a breaker interlock for that.


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[Mustang51js]

Are you able to get an interlock that will switch off the main and switch on the generator breaker? I have only done them with the two breaker setup in the sub panel, using a breaker interlock for that.


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Interlockkit.com or something close to that has all types. You have to measure to make sure you get the right one

 

[gasaxeman]

Good to know. Gonna bookmark it.


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