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Do you have to ground your generator? Or were you able to just hook up and it ran your furnace? I have the same set up but my furnace will not run. So I’m going to get an inverter and try it instead of the conventional generator.
Thank you. I did a similar setup to this several years ago. The one extra thing I did was to include a power back on alarm. This is a small battery powered device that detects when power is again available to the main breaker even though it is still off. The reason for this is that I am using a 7200 W generator and I am not watching for the mains power to return. If the outage is during the daytime, you will not notice any lighting from your neighbours. This little device makes a very loud noise when the power has returned so you will be alerted and be able to shutdown your generator fairly promptly. More recently, I have added sensors to my home automation system (runs on UPS power) so I get notices on my mobile phone of power interruption or restoration events whenever they happen.
I did this to my home in Ft Myers FL just last year on Sept 15th, not knowing what was coming...... My Honda 7KW Gen arrived 2 days later. Little did I know that effort would save my tail less than 2 weeks later with IAN. I had the same plug in with a 10 circuit Reliance manual transfer switch box. Both worked Flawlessly for days till we got power back. Good investment...
I think you should have shown how and where to install the generator breaker so it would interface with the interlock. And how to move other breakers, if necessary, to make room for the generator breaker. I had to move two breakers to make room for the generator breaker. Helpful video.
Good job and great video thank you. I'm using a 4-cylinder Nissan 15K generator. It runs 1800 RPM so it's pretty fuel efficient it's plumbed for LP or natural gas at any given time. I have a 50 amp breaker. I have had it for 23 years Love it.
Texan here. This is a very well timed video considering the number of Texans that went over a week without power because of an ice storm just the other day. I was lucky to not loose power but literally today I heard about one co-worker who came into the office just to be in a warm office. The storm was 10 days ago. I have been working on getting myself a backup source. One plan I have is to run my gas furnace using a 1000 watt inverter from my car. I was planning on ignoring my electrical panel all together and run romex from a box similar to the one shown in the video from my garage to the furnace in my hallway. Then I was going to add a standard 3 prong power cord to my furnace so that when the power goes out I just unplug the cable from the primary source over to my backup line. This means I don't have to deal with high voltage at all. Though I like how clean this upgrade is. Great video!
I would suggest you always install a 50A input plug even if you only use a small generator and a 30A breaker, so you have the option to use a larger generator down the road. You can very easily get a generator twist lock 30A to 50A cable.
Another very important reason for the interlock is that if you are powering your home with a generator and the main disconnect is NOT turned off , then, if the power is restored to your home while the generator is simultaneously backfeeding power to the panel, then there is a near certain probability that there will not be phase synchronization between the street power and generator. If two AC multi phase power sources are powering the same circuit , then voltage ,frequency and phase angle must match to avoid circuit damage to either one or both power circuits. So yes, absolutely use either a manual interlock or automated transfer switch when backfeeding a panel. Excellent video tutorial ! 😎👍
My sons are lineman. Backfeeding the system could harm or even kill them. Please be aware of hat you are doing at all times. For your safety and the safety of ALL linemen.
Oh yeah, I heard about the pineapple express, big storm in western Canada, guy hooked up Gen thru welder outlet and getting ready for a big party, failed to open the MAINS, there were fireworks to be displayed, also an electrical version of them when the power came back on. Genset blew up lit gasoline flowed down to a camper which then went up in flames...
I have seen this happen on an install, the AC came on, they had no interlock so they threw the main isolator on and the generator exploded due to the phase mismatch
If you tried to backfeed a generator to the grid your generator would trip the circuit breaker, or just shut down. There's no way it can make enough power to power all the homes on your block. The only time you can actually backfeed is if the line to your own house (and just your house) are cut.
@@Ariel1S A 5K genset will not power the neighborhood, but it will back feed, A step down transformer such as what is outside of your home does what when the flow is reversed? It becomes a step up transformer. Wont have the amps but it will have the volts. Its not only common sense, its against the law.
I notice that every generator interlock video shows an ideal situation with a perfect QO or Siemens panel with a simple interlock. You never see a 200 amp 40 year old Zinsco meter main or FPE or 30 yr old Bryant, GE or Crouse Hinds etc. Good luck modifying or finding those interlocks. Thankfully there are manual transfer switches for the rest of us.
I have a 30+ year old GE panel. I had no trouble finding a mechanical interlock. I'm also doing a 30+ year old Square D Homeline installation, I had no trouble finding an OEM interlock for this panel. The SQ Homeline OEM is a bit nicer than the aftermarket GE interlock, as it has a generator breaker retention bracket.
At first I thought this would be an intimidated video with high voltage power. You explained very well and at least I know the concept if I need to hire someone to install. The interlock is a genius idea. Thank you for sharing
Great video I found a little trick that makes it safer I wired up a little bitty led light and powered it before the main breaker so if you are wondering if the power company has the power back on you don’t have to do a lot of switching when the led comes on in the breaker box then the power is restored from the power company the led light is about the size of a small eraser on a #2 pencil
There is a device called a PowerBack that you wrap a wire around one of your main lines, and when turned on, it will emit a piercing alarm when power is restored.
If you are in the area of PG&E they make available a transfer switch that attaches to base of the meter. The meter accepts a provided specialty cord that has an L14-30 to plug to your generator. It does the interlocking automatically. They provide it for free under qualifying circumstances (such as frequent outages). So you can hook up a generator to have a whole house power backup solution and ZERO work required on the electrical infrastructure for the homeowner. It is limited to 30A but hard to argue with free.
I enjoy being a member of the Electrical Co-Op they will actually come and install the system for free providing your system is up to modern standards and if not they work with you and will bill it out over a given time frame on your monthly bill to get your system up to Modern Code. Protection for everyone.
This is interesting to see. I have a kit that connects my generator to the electrical box. I won't be installing it as I am NOT comfortable working with the breaker box. I'm just glad to see how it all works. Thanks!
