Easy home generator interlock kit installation guide. Here is what I used... Interlock Kit amzn.to/3gkGuwv Power Inlet Box amzn.to/3zzbhgS Generator Power Cord amzn.to/3pP7UxK
Since the generator is going to be outside does the back fed breaker in the panel need to be a GFCI rated? Or does the generator itself have some sort of GFCI protection on it's breaker...
Great job. Installed an interlock myself years ago for hurricane season here in FL. The benefit is this allows me to choose which circuit I want to power unlike a transfer switch which limits you to the circuits that the transfer switch allows. I can power off some to allow me to power others through out the house but have a large enough portable generator to power the whole house if I choose. Better choice.
Thank you for making this video! I live in Maine and we just lost power last week in an ice storm for 3 days, so I had generator cords running through the house, on top of that, the heat pump on the second floor didn’t work because it’s directly wired to the box. We have another storm coming this week and all the electricians in the area are booked. This was easy to follow and now my family and I have peace of mind for future storms. Thank you!
I added a 50 amp breaker with 6/3 wire to outside 50amp plug. I turn main breaker off and open all breakers, start generator, then close breakers one by one. The only 220v breaker I close is my electric water heater. All other 110 breakers closed and my generator ran my entire house for 5 days ..not one single overload. My generator is a ryobi 6500/8250W. My generator only has the 30 amp plug. I used 50amp wiring because I plan to upgrade to a 12kw propane generator in the future. I bought the ryobi during an ice storm and had to drive 6 hour round trip to get it!
Easy peasy! Thanks for the video did mines in no time. I would have felt dumb paying for it. I want to thank the 2 different electricians that never showed up lol. I was waiting for months.
Nice my man, you actually gave me the courage along with the advice about checking with building codes along with the inspector. I am a retired Air Force Network Engineer required to clean HUGE POWER DISTRIBUTION BARS that powered large areas. I was so afraid to install this generator kit. All I can say is your calm personality and thorough not so chatty video set me straight. Thank you my friend. Shout out from USAF!
Thanks for Posting this, Watched a Couple Videos to see what a Non Electrician RU-vidr would do, They Show Suicide Cords, Lot of Dangerous Stuff. Interlock kit with a Power Inlet Box is the Best, Cheapest, Most Efficient, Safest way to do. The little 8-12 circuit Panels that allow Some Circuits a choice of Generator or Power Company, not worth it. The Power Inlet/Interlock kit allows ANY circuits to be used provided Generator Has the Power. Leave ALL 120 volt circuits On to have lighting everywhere, turn Lights/Fan off when not in that room. Do turn off 120/240 Volt Circuits not needed. A guy showing Suicide Cord, and possible back feeding if Installer not Present when Power Restored. Couldn't leave a Negative or help him from Killing people, as he has Comments Turned off(Probably because People kept calling him an Idiot). Thanks for showing the Correct Way. I am an Installer of Whole House Generators with Automatic Transfer Switch. Your Video helps the Majority of Home Owners. Thanks Again
What is a reasonable price for a Electrician to do this work? 1) Wiring & mounting of outlet outside for 30A 120/220 socket for Predator 9500 backup generator 2) Add 30 A breaker for generator to basement service box. 3) Fuse box interlock Kit. Best way to find one?
Awesome job! One thing I would suggest is to add some silicone around the hole so it makes a seal between the vinyl siding and box so that water doesn't get inside the hole.
Thank you! I been searching for a video to show how to install one of the box. Your video was perfect. I feel more comfortable if I decide to do it myself.
great video….. i bought these exact parts and installing them now…. i need a side by side interlock bracket but other than that its working out great thank you for this great video
I gave him a Like because of all the videos I watched, he was the only one to show and explain where the white, red and black wires go into the socket and why. 👍
Fascinating. A video for people with a vocabulary and comprehension level who would already know how to do it. It's not for people like me who don't know the vocabulary or don't know how to do the process. So, it's so interesting the logic behind instruction for people who don't need it because they already have the knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension to do it themselves.
