Electrical connection for generator (in fuse box) - info, docs or links wanted

Jun 08, 2007 24 Replies

Were do you guys get the idea that the transfer interlock has to be automatic and external to the circuit breaker panel. There are transfer interlocks available from at least two manufacturers that are manually operated and are installed inside the panel's enclosing cabinet. The include a manual means that prevents the simultaneous closing of both the main and the generator circuit breakers.

Well, sometimes you pretty much know how but you prefer to see it spelled out and drawn out ;-)

At any rate, do you know anywhere which shows the procedure to hook up a generator feed IN to the fuse box, such that I can disconnect via the main, from the local utility?

It really doesn't seem that complicated. It's just the kind of thing you just don't want to get WRONG ... LOL

Any info or links on this?

I can understand what devices would need to do, BUT, I need to know just HOW to do it :)

If you get an interlock device and you can free up the other 2 slots it needs you simply connect a MALE recepatcle near the generator connected to the appropriate breaker in the magic slots. You need a cable with a male on the generator end and a female on the house end. Just be sure you get the correct interlock kit and the interlock requires turning off the generator breaker before the main can be turned on and vice versa. If the breakers are not directly across from each other this will be the expensive kit. Safer is always to hire someone who is qualified.

. Can't recall anyone saying it had to be 'automatic'! Just that there should be an interlock. Some who posted feel that the interlock would be some sort of device 'between' the meter of the incoming utility electric supply and the fuse panel. There may be other ways of doing it within the circuit panel, as mentioned by Tom Horne. Some 40+ years ago I had a Pushmatic Panel that would have been ideal. It had two breakers in the input section . If those two could have been interlocked mechanically in some manner so that manually they could not both be 'on line' at same time it would have been safe. The OP keeps asking 'What is needed'? Considering the manner of asking hope that someone competent is hired to do the actual work!

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