Exactly, actually a majority of the viewers won't take on this project themselves but just having a better idea on the parts, steps, and time to do the job will help work with a licensed electrician in your area.
The Interlock setup is the one I use and have used it many times since I put it in. Recently, we had an ice storm and power to my neighborhood was out for 3.5 days. I was able to run my whole house off of a 5000 watt (continuous) inverter generator and even sent out some emergency extension cords to neighbors. My entire setup, including having the interlock installed by a professional electrician (though I considered doing it myself) for about $1600. The Generator was $975 (with taxes), the heavy extension was about $75, the interlock kit was about $80, and the inlet was about $50, and the labor from the electrician was about $200 (he was an honest electrocution I have had people tell me that electricians quoted them $3000 just to install the interlock! There are some major dishonest tradespeople out there. After seeing my lights on while almost everyone else was out of power, five of my neighbors came to see my setup and had interlocks put in, and all bought a 5K inverter generator. My generator won't run my AC, but our power outages tend to be in the winter and spring. I have had a couple of two or three hour outages in the summer, but never more than this. It takes a pretty big generator to run a 3.5 ton AC and I just did not think the probability of being without electric during the summer for more than a few hours was a high likelyhood. Severe winter and spring storms are the primary reason for extended power outages in my area.
That's amazing to hear how well your setup worked during the ice storm! It's always great to see how backup power solutions can make a huge difference during outages. Have you considered checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a massive 5kWh capacity, fast recharging, and durable waterproof design. It could be a great addition to your setup for outdoor adventures or home backup power. Keep up the great work!
That's awesome to hear about your whole house power backup setup! It's always great to be prepared for unexpected power outages. Have you considered checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a massive capacity of up to 5kWh, fast recharging, and comprehensive protections. It could be a great addition to your setup for outdoor adventures or as a home backup power solution. Check it out and let me know what you think!
I did the same thing when we built our home, but for a wheeled Trygas unit, loved it! With whats happening in our world today, I needed quit generation. Looked into the solar gen lineup, and chose the Bluette AC500. It was the most bang for my buck! Now I'm going to add a plug to the inside but for my 50 amp. I intend to use two sets of them for a whole-house generation. Thanks for the info!
That's awesome to hear that you found a power backup solution that suits your needs! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series could be a great addition to your setup too. It offers massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging. Plus, its armor design and waterproof technology make it perfect for outdoor adventures. Check it out and see if it fits your requirements!
That's awesome to hear that you've found a great backup power solution for your home! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series could be a fantastic addition to your setup. It offers a massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging. Plus, it's built tough and has waterproof technology, perfect for outdoor adventures or emergencies. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation!
Very good job. One thing I noticed (unrelated to the purpose of the video) is that in your main panel, several circuits have their neutral and grounding conductor landed together in the same screws, these need to be separated. I know it's a main breaker panel, I'm not saying separate neutrals from grounds, I'm saying separate a neutral and a grounding conductor in the same screw.
I REALLY wish you had zoomed in on this interlock in the fuse box. I got the idea how it works from your description but would also loved to see it close up in action. Thanks
I did this about 4 years ago for a 20A inlet box for a 6000 watt generator I already had. Gas appliances and heat plus LED lighting means a pretty small draw for even a fairly large house (3500 sqft.). Wish I had this video at the time. Most resources made it sound like a $1000 transfer switch was required. Saved a ton by going interlock. Just make sure you get the right one for your panel. Also note torque spec for the panel screws are probably in-lb NOT ft-lb. Don't ask how I remember!
Last summer (‘22) I had an interlock installed by a certified electrician. It was something I could do myself, however, a grey area arises with my insurance if something goes wrong, down the road. I felt it better to bite that expensive bullet now rather than find myself with an electrical fire issue and my insurance denying a claim on the grounds it wasn’t installed by a certified professional. Your video,as always 👍👍👍
I have NG too but need some way to power the damn furnace fan and a garage freezer. I can run on less than 1000 watts. Probably under 500, I just need a way to get into the F'g panel.
@@Honestandtruth007 ... reading between the lines here it sounds as if your main breaker is outside and your panel is inside. You'd have to do a couple of things... See if a main breaker kit is available to be placed in with the other breakers on the buss bar (in line with the other breakers if there's room) and note if the main feed wires will be long enough to reach that new location. At that point you will need a different style interlock than what is shown here. This is probably going beyond the scope of the typical DIY job, but it could be done in most cases.
About 2 years ago I installed a 50A interlock paired with a Westinghouse 9500 gas generator. (Surge to 12000 ~47A) I measured starting and running current of critical mechanical loads: well pump, sanitary sump, storm sump, furnace, refrigerator, chest freezer. I adjusted a few breaker positions to balance these across the legs. I did the same for all the non-critical circuits. I have a battery backup garage door opener to make it easier to get the generator outside. I floated the neutral on the generator. Each time I use the generator, I adjust the throttle set (Philips screw on a spring-arm near carb.) to dial in 60hz for the base load and re-check it every few hours. I run an "online" UPS for my home IT panel/MDF to clean the power. Home offices and home theater system are protected by regular UPSes that are adjusted for "poor" power quality so they only transfer for the worst startup distortions from mechanical circuits.
High efficiency gas furnaces sometimes have a condensate pump that only activates intermittently. Those can be a very high load for a second when they start. Just something to consider.
Super. It is convenient to have an extension cord that lets you hook up to any generator, and haing to turn off the main to connect the generator is much better than using a suicide cord and not remembering to turn off the main breaker. 💙 T.E.N.
Thank you for this video. Do you have a video of installing / using an automatic transfer service? I'm finishing my basement and have installed 2x 30amp 240v L6-30r. One of those will be used for a home server / theater rack. The other I'd like to use for a battery system. But I'd like the a transfer system fast enough to not even flicker a light bulb and then transfer back when utility power is restored.