This is not a beginner video. There are other videos that give you the basics of electrical work. If you do not have the vocabulary to understand simple terms such as a "ground wire" for example, then you should not be working anywhere near your electrical panel. Suggest sticking to some basic things like how to tie shoelaces.
You should not be working on electrical unless you have the basic skills. You can create a fire hazard that will burn down your house. Please call a licensed electrician. Not everything can be done from watching a RU-vid video.
This was a good video and very clear instructions. There are a few steps missing which I would add, and one code violation. 1) code requires that an additional tie down be installed on the generator breaker. If you can remove the panel cover and pull on the generator breakers and they pop out; that’s a code violation. Need to add something else to retain the breakers in place. Could use a screw or zip tie depending on panel design. It’s not sufficient to only use panel cover to hold breakers in place when the breakers are being backfed. 2) I would suggest adding caulking behind the inlet box to reduce water infiltration into hole in house. 3) need to test main breaker to insure that in the off position that no voltage is present on the main buss bar. Use a volt meter. Don’t assume it’s working. 4) need to test generator breaker to insure that in off position that no voltage on wires. Don’t assume it’s working.
Neil, I have always been confused about the rules for NM-B wire and outdoor use. I know it can't be used in a conduit outside, but for a run that goes from inside the house to outside (like to the generator inlet port), does that qualify for the NM-B being "outside"? Would you know about this? Thanks.
Excellent video. I have a transfer box for my generator. I've unfortunately had to use it a few times since Katrina. Its worked well up until recently. Transfer boxes have a set number of breakers, as I've had work done on my home to upgrade it I've added more breakers so all of them are not wired to my transfer box. I am definitely switching to this interlock as it powers the entire panel. I'll use an electrician. Thanks for the info.
I have an interlock and had to use my generator (5KW) several times since I put it in. People think it is expensive but if there is a free dual pole breaker in the service panel, the actual installation is very easy install and should be only about 2 hours of labor but people have told me that electricians wanted to charge them $2000 to $3000. My install, complete with all parts was less than $500 including the professional electrician.
2 things to mention in addition to your video...a specific gen-lockout kit can be purchased for the various types of panels...they are not all the same. The other thing is the screw in the bottom of the receptacle box does not need to be completely removed. The cover slides off after the screw is loosened.
I did this installation a few months ago and it was surprisingly easy, effective and more importantly safe. I really like being able to choose which breakers are going to be powered by the generator.
@@michaelfox7142 Move those circuits at the top to the bottom if you have the open slots. If your panel is full then you have some other decisions / considerations to make.
TY 4 THIS !!!!!!! After hours of Sifting the garbage dump of videos out here and click bait junk, It's a breath of Fresh air to Finally find this VID which shows explicitly the interlock and gives concise information without all the fluff and nonsense.
Great video. Thank you for posting. I went this route for my generator but not DIY. I paid a licensed electrician to install the lockout kit, install the 240 outlet outside to feed the electricity from the generator to the main breaker panel (and thus the house) and install the 10/3 wire. It is the least inexpensive way to have a safe and legal way to power your house with a generator, imho AND I can verify that it works just fine! Thanks again for posting this video.
@@flannelguydiy6458 ok. Thanks. I’ve been looking at a 9000 watt generator, 11,500 starting I think. Great video btw. Very easy to understand. I’d definitely hire an electrician to do this though. Also, I’ve been looking at a device that you hook up to the meter and plug it in there. Just dont know if it’s code in my state.
Nice job man! 'everyday man' says he is an electrician, yet uses a suicide cord, which can be a very dangerous thing to do. You did a professional job. with the transfer plate and not needing a widow- maker cord. again great work. When I get a power failure, I find out how long it will be out. if I need power, I shut off disconnect under the meter and in the house also.I then plug into the dryer and gen, with its breaker off so I don't start under load. I am very careful, BUT I know you have a safer set-up.
