Generator Breaker Interlock Vs Transfer Switch

This effectively blocks the main power circuit breaker turning it off.

Generator breaker interlock vs transfer switch. Transfer switches also need an entirely separate panel in order to operate while interlock kits can be installed directly on your home s breaker panel so you don t have to have another piece of bulky equipment in your home. A generator interlock kit is similar to a transfer switch in that it is a device that allows you to power on your generator through your home s electrical wiring system. July 30 2015 05 45 28 pm most houses in the houston area are using 18 22kw units for whole house installs. This option the generator would be parked somewhere near the back of the property near the garage and i would be installing the above ground 250 propane tank near there.

A generator interlock kit involves training and an understanding of the buildings electrical system for safe use. When you use an interlock kit all of your panel s circuits can be energized up to the load capacity of the generator. Unlike a transfer switch an interlock kit allows you to provide power to anything in your home since it isn t just limited to 6 8 circuit breakers. When power comes back on the switch is moved down and blocks the generator back feed.

An interlock is manually operated. The panel with all the house switches is located in the garage while the main house breaker with the a c switches is located on the side. The main breaker and all other breakers must be turned off the interlock switch is set to generator and then the generator is engaged. Interlock vs transfer switch.

Generator transfer switch vs. With a transfer switch only a few circuits can be operated at once. In residential or light commercial use the interlock switch is moved from the main power breaker to the generator breaker when the utility power goes out. I was also told by a large generator retailer that an interlock kit does not meet nfpa 37 or nfpa 70 for proper connection of generators to residential electrical systems so i m leaning towards the transfer switch but am curious why several highly rated on angie s list electricians are pushing.

As soon as the power goes out the interlock switch is slid up to turn on the generator breaker circuit. A transfer switch although limited to a particular number of circuits is safer to use than an interlock kit.