408.36(D) Standard breaker can be backfed as long as secure it in place with a tie down hence the zip ties. Usually interlock kits come with two large zip ties for that reason. Great video.
I did this same job a few years ago on my house. A couple of things: Generators either float the neutral or bond it. In my case my generator had a bonded neutral. This means when it is hooked up to the house you have the neutral and ground bonded in two places which creates objectionable current (parallel paths) I opened up my generator and floated the neutral (manual was good with it). This means that it is no longer safe as a separately derived system (Just using it without connecting it to the house) so you can't really have both at the same time. The objectionable current is only running back to the generator from the panel so probably not that big a deal but still. There is good information on Mike Holt's youtube channel about all of this. Benjamin Sahlstrom has some good info too. Great video! It would have helped a few years ago for sure :)
Chad, you are 100 percent correct about unbondimg the neutral... When I wish to run generator stand-alone, I insert a 240 volt 30 amp plug, inside of which I've jumpered the neutral and ground prongs. This restores the neutral to ground bond connection for stand-alone operation. I keep this bonding plug tethered to the generator for easy access. However, if you try to do a jumper plug at a gen's 120 volt receptacles the built-in GFCI will probably trip....
@@mae2759 Grounding rod doesn't do anything for safety. Actually it doesn't really do anything at all :) If you are interested i'd look up Mike Holt's information on grounding. I find it facilitating but it can be difficult to understand.
Thanks so much for this! I followed this guidance and it helped me immensely with the installation of my 50a inlet, 6/3 gauge wire and interlock set up. Appreciate it, brother!!
I over-engineer safety protection (>35 designing chemical plants). I used the interlock kit for my breakers; but I also installed a locked A/C disconnect box between the breaker box and the Power Inlet Plug. I could not accept a single "interlocked" breaker preventing those prongs from being energized. Anything that is life threating needs a least 2 levels of safety protection. I could not find a Power Inlet Box with a locakable cover. I loved your idea for tightening the NM cable clamp screws. It would have saved me a extra hole in my sheetrock.
My panel is much smaller and I have a good 30 amp 120/240 Westinghouse that is going in very soon. Thanks for this info as I am just a DIY electrician with a very small budget who needs to do this
Hi, I did not see if you mentioned that most generators come with a bonded neutral and therefore the transfer switch would be allowing the neutral to pass through to the main panel and thus have two bonded power sources which I think is not code.
Awesome Video. I tried the Delta Ecoflow and it had issues powering some higher Amp/Voltage devices I used and I had to send it back. Waiting on the right one to be available for my needs before purchasing one of these but Ecoflow was extremely responsive and quick on the refund.
You have to look at the continuous wattage and in rush wattage load as a total for what your trying to power. The Ecoflow DP has is rated at 7200 starting watts and 3600 running watts. If anything, your trying to power is over 30-amps, it will overload the unit.
Thanks for putting up this video. Where is the inlet box you installed? Is it next to the circuit breaker or outside your house? Normal generators such as gasoline or gas powered ones must be placed outside a house.
This one was inside the house as I was setting up to have backup from EcoFlow Delta Pros. I just installed a similar unit with the generator inlet right on the outside of the house to run a more standard gas generator setup.
And when installing the Ecoflow delta pro what is done differently if anything to address the neutral bonding discussion in many of these comments? I’m confused.
Good video! I wouldn't bother installing a 30 amp inlet box along with a 30 amp breaker.You're much better going with a 50 amp set up. If you ever want to upgrade to a larger generator and you only have a 30 amp set up you're going to need to upgrade your 10/3 Romex to 6/3 and get rid of the 30 amp inlet box and install a 50 amp box. You might have well do it right the first time.
I'm with you, but the thing is, the 50 amp setup has a different plug than the 30 amp. Most generators only have the 30 amp plug. Do they make adapters?
Definitely interested in the upcoming genset tests. Florida has not been treating us well with hurricanes lately. Even if it’s to keep power on for a day or two, I am tempted to get the plug installed and invest in a genset of some sort.
Nice work ....what could you suggest if i only wanted to power 110 appliances in this manner. What particular plug would be needed and what connections to the main box would be different.? I'm using a eco flow delta 2 max which I've attached an rv 30 plug already. Thanks
Can you detail what THHN wires should be used for a 50amp Inlet box when the box is located on the outside of the house and what type of conduit should I purchase for this type of job?
This is the simplest interlock system to install. Relatively easy to do and less expensive than a transfer switch. The issue with the interlock is that when the grid power is restored, you might not know. A transfer switch will let me select which circuits are critical and need to be powered by my generator. The non-critical circuits (some lighting circuits for example) stay connected to the grid. When grid power is restored, those circuits become active and Ican shut down my generator (saves gas and wear and tear on my generator). One thing not mentioned that most portable generators have their neutral and bond tied together inside the generator. NEC requires these to be separated and individual wires run to the main electrical panel.
I have heard of some issues with ecoflow and connecting to a panel with a ground neutral bond. There are some videos here on RUclips that show the problem.
Excellent explanation. Will this setup energize one side of the panel only or both sides? I am asking because you connect the generator wires to on side of the panel only.
Two things I don't understand: 1) How does powering one side of your box power the other side where you needed 9 amps? 2) Are you not concerned about powering refrigerators/freezers or do they consume too much power for a 30amp supply?
He is powering both sides of the panel. He added a 2-pole, 30-amp breaker. If you were to remove all of the breakers, you'd see a metal bus bar fed by each "leg" that cross back and forth, from side to side. A 2-pole breaker mounted on one side contacts both bus bars and, hence, both sides of loads. With a refrigerator using 2200 watts on startup and 700 watts when running constantly, he could power a refrigerator with his generator. He has a 7000-watt generator, I think.