This is probably the best video I've seen about this. Very well explained. About how much would an electrician charge to install it ? Is the whole house powered or just what's on that one breaker ? No one answer please except Flannel Guy DIY.
An electrician will charge at least $750 for this including the parts. Maybe more. You can power as much as what your generator can support. If you have a 6000 watt generator, then you should make sure you are not using that much in the house. Dont use your AC unit and keep most things off. Run your refrigerators, basic lights, WIFI, TV, etc. Be careful using hair dryers and microwaves
This is so simple. thanks. I could actually use an unused dryer outlet wiring in the garage, changing out the receptacle for an inlet box. and of course putting the generator outside!
Your idea, I believe, would allow you to connect a running genset, WITHOUT first turning off the main feed breaker. This would allow backfeed , & potentially shocking someone working on the outside lines.
Great video. Nice step by step. Please consider using an insulated electricians screwdriver! ALWAYS check for power on and off with a pre-verified meter.
You sound like you know a lot about electrical work. Maybe you could answer a question I have, if the breaker you need next to the main breaker for the lockout kit is already used. You would have to move it to make room for the 30 amp generator breaker ?
Thanks for the great video. You mentioned you were reluctant to turn off the main breaker because of computers operating in the house. I would hope that you have them on an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). APC makes an outstanding unit (NS1250) that makes battery replacement (typically every 5 years) easy. The battery spacer design is brilliant!
Thank you for the clear tutorial on a safe way to supply power. Since this will not supply 240 volts for air conditioning units or any other 240 apparatus - mentioned in a previous comment/reply - is it a must that you click off the breaker to those units? I think so. Although I think someone earlier wrote that they just wouldn’t work, not a problem to keep the breaker on. Can you please clarify your opinion.. I was leaning towards installing a manual transfer switch even though it limits the number of circuits it would feed. But how many basic things do we need powered? As you know, flipping the switch on a properly installed manual transfer switch safety feeds selected circuits and locks out backfeed to the street and not jeopardizing the lives of utility workers. Thank you again. It is a top instructional.
@@lancefredrickson4791 im no electrician but wouldnt the wiring be a limitation as well? The 10/3 wire is rated for 30 amps so regardless of how much the generator is capable of you have to be mindful not to overload the wire
I think that I probably didn’t word my question correctly or clearly . What I was told outside of this discussion is that most portable generators wouldn’t supply enough amperage for central air conditioning.
Limitation is by the breaker. Breaker is installed to protect the wire not the equipment. But yes you would be limited to 30 amps but still 220v is available. It is possible the air conditioner could be less than that. Split unit air conditioners could be less depending on tonnage could.
Very nice. Though I would have liked to see at least a 1ft service loop for that Romex feed, and a 'while in use' weatherproof cover for the power inlet. I love that breaker safety clip, that's one hell of an invention.
Really well done video. The only thing I would have done different is to put in a 50 amp breaker and wire the inlet box accordingly. (number 6 wire) This way you are set if you ever upsize your generator.
@@musicaljc The generator itself has it's own breaker for protection. By putting in proper size wiring and upping the breaker at the house panel, this allows you to run a 10 or 12kw if you want to. You are doing the work anyway...the additional cost is minimal.
Yes you can upsize wire safely but you cannot upsize a breaker if you aren't using the additional amps. Breakers are supposed to trip before anything burns. Too big of a breaker and wires burn instead of breakers popping.
Did the same thing the year before Sandy, I added one more thing an emergency Light above the Panel so when the electricity goes out the light above the panel comes on for safety.
Suggestion.... I wouldn’t hold the metal part of your screw driver while in a hot panel. I know the breaker was off, but it’s good practice just to hold the insulated part of screw driver. Besides that good video.
@@arsenaultken insulated tools are a much better choice. I work in panels that it’s impossible to shut down to work on them. If I don’t have any insulated tools with me I will put electrical tape on the metal.
