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Trying to set up interlock switch. Large distance between main and generator breaker.

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ukiltmybrutha

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Hello,

I am having a hard enough time trying to envision setting this thing up since most videos and instructions are geared for the main to be at the top only to take a measurement and notice that the distance between the main and the breaker intended to be used for the generator is about 4 inches away.

All of the products that I see on Amazon seem to be geared to 2 inches or less.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

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ukiltmybrutha

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mike93lx said:
Looks just like my homeline panel that I added an interlock kit to. Buy the square d one, not a generic POS
Click to expand...
Sure does. What is the distance between the main and the 2 breakers at the left? Would you mind slinging me a link to the one that you bought please? Thank you.
 
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mike93lx

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ukiltmybrutha said:
Sure does. What is the distance between the main and the 2 breakers at the left? Would you mind slinging me a link to the one that you bought please? Thank you.
Click to expand...
I may have to walk back my generic POS comment...well at least the generic part. Quality of the kit i bought us fine

Generator Interlock Kit Compatible with Square D Electric HOMCGK2C Homeline Cover Generator and QOM2 Frame Size Main Breaker Interlock Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMYKVFF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The grey strip between the main and the generator breaker is 1-3/8". Looks the same as yours
 
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ukiltmybrutha

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jeepxj said:
www.geninterlock.com

Square D 51701 Homeline Interlock Kit 200A | GenInterlock

Square D 51701 and 51702 generator interlock kits for Homeline 150-200 amp panels. OEM quality, MET listed, hardware included. Ships fast.
www.geninterlock.com

that measurement they show seem right for yours?
Click to expand...
Sorry missed this post. I see how you are measuring this. Is the way that you showed the standard way of measuring things e.g. at the panel? Thank you.
 
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ukiltmybrutha

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mike93lx said:
I may have to walk back my generic POS comment...well at least the generic part. Quality of the kit i bought us fine

Generator Interlock Kit Compatible with Square D Electric HOMCGK2C Homeline Cover Generator and QOM2 Frame Size Main Breaker Interlock Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMYKVFF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The grey strip between the main and the generator breaker is 1-3/8". Looks the same as yours
Click to expand...

Thank you. So it looks to be all about the grey stip. I was thinking just my luck...another science project is all that I need in my life. :)
 
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ukiltmybrutha

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mike93lx said:
Whats with the lock shackle on that breaker?
Click to expand...
I have been wondering that forever and I finally got around to googling the right term....

diy.stackexchange.com

Safety hook on double pole circuit breakers

My home was built two years ago, so I would expect everything to have been done up to code. The problem is that I don't know what the metal ring in this photo is. It loops over the double pole circ...
diy.stackexchange.com diy.stackexchange.com

Yep, mine is 1 3/8 like yours....just ordered the POS lol. I hope it "I" hope it's not too much a pain to install. At least I have your pictures. Appreciated.
 
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mike93lx

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Oh, I get the purpose, just curious why you have it. Looks like you don't know either :) probably was just in stock at the time. I see another in your panel too
 
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ukiltmybrutha

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mike93lx said:
Oh, I get the purpose, just curious why you have it. Looks like you don't know either :) probably was just in stock at the time. I see another in your panel too
Click to expand...
Well it's somewhat of a distance between the device(s) and the A/C OSU and Water Heater.....several hundred feet. Maybe the last person installed it in an abundance of caution...maybe it is standard practice during installations over here....maybe like you said...it was just in stock.
 
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mike93lx

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ukiltmybrutha said:
Well it's somewhat of a distance between the device(s) and the A/C OSU and Water Heater.....several hundred feet. Maybe the last person installed it in an abundance of caution...maybe it is standard practice during installations over here....maybe like you said...it was just in stock.
Click to expand...
They should both have disconnects at the equipment.. If they don't, I'd get some installed
 
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mike93lx

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wyliesdiesels said:
looks like you bought the wrong interlock.... is the one you have listed and labeled for your panel? probably not
Click to expand...
Who are you referring to? Guessing me?

I did buy a knock off, but it first perfectly fine and is simply a few pieces of bent metal. Functions as designed and is not the "wrong one"

The square d version is 3x the cost. I chose not to go that route but would advocate that anyone else does go that route.
 
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mike93lx

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dcg9381 said:
There are definitely better interlock kits out there. https://interlockkit.com Makes some nice stuff. They can even do "custom". I've got solar and needed to lock out two double pole breakers (main and solar).
Click to expand...
Better than what? The one I have functions perfectly fine. You can't turn the generator on when the main is on and the hold down fits properly. Not sure what better would be
 
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dcg9381

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mike93lx said:
Better than what? The one I have functions perfectly fine. You can't turn the generator on when the main is on and the hold down fits properly. Not sure what better would be
Click to expand...
Fit and finish thing perhaps. Stainless hardware. The kits above come with drill bits, templates, threadlock - pretty darn hard to screw up. I'm not one to argue that you can't get the same legal function at a fraction of the cost.
 