I'm in an area where we have frequent power outages during storm seasons. Surprised your not allowing for at least one Fridge/Freezer or more. They are one of my biggest draws, after AC/Heat. And don't have the generator capable of running both AC's.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Sorry didn't hear that mentioned. We have 2 Frig's & a Freezer, which are our largest draws, and only run one AC if necessary. Can run a portable room unit, if necessary.
@@Bwanar1 Same situation for me. During high-draw periods (e.g. running the hot water heater), I may alternate refrigerators (unplug one or the other) as we're not usually needing both to run at the same time and they hold their temp quite well.
I'm just curious why sometimes there is a secondary panel or switch board that come as a bundle with these inlet boxes. Is there an additional fuse/layer of safety with those? Or are those larger Generac (as an example) switch panels just for ease of use when selecting/remember what you have hooked up to the inlet box installed that's receiving power from the generator? Great video. We lost power this weekend and temps in the hose dropped to 20 degrees. I felt like an absolute dingus for not having this simple back-up that could've at least had our furnace keeping temps above freezing.
When your panel is in the basement and on a different corner from the garage, is it better to run a long extension cord to a walkout basement door or do an exterior plug on the outside of the house (in the elements)?
Ecoflow is very nice. But mine did break, and it took a month and a half for customer service to take care of me and replace my unit under warranty. They were so slow I definitely got a bit angry. It does work very well and I also have a Honda 2200 which I can then turn on and charge my Ecoflo in about an hour and a half and then I can run all night long on the battery system.
I’d love it if you had a set of links to PPE you use in the video descriptions you post. For instance, I have lots of test equipment but never owned any insulated screwdrivers or insulated gloves rated for common voltages. I definitely want to buy the gloves asap, even though I also adhere to strict electrical safety best practices when working on household electrical projects.
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! I could use more details about this interlock kit! It is the WHOLE reason I have not tried to add an input! I just saw you screw something somewhere for some reason!! Bwoing!
Hi Scott Thanks for the video. So you are connecting only to one side of your panel and trying to run up to 30 A on one side only? How does the other side get powered ? Thank you for your reply.
I watched this to start trying to learn how to install one of these and electrical in general, I guess I just don't understand electrical breaker boxes. Since the bipole is on the left phase, wouldn't it only power up the left phase breakers? How does the breakers on the right get powered up setting this up this way?
Give the Bluetti lineup of power stations a look. Their current offerings are really good. I have an AC200Max that I use with a 4 circuit 120v transfer switch. It gets me through most outages with the exception of major storms. I have generator and whole house plug for that but rarely need or use.
Does code allow the use of a source switch for the inlet plug similar to a boat that has "shore", "gen", and "off"? I would want an inlet plug in my basement near my panel to plug in a power station (such as an ecoflow delta pro) and another inlet on the outside of my house for a generator and then use the switch to select the source of power coming in. Everything else would be how you did it with the "out" of the switch going to the interlock controlled circuit.
I'm installing a 50A generator plug, the cable I'm using (6 wire gage 4 wires, black ,red, white and green) my question is the white and the green where do they go? the electric box is a D square with ground connector bars in each side of the breakers
I installed a High Wattage Generator in a shed near the house, ran its output power cable through a junction box mounted high on a wall, ran the power cable about 8 feet above the ground from there to section in and through the eave wall, suspended on the typical cable supports like for telephone lines and Cable TV/Internet cables, down inside and to the house between the ceiling siding panels, to and through the back door overhead wall, around the corner and into the circuit breaker box on its own high amperage breaker. I rigged a buzzer to the main to be able to know when city power was restored so I could turn the generator off, turn its breaker off and turn the main breaker back on. I connected the buzzer through a light switch mounted near the breaker box to be able to turn it on and back off once city power was restored. I'll admit that this part was dangerous!, but I did it without issue. When an electrician came for a reason I don't recall and saw my rig, he said the generator cable needed to be run underground, up the brick wall and into the circuit breaker panel, and a Load Balancer needed to be installed to have the job done right. You may want to ask your electrician friends if a Load Balancer would be required or at least advantageous to your application. I don't remember his reasoning for it, but we had him do it all his way. It's certainly safer and up to code, but there was never an issue with my way. However, I'm sure it played a role in the safety inspection when the house was sold. And explaining its safe operation to a buyer could have been tricky. The Load Balancer does everything without human intervention. Just wanted you to know about it in case a Load Balancer may be required in your city or state.
That's good video for the beginner DIY like me. I am trying to install 50 amp circuit breaker. In video you installed 30 amp circuit breaker. I guess I should use a different wire. I have been searched in Amazon, but I couldn’t find which one is right. Can you help me where I can buy it ? Thank You.
1st question: What happens if I do not have a free slot in my main breaker? 2nd question: Is 50A enough for both EV charging (32A) and a 5-ton AC running?
I did this for one leg of my breaker panel as I only have a 2000 watt inverter generator 120 v output, so it connects to the box with a special cord and the interlock is on the breaker panel. But I also have a Vtoman 1000 battery and I'm going to connect a second box but inside by the breaker panel so the FIRST thing I do is plug the battery in, if the outage is going to be longer than a few hours I could disconnect the battery, plug it into a wall outlet, and run the generator outside with that special plug plugged into the putside box to charge the battery while running lights, fridge etc. I'll only have ONE of the special plugs, it is; Parkworld 885460 Adapter Cord 5-15 Male Plug to Locking L14-20 Female Receptacle. So no chance of having both the generator and battery connected together thru the interface, it's one or the other.. I only need to run my fridge and some LED lights I normally use most, and my tower computer/modem/router/monitor on these. Last time I had an outlage it lasted a couple of hours, the Vtoman battery easily ran those, and in winter it would be enough to power the electrical part of my Goodman gas furnace.
I am assuming same plug can be used if i go with home battery backup. I was thinking to install the plug in garage and put my power stations there (50A) and in case if power outage last longer than 1 day i would connect generator to it.
