Generator interlock kit: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:54, 16 February 2014

Revision as of 00:54, 16 February 2014

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*Even though many are tested by an independent lab to a UL standard, they do not carry the UL Listing mark.<ref>http://www.nooutage.com/interlock_kits.htm</ref> Without that mark some local electrical inspectors will not allow the use of these 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]]s or overloading the generator, if the generator is connected.

Occasionally*In some applications, 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 utility 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> However there is at least one product<ref>http://www.nooutage.com/thp108.htm</ref> that will produce an audible alert indicating that utility power is restored.

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