Home Generators

[dave1949]

I just finished building my place a few months ago and wired my panel for this exact thing.... I actually found out about it on another post on TBN. It's called a generator interlock kit and it's UL listed. Generator InterLock Kit - Introduction

At $150 it's certainly worth the cost for me to manage the power load myself versus having a transfer switch that's sized for the generator.

I think it is a great solution. I like the simplicity. Plus, with the usual transfer switches, you have to pre-select which circuits the generator can power. With the lockout, you aren't "locked-in" to a given set of circuits.

Dave

 

[LBrown59]

cord with male plugs on both ends.
I let it run the fridge and freezer, TV and sat. receiver and whatever lights we need on, the ceiling fan and if we need it the attic fan. We don't try the microwave oven.

Never put male plugs on each end of an electric cord.

 

[Gomez]

Never put male plugs on each end of an electric cord.

aka "Suicide Cord"

 

[Bedlam]

whats the alternative?

 

[Willl]

whats the alternative?

Killing a lineman.

But then again, maybe not.

Your roll........

 

[Bedlam]

By alternative I meant to previous post about the two male end on a cord.A double male end is neccesary when you backfeed. So I can understand how the male end would be energized at one point as it plugged it. Thats what I was referencing.

 

[charlz]

By alternative I meant to previous post about the two male end on a cord.A double male end is neccesary when you backfeed. So I can understand how the male end would be energized at one point as it plugged it. Thats what I was referencing.

Use a recessed male outlet for the generator connection point:

 

[Bedlam]

but the generator has a female on it from factory even the one pictured would be scarey when live no protection fro fingers getting into it

 

[charlz]

but the generator has a female on it from factory even the one pictured would be scarey when live no protection fro fingers getting into it

Except it never has power going to it... unless the generator is plugged into it... that's the purpose of the mechanical lockout which only allows this plug to be 'in circuit' when the mains is off and the circuit breaker to this plug is then turned on.

 

[RonMar]

Except it never has power going to it... unless the generator is plugged into it... that's the purpose of the mechanical lockout which only allows this plug to be 'in circuit' when the mains is off and the circuit breaker to this plug is then turned on.

Mine is wired the same way with a similar male plug in a box connected to the generator backfeed breaker in the main panel. The interlock in the main panel prevents this breaker from being energized while the main breaker is on. You physically have to turn off the main breaker to slide the plate that will release the generator backfeed breaker from it's off position. This plate, once slid, then physically locks the main breaker in the off position untill the generator breaker is turned back off. The genertor is connected to the house using a standard extension cord with male(plugged into generator outlet) and female(plugged into the above pictured male backfeed receptical) ends... This type receptical and the interlock kit can be installed by a competent person(understands panel wiring) for around $200. I would guess that an electrician could probably do it for you for under $350-$400 as it is not a very labor or material intensive job... The biggest advantage is that it allows you the flexibility to send your generator power wherever your main power panel already feeds throughout your house. IMO, the most cost effective way to backup power a home...