@2:00 you mention the 120v load from the furnace. This must be the fan on a gas furnace. Some have pure electric furnaces that draw far more than the 8-9 amps in yours and they draw it at 240v.
Hi Scott, Please let me know if you go with the EcoFlow Delta Pro or not. I've heard that it can not charge while being used for grid backup. I'm comparing different solar generator units to be able to provide battery back up for the Mrs. and her needs. Thanks, Tony
interlock kits just make so much more sense to me than a whole separate transfer switch sub panel. I have on on my square D panel with 50amp breaker and some thick boi 6-3.
Great video I think this is the easiest way to hook up generator to the house. My only question is do you just turn off all the individual breakers of the non essentials you dont want power to, and keep the essentials on? Or leave everything on and just use what you only need?
Before you turn your generator breaker on, you'll want to switch all of your breakers off. If they're all on when you flip your gen breaker it will overload your generator. Once the generator is on you can flip your breakers on 1 by 1. Only use what you need to use.
Just did this about 3 weeks ago for my 3600w generator and had to move a few breakers so that the one leg of my power could energize the lights in certain rooms. Came out good and was fairly easy I also bought a vinyl siding mounting block and installed it on the outside of the wall my panel is on in my garage. I cut put an 8x8" square beneath my panel after drilling the hole on the outsie of my house and I used one of the plastic spring loaded access panels to cover my cut out beneath the panel. Makes it look a lot cleaner and since it's in the garage i could care less but if i move up generator sizes I can acess it to replace my 30A inlet to a 50A down the road if i decide to
If you don't need or require 240V for any appliance, then it's actually best just to send 120v single phase to both legs. That way you are not trying to balance a two-phase 240V system using a generator, and everything 120V in your house works (and no need to move any breakers for a particular leg). You can still wire up a 240V 30 amp four pin inlet power box, and use a 3 wire to 4-wire power cord converter at the generator that supplies the 120V to both legs. Be sure to use a physical interlock between the breaker for the inlet power box and your main disconnect.
This will be an interesting project since we are looking to do the same. My son is looking at building my power station generator so will be interested in your results. He built one to use on his camping adventures and has worked really well and he seems to be getting a pretty good handle on components he likes and works. Well see…. Ha
So you added a 30amp breaker which will back feed to all circuits that are turned on, to run lights, appliances,etc within the 30 amp max??? What if the main and the new breaker are not positioned for an interlock install?
I see the advantage of an interlock but what if I was primarily concerned with heat in the winter. Why couldn't I run two dedicated 30 amp lines from the generator into the house and then use a heater on each line to heat the basement and main floor? As it wouldn't be tied into the house power system no interlock would be needed. Is there any reason this shouldn't be done?
Great tutorial video sir! I like how simple you explained and showed how to install this! Would it be prudent to future proof and just install the 50amp?
Greetings! I already have an outside generator hookup and interlock safety switch in the fuse box! I am trying to add an Ecoflow Pro inside and next to the fuse box! Can I hook up the wires to the fuse box from the Ecoflow 30 amp outlet into the same breaker of the line coming into the house from the outside? It would only work when the grid power is off to energize either the gas generator outside or the Ecoflow inside, but not both! Thanks
Only one problem with doing an amp draw test this way.... you don't know the start load (inrush) of certain appliances, which may be more than what the gen set can handle. You also have to consider balancing the load so both legs (not phases) are fairly close. That means making sure the fridge, sump pump, and furnace are not on the same leg.
@@Kevin-mp5of ... at the risk of being a wise guy, some people might lean on the generator frame (metal) while yanking on a faulty cord? All I can say is they should learn the trick of keeping one hand on their pocket while working with electricity.
@@Kevin-mp5of ... the 4 prong plug to the panel supplies the bond... but only if it's connected. I also mentioned it might be faulty. If you think of the typical owner going through the motion of connecting or disconnecting the cord, you will get the picture. I actually watched a customer drop one of those plugs and mess up the alignment, then proceed to use a screwdriver to make it fit while the set was running! What were they thinking? (shaking my head)
@@Kevin-mp5of ... and now you are just foolin' with me because he's not around? Ha... my skin is thicker than that! I also have 35 years between HVAC and generator work so have seen just about everything there is.
You might also want to add additional instruction label to INSURE certain high amperage breakers are also shut off [thinking central AC, electric water heater, etc] so as to not overload the genset.
Been watching a lot of these videos as I'm planning on installing a generator inlet. I noticed you used 10 gauge for 30 amp circuit. I see several folks recommending 8 gauge as this is considered a "feeder" circuit. Curious if you did this again if you'd use 10 gauge or 8 gauge? Thanks for all the great how to videos. Love the content.
I used 10ga for a 30A feed. Like his mine is less than a 10 ft run to my panel so I think that is adequate. If the run was pushing 50 feet or more then maybe upsizing would be a good idea. That said, if you are really running your generator at 95% load continuously, you probably need to rethink your setup.
Thank you. In my vacation home I’m looking for a way of powering the home when power is lost through using a eco-flow delta ultra pro. Amazon and Eco flow just had a massive sale. I did not take part because I’m still in the research phase of getting a electrician in PR to hook up the L-NEMA 30 Amp outlet on the inside of the home. Not sure how one would do that since the main breaker is outside the home sitting on a 12 Foot wall of concrete block. When I open that small panel all I see is the Main breaker I’m thinking the other part is under it. Any suggestions
Is it possible to run an extension cord directly to one of these generators? What if I’m only interested in supplying power to my fridge and a couple of other things (phone chargers, maybe the internet modem, and a couple of lamps) without having to do this work on the panel?
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Do you have to ground your generator? Or were you able to just hook up and it ran your furnace? I have the same set up but my furnace will not run. So I’m going to get an inverter and try it instead of the conventional generator.
