Time to think about manual transfer setup

[Falcon67]

2nd loss of power in the last two days. This time, most of the city due to ice storm. Have the 6500 running outside and cords holding up the two fridges and the computers. And the coffee pot. Works, but PITA as you can imagine.

Panel is a Siemens 200A G3040MB1200CU Has the main 200A 4x breaker horizontal above the panel breakers. All the branch breakers are full size, so would not be a huge problem to double a few to make room for a 30A genny breaker. Don't need anymore than that to sustain the critical items.

Found one kit here - http://www.interlockkit.com/product_p/k-1010.htm
Also here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014BXH9QE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Any recommendations appreciated.

Panel Label attached.

 

[tdkkart]

My system has a 50A breaker in the main panel feeding a subpanel holding the "critical" circuits. The power to the subpanel is interrupted by a knife switch, making the input to the subpanel switchable between the main panel or the generator plug outside. Simple and works fine.

 

[loganb]

I am also going the interlock breaker route, actually pulling the wire from panel to junction box where the plug will go this weekend.

I looked at a manual transfer switch, staying away from it as was limited on the amperage of the breakers and wanted greater flexibility on what gets juice. My subdivision is all fed with underground power so outages are rare but I'd rather be prepared.

I have a Sense power meter monitor box on my main panel so I can easily see what demand is, 5kw would serve about 70% of my needs and 10kw would be able to handle most everything as long as we were careful about when we used the stove, oven, dryer and AC. I had been thinking about a more permanent Generac style unit but the power requirement isn't there and would rather have more flexibility with portable(but large) generators that take more work to get setup when needed

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[pattenp]

Go to the Geninterlock site. The interlock is $5 cheaper than getting it through Amazon.

 

[89MustangGX]

Have used both brands (I think!). The one I used on my panel is metal, the one on my brother's is plastic. Both function the exact same way. I thought I wouldn't like the plastic but it was the only one I found for his panel. BUT, it's pretty tough stuff and I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

Pretty easy to install. I remember it taking a few minutes to get the sliding part just right, but other than that it is literally drilling a few holes, screwing it in, and labeling it with the included stickers. The rest is no different than running a circuit.

I ran them outside to a generator input plug like this:
http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PB30

Have used everything several times and it is one of the best upgrades I have made. It functions exactly how it's supposed to. It's safe. It's quick to use. And it allows me full control to run whatever I want when the power is out.

Happy to answer any more questions.

Adam

 

[nadogail]

Being in a similar situation, I am following this subject.