Generator interlock kit: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:03, 8 January 2013

Revision as of 11:42, 19 January 2013

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{{Orphan|date=January 2013}}

{{Uncategorized|date=January 2013}}

A '''generator interlock kit''' (or just '''interlock kit''') is a device designed to allow safe [[backfeeding]] of a home through a [[engine-generator|portable generator]] during [[power outage|power outages]]s, thereby eliminating [[illegal]] and/or unsafe [[engine-generator|generator]] [[backfeeding]] situations that could potentially [[electrocution|electrocute]] [[lineman|power linemen]] or destroy the generator. <ref>http://www.nooutage.com/interlock_kits.htm</ref>

==Operation==

A generator interlock kit is installed on the front cover of the home's [[distribution board|breaker panel]]. It consists of two sliding [[steel]] or [[plastic]] (depending on the brand) plates held together by three bolts. When moved down, the plate blocks the generator backfeed [[circuit breaker]] and allows the main [[circuit breaker|breaker]] to remain on; when moved up, the generator backfeed [[circuit breaker]] may be turned on, but the main [[breaker|circuit breaker]] is blocked and will remain off. The generator backfeed [[breaker|circuit breaker]] is connected to a generator inlet installed (preferrably) on the outside of the structure. A short cord connects the generator to the house inlet, usually through the use of [[Industrial and multiphase power plugs and sockets|twistlock]] plugs and [[socket|sockets]]s.

==Advantages==

*Using an interlock kit allows for all of a panel's circuits to be energized, up to the load capacity of the generator; whereas using a generator [[transfer switch]] only allows a few circuits to be operated.<ref>http://www.interlockkit.com/</ref>

*An interlock kit does not require a separate [[distribution board|panel]] to operate; it can be installed directly on the home's [[distribution board|breaker panel]].

*Interlock kits eliminate the need for [[extension cord|extension cords]]s to power [[appliance|appliances]]s.

==Disadvantages==

*Although they are [[UL (safety organization)|UL]]-approved,<ref>http://www.nooutage.com/interlock_kits.htm</ref>, some local [[building code|codes]] do not allow the use of interlock kits

*Removing the [[distribution board|electrical panel's]] cover could allow the generator backfeed breaker to be turned on while the main is on,<ref>http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=113865&page=2</ref> potentially energizing [[power line|power lines]]s or overloading the generator, if the generator is connected.

*Installing an interlock kit requires drilling holes in the panel cover; once it is installed, it cannot be removed.

*Because the main breaker is shut off, homeowners have no way of knowing when power is restored, except by manually turning the generator off and the main back on.<ref>http://www.electriciantalk.com/f2/see-if-power-restored-interlock-kit-33891/</ref>

*Installing an interlock kit requires anywhere from 2 to 3 spaces in the existing [[distribution board|breaker panel]].

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External Linkslinks==

*[http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/ UL] Website

*[http://natramelec.com/ National Ram Electronics] Website

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*[http://www.interlockkit.com/ Interlock Kit Dealer] Website

==See Alsoalso==

*[[Engine-generator]]

*[[transfer switch]]