Thank you. I did a similar setup to this several years ago. The one extra thing I did was to include a power back on alarm. This is a small battery powered device that detects when power is again available to the main breaker even though it is still off. The reason for this is that I am using a 7200 W generator and I am not watching for the mains power to return. If the outage is during the daytime, you will not notice any lighting from your neighbours. This little device makes a very loud noise when the power has returned so you will be alerted and be able to shutdown your generator fairly promptly. More recently, I have added sensors to my home automation system (runs on UPS power) so I get notices on my mobile phone of power interruption or restoration events whenever they happen.
Do you have additional information on the power back-on alarm setup? Thanks
I did this to my home in Ft Myers FL just last year on Sept 15th, not knowing what was coming...... My Honda 7KW Gen arrived 2 days later. Little did I know that effort would save my tail less than 2 weeks later with IAN. I had the same plug in with a 10 circuit Reliance manual transfer switch box. Both worked Flawlessly for days till we got power back. Good investment...
I think you should have shown how and where to install the generator breaker so it would interface with the interlock. And how to move other breakers, if necessary, to make room for the generator breaker. I had to move two breakers to make room for the generator breaker. Helpful video.
He has a video about moving breakers. I thought the same thing and then found it.
Good job and great video thank you. I'm using a 4-cylinder Nissan 15K generator. It runs
1800 RPM so it's pretty fuel efficient it's plumbed for LP or natural gas at any given time. I have a 50 amp breaker. I have had it for 23 years Love it.
Texan here. This is a very well timed video considering the number of Texans that went over a week without power because of an ice storm just the other day. I was lucky to not loose power but literally today I heard about one co-worker who came into the office just to be in a warm office. The storm was 10 days ago.
I have been working on getting myself a backup source. One plan I have is to run my gas furnace using a 1000 watt inverter from my car. I was planning on ignoring my electrical panel all together and run romex from a box similar to the one shown in the video from my garage to the furnace in my hallway. Then I was going to add a standard 3 prong power cord to my furnace so that when the power goes out I just unplug the cable from the primary source over to my backup line. This means I don't have to deal with high voltage at all. Though I like how clean this upgrade is. Great video!
I would suggest you always install a 50A input plug even if you only use a small generator and a 30A breaker, so you have the option to use a larger generator down the road. You can very easily get a generator twist lock 30A to 50A cable.
That's my thought. One might get a bigger generator or daisy chain in the future.
Another very important reason for the interlock is that if you are powering your home with a generator and the main disconnect is NOT turned off , then, if the power is restored to your home while the generator is simultaneously backfeeding power to the panel, then there is a near certain probability that there will not be phase synchronization between the street power and generator. If two AC multi phase power sources are powering the same circuit , then voltage ,frequency and phase angle must match to avoid circuit damage to either one or both power circuits. So yes, absolutely use either a manual interlock or automated transfer switch when backfeeding a panel.
Excellent video tutorial ! 😎👍
My sons are lineman. Backfeeding the system could harm or even kill them. Please be aware of hat you are doing at all times. For your safety and the safety of ALL linemen.
Oh yeah, I heard about the pineapple express, big storm in western Canada, guy
hooked up Gen thru welder outlet and getting ready for a big party, failed to open
the MAINS, there were fireworks to be displayed, also an electrical version of them
when the power came back on. Genset blew up lit gasoline flowed down to a camper
which then went up in flames...
I have seen this happen on an install, the AC came on, they had no interlock so they threw the main isolator on and the generator exploded due to the phase mismatch
If you tried to backfeed a generator to the grid your generator would trip the circuit breaker, or just shut down. There's no way it can make enough power to power all the homes on your block. The only time you can actually backfeed is if the line to your own house (and just your house) are cut.
@@Ariel1S A 5K genset will not power the neighborhood, but it will back feed, A step down transformer such as what is outside of your home does what when the flow is reversed? It becomes a step up transformer. Wont have the amps but it will have the volts. Its not only common sense, its against the law.
I notice that every generator interlock video shows an ideal situation with a perfect QO or Siemens panel with a simple interlock. You never see a 200 amp 40 year old Zinsco meter main or FPE or 30 yr old Bryant, GE or Crouse Hinds etc. Good luck modifying or finding those interlocks. Thankfully there are manual transfer switches for the rest of us.
I have a 30+ year old GE panel. I had no trouble finding a mechanical interlock. I'm also doing a 30+ year old Square D Homeline installation, I had no trouble finding an OEM interlock for this panel. The SQ Homeline OEM is a bit nicer than the aftermarket GE interlock, as it has a generator breaker retention bracket.
If you have a zinsco you should be looking to replace it instead of generator power.
At first I thought this would be an intimidated video with high voltage power. You explained very well and at least I know the concept if I need to hire someone to install. The interlock is a genius idea. Thank you for sharing
It is the key and he just skips over it!!
Great video I found a little trick that makes it safer I wired up a little bitty led light and powered it before the main breaker so if you are wondering if the power company has the power back on you don’t have to do a lot of switching when the led comes on in the breaker box then the power is restored from the power company the led light is about the size of a small eraser on a #2 pencil
There is a device called a PowerBack that you wrap a wire around one of your main lines, and when turned on, it will emit a piercing alarm when power is restored.
Where did u get the led or have a name for it?
If you are in the area of PG&E they make available a transfer switch that attaches to base of the meter. The meter accepts a provided specialty cord that has an L14-30 to plug to your generator. It does the interlocking automatically. They provide it for free under qualifying circumstances (such as frequent outages). So you can hook up a generator to have a whole house power backup solution and ZERO work required on the electrical infrastructure for the homeowner. It is limited to 30A but hard to argue with free.
That is nice, thanks for sharing 👍
Thank Goodness I Don’t. That’s the Commiefornia Territory.
Yet another reason my PG&E bill leaves me bleeding from the rectum every month...