Thank you Flannel Guy! Very well presented and professional. Question? Do I have to use the 10/3 or can I use two 10g wires from box into 30A breaker? Most likely, will use what you used as It makes more sense. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Cheers from Michigan.
This may have already been answered already but I just found your video today...great job, by the way. Enjoyed the step by step explanation. Where did you get that awesome wire stripper?
They used to give one away with a roll of Romex but you can get them in the Big Box store. DO NOT use that tool on a 3 conductor 12 as it will cut into the conductors, it's only for use on a flat cable.
Thanks for the video. On my panel I dont have a 30amp double near the top of my main for the interlock. I assume I would have to move the existing breaker to another location then install.
Excellent video. Just to mention too the inter lock kits are specific to the type of elect. panel you have. Your kit and the provided link above being specific to the Square D panel. When I did mine I installed a watt meter before I made the final connection to the panel which comes in handy for monitoring the load on both the hot feeds and total demand on the generator.
@@patrickgarrison8847 Sorry no I don't have any pics of the install but it was pretty straight forward. After I left that reply I checked online and Reliance Controls has discontinued the MB75 watt meter that I installed and now offers the WP7500.
I just replaced the box on the outside of my house with the plug inlet for the generator and a toggle switch that would turn off electric power from the electric company at the same time you turn on the switch to the generator. Home Depot sells the replacement box. It also supplies power to the whole house just as it would from the electric company
Did you have extra available circuit breakers already in the panel that had no wires hooked up to them so you could dedicate them to the generator hook up?
The question I have is when you wired up from plug to 30 amp breaker does this only supply power to the side you have the 30 amp double breaker installed or does it supply the whole panel including the other circuit breakers.without changing breakers to the 30 amp double breaker.This video is Outstanding and made my decision to add these linked parts to my cart not yet purchased until your answer.
On a tri fuel generator using natural gas Is it better to run a long gas line or long cable connection to panel or does it matter? Hope that makes sense. Concerned that long gas line will reduce pressure somehow with long 40-50 ft hose.
Thank you. Well presented and to the point. On question. If I use individual wires vs Romex do they have to be run in conduit from the generator inlet to the breaker box?
Install an interlock, 30 amp breaker, 10 gauge wiring, and 4-prong inlet. Passed inspection. Ran the house on generator power and everything worked well. Ready for power outages without hassle of extension cords. Thanks for sharing.
Just got a Genmax 9000ied this week. Looking to do the Same, but wondering if it can be done with a 50 amp breaker? Plan to get an additional generator to run in Parallel in the future, if it’s needed and wanted it to be on a 50 amp.
My home is off grid so I use a transfer switch at the inverter . I use a generator about 15-20 hours per winter. I use a propane powered genset because gasoline goes bad. The other 340 or so days the wind and sun keep things humming.
So the interlock is just to make sure that if the generator breaker is ON the main entrance breaker is OFF and it prevents both from being on at the same time. Do I have that right?
Before you buy the interlock and install it, check with your building dept. Many municipalities do not allow them. They will require either a manual transfer switch or automatic transfer switch, depending on the generator selected. They usually require you to switch the neutral also.
Nice video. I personally don’t have the room in my box for this set up. I wish I did.. I have to add the additional box on my end. BTW please make sure to turn the power main off it is safer if your not so experienced. Thank you 🙏
@@lts30000 2 pole breakers are required for the generator feed in most cases. This is so you make sure you are energizing both bus bars of panel. Tandem breakers are similar to 2 pole but don’t have a handle tie between the two and they only take up one space. Tandems are specific for 2 separate 120v circuits. They give the ability to convert 1 space into 2 circuits.
@@lts30000 no real negative effects. All houses have some. Main issue is making sure you have the correct wire size for breakers and load. If you don’t you can run into serious issues.
I have 2 main panel boxes inside my home that both have a 200 amp main breaker. How do I wire my 6500Watt power generator to cover portions of both panels using an Interlock kit? Can I splice the wire from the Inlet Box to run to both panels, or do I need 2 generators using one generator for each panel?
