An interlock kit is great if you want to supply the power to your entire circuit breaker panel, and you can be an economical choice compared to separate an external transfer switch. You need to follow the below step for depicting an interlock kit installation and an older hammer main circuit breaker that protects your electric power panel. Remember, before you planning a generator interlock kit installation; you need to permit your town building department.
If you follow the below steps, I think you completely install a generator interlock without hassles. You will also find your answer on how to install a generator interlock kit. So, without delay, let’s get started.
How to Install Generator Interlock Kit
Above is what a cutler hammer circuit breaker panel that looks like prior to the installation interlock kit. The interlock kit CH panel requires three spaces on the top of the right. For installing an interlock kit, you may need some few spaces in your main electric circuit panel as a 2 pole 30 amp or two poles 50 amp circuit breaker panel that will need to be installed adjacent of the main breaker.
However, the two-pole breaker will be connected to the incoming power from the portable generator. The two-pole breaker generally needs for the two breaker pole generator power. The generator interlocks kits are available for many new electric panels from the original manufacturer. But when you choose an old interlock kit, you need to contact the manufacturer so that they pole your kit easily.
The homeowner had typed a panel directory for most of the circuit around years before this installation method. It came in portable when identifying critical circuits to run off a portable power generator. However, a circuit tracer is portable for tracking down circuits throughout the room or house.
Before we start the job of installing the interlock kit, you need to identify some of the circuits which you will definitely want to be powered by the generator. You should find out the circuit which used refrigerator, well pumping, or heating system. Whatever you should also find out the circuit as they need to be relocated to allow room for the generator circuit breaker.
Choose a location near the main door of your garage or house where you are operating the power outage. Whatever most of the people who have interlock suggest that to keep the generator to open place for avoiding maximum noise.
Then you need to make a hole to transport the wire. The hole of the wood siding was made using two spade drill bit. First of all, you need to use a 7/8″ bit was used to drill a 3/8″ deep hole for the button connector. You can make the hole round or square shape; both are acceptable for installing an interlock kit.
On the other hand, pick a location outside of your house to mount the generator inlet. You need to set up the box a place where you want to install permanent because you may not want to install the kit again, right? On the other hand, it directly connects with your main house circuit. So, if you want to change the place, it may be hard enough for you. So, before you set up the box, you must focus on the place where you install permanently.
Next, you need to collect wire. For 30 amp generator, you need to choose #10 wire in conduit or use a 10/3 cable with the ground as the wood hole. On the other hand, if you choose 50 amp generator, you need to use #6 wire or 6/3 cable. You need to choose a larger hole so that you need not worry about the wire connections or transfer.
However, after pulling the wires on the hole, you need to completely seal the hole so that the wire can not move, and you can be safe from the wire. The cable connector will be pushed into this, and you make a tight seal. However, if you use a button type cable connector, you would attach that the intel box which you install just pull the wire through.
However, if you use a button type Romex connector, it was used to prevent 10/3 Romex from pulling the wire out. The generator intel box is secure to the wood siding use the wire #8. After all, you can attach the intel box to your house. For a vinyl or wood siding house, I recommend using #8 or #10 sheet metal screw for durability and safety.
Overall, you have enough information on how to install a generator interlock kit. If you follow the process step by step, you may easily set up your interlock kit without a plumber. But before you think about interlock installation, you need to permit from your town electric department.
Whatever you will get all of the accessories on your local market or order them from online markets like Amazon. You need to do all of the things carefully because all of the steps are sensitive and actionable.
Conclusions
Finally, I hope that all of the information helps you a lot because all are expert-recommended and practical. But you need to careful when you are going to install an interlock kit on your house or garage. If you do not want to hire a plumber or do not want to pay the extra cost, you will follow the guidelines. Overall, I also test each of the parts so that I can provide you real-life information.
So, follow the upper guidelines and install an interlock kit at your house and enjoy yourself. Always remember your generator outlet power because of safety and choosing the right wire.
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