I enjoy being a member of the Electrical Co-Op they will actually come and install the system for free providing your system is up to modern standards and if not they work with you and will bill it out over a given time frame on your monthly bill to get your system up to Modern Code. Protection for everyone.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Can A Homeowner install A 200 amp main breaker in order to install an interlock...❓❓❓
This is interesting to see. I have a kit that connects my generator to the electrical box. I won't be installing it as I am NOT comfortable working with the breaker box. I'm just glad to see how it all works. Thanks!
Exactly, actually a majority of the viewers won't take on this project themselves but just having a better idea on the parts, steps, and time to do the job will help work with a licensed electrician in your area.
The Interlock setup is the one I use and have used it many times since I put it in. Recently, we had an ice storm and power to my neighborhood was out for 3.5 days. I was able to run my whole house off of a 5000 watt (continuous) inverter generator and even sent out some emergency extension cords to neighbors. My entire setup, including having the interlock installed by a professional electrician (though I considered doing it myself) for about $1600. The Generator was $975 (with taxes), the heavy extension was about $75, the interlock kit was about $80, and the inlet was about $50, and the labor from the electrician was about $200 (he was an honest electrocution I have had people tell me that electricians quoted them $3000 just to install the interlock! There are some major dishonest tradespeople out there. After seeing my lights on while almost everyone else was out of power, five of my neighbors came to see my setup and had interlocks put in, and all bought a 5K inverter generator. My generator won't run my AC, but our power outages tend to be in the winter and spring. I have had a couple of two or three hour outages in the summer, but never more than this. It takes a pretty big generator to run a 3.5 ton AC and I just did not think the probability of being without electric during the summer for more than a few hours was a high likelyhood. Severe winter and spring storms are the primary reason for extended power outages in my area.
😅 I tag c ok😢 h
Have you looked into a/c soft starts? That might allow you to run your a/c off the generator.
Exactly.
That's amazing to hear how well your setup worked during the ice storm! It's always great to see how backup power solutions can make a huge difference during outages. Have you considered checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a massive 5kWh capacity, fast recharging, and durable waterproof design. It could be a great addition to your setup for outdoor adventures or home backup power. Keep up the great work!
That's awesome to hear about your whole house power backup setup! It's always great to be prepared for unexpected power outages. Have you considered checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a massive capacity of up to 5kWh, fast recharging, and comprehensive protections. It could be a great addition to your setup for outdoor adventures or as a home backup power solution. Check it out and let me know what you think!
I did the same thing when we built our home, but for a wheeled Trygas unit, loved it! With whats happening in our world today, I needed quit generation. Looked into the solar gen lineup, and chose the Bluette AC500. It was the most bang for my buck! Now I'm going to add a plug to the inside but for my 50 amp. I intend to use two sets of them for a whole-house generation. Thanks for the info!
That's awesome to hear that you found a power backup solution that suits your needs! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series could be a great addition to your setup too. It offers massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging. Plus, its armor design and waterproof technology make it perfect for outdoor adventures. Check it out and see if it fits your requirements!
That's awesome to hear that you've found a great backup power solution for your home! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series could be a fantastic addition to your setup. It offers a massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging. Plus, it's built tough and has waterproof technology, perfect for outdoor adventures or emergencies. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation!
Excited to see how the EcoFlow Delta Pro performs - this is the product I'm considering for the same use
Mine broke and it took a month and a half for customer service to take care of me. 😢
Very good job. One thing I noticed (unrelated to the purpose of the video) is that in your main panel, several circuits have their neutral and grounding conductor landed together in the same screws, these need to be separated. I know it's a main breaker panel, I'm not saying separate neutrals from grounds, I'm saying separate a neutral and a grounding conductor in the same screw.
I wish I understood better what you’re saying, with illustrations of right and wrong
@@jesusisaliberal548 separate bare copper conductors from being in the same screw terminal as white sheath conductors (neutrals)
I REALLY wish you had zoomed in on this interlock in the fuse box. I got the idea how it works from your description but would also loved to see it close up in action. Thanks
I did this about 4 years ago for a 20A inlet box for a 6000 watt generator I already had. Gas appliances and heat plus LED lighting means a pretty small draw for even a fairly large house (3500 sqft.). Wish I had this video at the time. Most resources made it sound like a $1000 transfer switch was required. Saved a ton by going interlock. Just make sure you get the right one for your panel. Also note torque spec for the panel screws are probably in-lb NOT ft-lb. Don't ask how I remember!
😂
Last summer (‘22) I had an interlock installed by a certified electrician. It was something I could do myself, however, a grey area arises with my insurance if something goes wrong, down the road. I felt it better to bite that expensive bullet now rather than find myself with an electrical fire issue and my insurance denying a claim on the grounds it wasn’t installed by a certified professional.
Your video,as always 👍👍👍
I have NG too but need some way to power the damn furnace fan and a garage freezer. I can run on less than 1000 watts. Probably under 500, I just need a way to get into the F'g panel.
Look into ez generator switch
Can i use a 50amp breaker with a 30amp box
Thanks. Just bought a good sized generator and this was a timely video. I really like the safety feature of the interlock unit.
What size did you get?
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Can a Homeowner install A 200 amps Main breaker in order to install an interlock kit ❓❓❓
@@Honestandtruth007 ... reading between the lines here it sounds as if your main breaker is outside and your panel is inside. You'd have to do a couple of things... See if a main breaker kit is available to be placed in with the other breakers on the buss bar (in line with the other breakers if there's room) and note if the main feed wires will be long enough to reach that new location. At that point you will need a different style interlock than what is shown here. This is probably going beyond the scope of the typical DIY job, but it could be done in most cases.
great video, very clear. one thing I noticed. Did you mention to kill the power to the main box prior to wiring?
@7:42: Nice to see you wire ground, then neutral, then hot. :) Very professional.
