Generator interlock kit: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:33, 27 February 2013

Revision as of 20:52, 21 March 2013

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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]]s, thereby eliminating [[illegal]] and/or unsafe [[engine-generator|generator]] [[backfeeding]] situations that could potentially [[electrocution|electrocute]] [[lineman (occupation)|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 (preferably) 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 [[socketAC power plugs and sockets|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]]s to power [[Home appliance|appliance]]s.

==Disadvantages==