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Started By
Message
Transfer Switch for Generators?
Posted on 9/9/21 at 7:14 am
Posted on 9/9/21 at 7:14 am
How many has hooked up their generator to a transfer switch and what type of connection did your generator have for this?
4
Posted on 9/9/21 at 7:47 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
I'm getting one installed next Friday. My generator has a 50 amp plug, so putting a 50 amp receptacle on my house. I'm actually not getting a transfer switch, but instead an interlock lockout installed.
A transfer switch moves a set number of breakers to a separate box and within that sub panel, power is supplied by the main lines or the generator, but no way both can be connected at the same time. Only the breakers in that sub panel can be powered though. So you have to decide then what you want to backfeed.
The interlock kit makes it so that your whole panel can be back-fed, but still locks out the main power when the generator is selected. It's cheaper as well. I can manually select what breakers I want on to not overload my generator and can change them if I need, such as shutting the AC down to run the dryer.
This was all suggested by the electrician I contacted to do the work. Still not cheap having an electrician come out, but saved 300+ just on the transfer switch box.
A transfer switch moves a set number of breakers to a separate box and within that sub panel, power is supplied by the main lines or the generator, but no way both can be connected at the same time. Only the breakers in that sub panel can be powered though. So you have to decide then what you want to backfeed.
The interlock kit makes it so that your whole panel can be back-fed, but still locks out the main power when the generator is selected. It's cheaper as well. I can manually select what breakers I want on to not overload my generator and can change them if I need, such as shutting the AC down to run the dryer.
This was all suggested by the electrician I contacted to do the work. Still not cheap having an electrician come out, but saved 300+ just on the transfer switch box.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 9:48 am to Jon A thon
quote:
interlock lockout
This and a 30 amp receptacle is my plan. I already have it in my Amazon wish list. $145 total for the lockout, receptacle, and a 25' 30 amp extension cord.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 9:52 am to Jon A thon
I had the interlock switch put in recently,wish I had done it years ago.Beats the hell out of having extension cords running all over the place.
I know several people that have done the “suicide” cord and back feed through dryer outlet but I never had the nerve to do it that way.
I know several people that have done the “suicide” cord and back feed through dryer outlet but I never had the nerve to do it that way.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 9:56 am to LSUA 75
Just curious… whats the difference in using the dryer plug vs interlock kit? Why is interlock safer?
Posted on 9/9/21 at 10:00 am to Uncle JackD
interlok doesn't allow the power to go back onto the grid. so people working on fixing power dont get electrocuted.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 10:17 am to Hermit Crab
So why the name suicide cord?
Posted on 9/9/21 at 10:31 am to Jon A thon
quote:
Jon A thon
You in BR area by any chance? If so would you want to share the name of the electrician? Looking to have the same thing done.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 10:34 am to Uncle JackD
Because you have 2 male ends.
Touch one end while powered and you'll have a bad time.
The interlock kit/power inlet box is the way to go imo. It was pretty cheap. Most expensive part was the romex. It was also very simple on my end since my main breaker is outside on its own box with a 30a double breaker for the a/c. I was able to just bump that breaker down, put in another and I was done.
If I'm in the same house in a few years, I may upgrade the generator for one with a 50a plug, then just swap out the circuit breaker, 10ga wire for 6ga, and a new inlet box.
Touch one end while powered and you'll have a bad time.
The interlock kit/power inlet box is the way to go imo. It was pretty cheap. Most expensive part was the romex. It was also very simple on my end since my main breaker is outside on its own box with a 30a double breaker for the a/c. I was able to just bump that breaker down, put in another and I was done.
If I'm in the same house in a few years, I may upgrade the generator for one with a 50a plug, then just swap out the circuit breaker, 10ga wire for 6ga, and a new inlet box.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 10:53 am to Uncle JackD
quote:
So why the name suicide cord?
Imagine the dryer end of this cord coming unplugged while the generator is running...
Posted on 9/9/21 at 11:10 am to Shexter
Got it. Just something I always was curious about.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 11:12 am to Uncle JackD
Yep, that's why I didn't suicide cord with three kids running around the house. One of them trips on it, and that gets deadly quickly. Those three prong dryer plugs slip out way too easily.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 11:13 am to Shexter
This is what I would like to install too. Would using the 30 amp output allow me to run my electric water heater?
Posted on 9/9/21 at 11:18 am to Jon A thon
Thanks for the info. I just need to make sure the generator I get has a NEMA L14-30R twist lock receptacle. Is this correct?
Also I have an unused 240v/20amp breaker than is unused. It is for a future sewer pump that may never be used. I have an outside box for it. Can I use this in any way?
Also I have an unused 240v/20amp breaker than is unused. It is for a future sewer pump that may never be used. I have an outside box for it. Can I use this in any way?
Posted on 9/9/21 at 11:22 am to CrawDude
quote:
You in BR area by any chance? If so would you want to share the name of the electrician? Looking to have the same thing done.
I'm in Texas, but was quoted $925. That's a lot for just the interlock, but I have a full panel and already have had to get a sub panel installed, so they have to move some breakers from the main panel to the sub just to make room for the 50 amp breaker that my generator will feed through.
quote:
Just curious… whats the difference in using the dryer plug vs interlock kit? Why is interlock safer?
2 things. First is the dual male ends which can be dangerous. 2nd is there is a physical barrier with the interlock that makes it impossible to have the main power and generator power on at the same time (without physically breaking it). In many areas, code requires this. Protects your generator from getting hit with power from the main lines and maybe getting fried and catching fire, but also protects linemen from thinking a line should be dead, but getting surprised by it being energized by a generator.
This post was edited on 9/9/21 at 11:26 am
Posted on 9/9/21 at 12:28 pm to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
I installed a Reliance transfer switch a few years ago and glad I did. It's not a whole house system but provides power to most everything with the load viewable on the switch panel.
It looks good and operating it is simple with safe guards built in switching from line to generator.
It looks good and operating it is simple with safe guards built in switching from line to generator.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 12:57 pm to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
I’m an electrician with LUS, Jon made some good points but also would add one of the issues we seen with the interlock kits is people need to be mindful of load management
most of the time 30 amp inlet box is installed so making sure that heavy load items like water heater/stove and AC. breakers are off BEFORE turning on the generator.
and being careful not to turn them on while you’re running other items also
(Tell the wife before hand you can’t run the whole house on 30 amps
)
Both systems have some pros and cons the interlock is the cheaper option
But a gen. panel can be run on a smaller generator
The electrician doing the install should ask you what items within your home you would like to run and explain the best option for your situation.
most of the time 30 amp inlet box is installed so making sure that heavy load items like water heater/stove and AC. breakers are off BEFORE turning on the generator.
and being careful not to turn them on while you’re running other items also
(Tell the wife before hand you can’t run the whole house on 30 amps
) Both systems have some pros and cons the interlock is the cheaper option
But a gen. panel can be run on a smaller generator
The electrician doing the install should ask you what items within your home you would like to run and explain the best option for your situation.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 2:18 pm to No8Easy2
In my new house my main disconnect is outside where the panel is in the garage.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 2:35 pm to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
i have a 50 amp suicide cord that i've never used. i realized i drink too much to be fricking around with that thing.
Posted on 9/9/21 at 5:13 pm to Uncle JackD
quote:
Just curious… whats the difference in using the dryer plug vs interlock kit?
For all intents and purposes, there is no difference in functionality.
quote:
Why is interlock safer?
The interlock forces you to turn your main breaker off before you can turn the power on from your generator. So its impossible to backfeed the utility company.
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