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mike93lx

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dcg9381 said:
Fit and finish thing perhaps. Stainless hardware. The kits above come with drill bits, templates, threadlock - pretty darn hard to screw up. I'm not one to argue that you can't get the same legal function at a fraction of the cost.
Click to expand...
I hope I don't need stainless hardware. Theres plenty in the box that would corrode faster than a zinc played screw. :)

In this case, the edges aren't sharp and the template was sufficient for drilling three holes with my own cheap drill bits

Like I said, I'd encourage anyone to go genuine. Do as I say, not as I do, and all that
 
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ukiltmybrutha

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mike93lx said:
I hope I don't need stainless hardware. Theres plenty in the box that would corrode faster than a zinc played screw. :)

In this case, the edges aren't sharp and the template was sufficient for drilling three holes with my own cheap drill bits

Like I said, I'd encourage anyone to go genuine. Do as I say, not as I do, and all that
Click to expand...
I have no problem going generic. I saw that it fits so I am going to run with it!
 
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wyliesdiesels

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mike93lx said:
Who are you referring to? Guessing me?

I did buy a knock off, but it first perfectly fine and is simply a few pieces of bent metal. Functions as designed and is not the "wrong one"

The square d version is 3x the cost. I chose not to go that route but would advocate that anyone else does go that route.
Click to expand...
nevermind. i was referring to the OP but looked at the wrong picture.
 
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nadogail

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If the correct parts are on hand and you can’t make the unit work, either the parts are not right or the technician is doing something incorrectly.
 
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sparky 1971

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mike93lx said:
Looks just like my homeline panel that I added an interlock kit to. Buy the square d one, not a generic POS
Click to expand...
It looks a little crooked to me. I suggest a panel change, at least a new cover.

I've installed both Square D and generic interlocks on Square D panels, the same goes for Siemens. They work equally well and are both easy to install. Not sure if there was a listing on the generic interlocks, but if the OE manufacturers can't supply them or the supply houses can't get them, a guy has to do something to git 'r done.
 
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mike93lx

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sparky 1971 said:
It looks a little crooked to me. I suggest a panel change, at least a new cover.

I've installed both Square D and generic interlocks on Square D panels, the same goes for Siemens. They work equally well and are both easy to install. Not sure if there was a listing on the generic interlocks, but if the OE manufacturers can't supply them or the supply houses can't get them, a guy has to do something to git 'r done.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I probably messed up on one of the holes, C'est la vie, but I have a full demolition of the house scheduled and will make it right in the new build
 
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Innovate1

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I just got done putting an OEM one on my Homeline panel. Got it off ebay for almost exactly the amazon price. It looks just like the one Mike posted so I found the package label to see if it was OEM or a knock off. It is OEM. That said I wouldn't be worried about a knock off if it fit well. It's just a sliding piece of metal. It's not like it carries any current.
 
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60sMotorHead

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Old thread but always relevant. My friend would need an interlock for a vertical throw main.. more complicated as it's far from where the generator breaker would be. I hope to move the top right doubles down two spaces and put the generator breaker at top right. Friend is waiting for another quote to install a 400a manual transfer switch, which I think is a waste for a 10kva generator. Interlockkit can make one for about $400... which would definitely be less than $11,000 quoted by one guy to install a $1500 Ronk 7416 transfer switch.
 

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mike93lx

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60sMotorHead said:
Old thread but always relevant. My friend would need an interlock for a vertical throw main.. more complicated as it's far from where the generator breaker would be. I hope to move the top right doubles down two spaces and put the generator breaker at top right. Friend is waiting for another quote to install a 400a manual transfer switch, which I think is a waste for a 10kva generator. Interlockkit can make one for about $400... which would definitely be less than $11,000 quoted by one guy to install a $1500 Ronk 7416 transfer switch.
Click to expand...
Interlock kit will custom make them? Had no idea... Edit... Until I reread this thread and realized that was previously mentioned
 
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mike93lx

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wyliesdiesels said:
I doubt it would go thru NRTL testing to be listed for that panel.
Click to expand...
From their site:

We are proud to have proven products! Wyle Labs – now Element is the original testing lab, granting Interlock Kit certification to retrofit to UL 67 Panelboards. Today, the Interlock Kit line is tested by Eurofins – MET Laboratories, twice annually, for UL compliance.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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mike93lx said:
From their site:

We are proud to have proven products! Wyle Labs – now Element is the original testing lab, granting Interlock Kit certification to retrofit to UL 67 Panelboards. Today, the Interlock Kit line is tested by Eurofins – MET Laboratories, twice annually, for UL compliance.
Click to expand...
Right. Thats for product lines stocked on the shelf or custom made interlocks only made at customers request?
 
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dscheidt

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mike93lx said:
They should both have disconnects at the equipment.. If they don't, I'd get some installed
Click to expand...
Water heaters are allowed to have a permanently installed loto hasp in residential applications, so are dishwashers.
 
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