About 2 years ago I installed a 50A interlock paired with a Westinghouse 9500 gas generator. (Surge to 12000 ~47A) I measured starting and running current of critical mechanical loads: well pump, sanitary sump, storm sump, furnace, refrigerator, chest freezer. I adjusted a few breaker positions to balance these across the legs. I did the same for all the non-critical circuits. I have a battery backup garage door opener to make it easier to get the generator outside. I floated the neutral on the generator. Each time I use the generator, I adjust the throttle set (Philips screw on a spring-arm near carb.) to dial in 60hz for the base load and re-check it every few hours. I run an "online" UPS for my home IT panel/MDF to clean the power. Home offices and home theater system are protected by regular UPSes that are adjusted for "poor" power quality so they only transfer for the worst startup distortions from mechanical circuits.
You can do a positive ground to the house wiring.
I agree with you on having UPSs to buffer sensitive electronics with clean technical power. I don’t think people think enough about that risk.
Great video !!! One of the best explanations for supplementary power panel installs, I've seen on the Tube.
High efficiency gas furnaces sometimes have a condensate pump that only activates intermittently. Those can be a very high load for a second when they start. Just something to consider.
We all have a couple of inductive loads that you have to be careful with.
Water well pumps as well…
Super. It is convenient to have an extension cord that lets you hook up to any generator, and haing to turn off the main to connect the generator is much better than using a suicide cord and not remembering to turn off the main breaker. 💙 T.E.N.
Thank you for this video. Do you have a video of installing / using an automatic transfer service? I'm finishing my basement and have installed 2x 30amp 240v L6-30r. One of those will be used for a home server / theater rack. The other I'd like to use for a battery system. But I'd like the a transfer system fast enough to not even flicker a light bulb and then transfer back when utility power is restored.
408.36(D) Standard breaker can be backfed as long as secure it in place with a tie down hence the zip ties. Usually interlock kits come with two large zip ties for that reason. Great video.
I did this same job a few years ago on my house. A couple of things: Generators either float the neutral or bond it. In my case my generator had a bonded neutral. This means when it is hooked up to the house you have the neutral and ground bonded in two places which creates objectionable current (parallel paths) I opened up my generator and floated the neutral (manual was good with it). This means that it is no longer safe as a separately derived system (Just using it without connecting it to the house) so you can't really have both at the same time. The objectionable current is only running back to the generator from the panel so probably not that big a deal but still. There is good information on Mike Holt's youtube channel about all of this. Benjamin Sahlstrom has some good info too. Great video! It would have helped a few years ago for sure :)
You can hook it up to a grounding rod though, right? I think mine (Predator) has a little nub in which to do that.
Chad, you are 100 percent correct about unbondimg the neutral... When I wish to run generator stand-alone, I insert a 240 volt 30 amp plug, inside of which I've jumpered the neutral and ground prongs. This restores the neutral to ground bond connection for stand-alone operation. I keep this bonding plug tethered to the generator for easy access. However, if you try to do a jumper plug at a gen's 120 volt receptacles the built-in GFCI will probably trip....
@@mae2759 Grounding rod doesn't do anything for safety. Actually it doesn't really do anything at all :) If you are interested i'd look up Mike Holt's information on grounding. I find it facilitating but it can be difficult to understand.
@@josephknapick5307 Great idea! Easier than opening the thing up and rebonding it on the generator head each time.
Thanks so much for this! I followed this guidance and it helped me immensely with the installation of my 50a inlet, 6/3 gauge wire and interlock set up. Appreciate it, brother!!
I over-engineer safety protection (>35 designing chemical plants). I used the interlock kit for my breakers; but I also installed a locked A/C disconnect box between the breaker box and the Power Inlet Plug. I could not accept a single "interlocked" breaker preventing those prongs from being energized. Anything that is life threating needs a least 2 levels of safety protection. I could not find a Power Inlet Box with a locakable cover.
I loved your idea for tightening the NM cable clamp screws. It would have saved me a extra hole in my sheetrock.
Hey, would you consider doing a review/use of the Generlink meter/generator auto switch?
My panel is much smaller and I have a good 30 amp 120/240 Westinghouse that is going in very soon. Thanks for this info as I am just a DIY electrician with a very small budget who needs to do this
Hi, I did not see if you mentioned that most generators come with a bonded neutral and therefore the transfer switch would be allowing the neutral to pass through to the main panel and thus have two bonded power sources which I think is not code.
Thanks for the most detailed video I've seen for installing the inlet box.
Thank you for this video man. Would you happen to know how to connect a microair soft start kit for a 3.5 ton ac unit?
Awesome Video. I tried the Delta Ecoflow and it had issues powering some higher Amp/Voltage devices I used and I had to send it back. Waiting on the right one to be available for my needs before purchasing one of these but Ecoflow was extremely responsive and quick on the refund.
You have to look at the continuous wattage and in rush wattage load as a total for what your trying to power. The Ecoflow DP has is rated at 7200 starting watts and 3600 running watts. If anything, your trying to power is over 30-amps, it will overload the unit.
You make this look very easy. Do you edit the cussing out in post production? Great video, thanks for posting!
Thanks for your explanatory videos. I'm learning a lot. I really appreciate it.
Happy to help!
Thanks for putting up this video. Where is the inlet box you installed? Is it next to the circuit breaker or outside your house? Normal generators such as gasoline or gas powered ones must be placed outside a house.
This one was inside the house as I was setting up to have backup from EcoFlow Delta Pros. I just installed a similar unit with the generator inlet right on the outside of the house to run a more standard gas generator setup.
And when installing the Ecoflow delta pro what is done differently if anything to address the neutral bonding discussion in many of these comments? I’m confused.
Can you provide a list of the equipment you are using? Especially the lockout, and the wall box.
Good video! I wouldn't bother installing a 30 amp inlet box along with a 30 amp breaker.You're much better going with a 50 amp set up. If you ever want to upgrade to a larger generator and you only have a 30 amp set up you're going to need to upgrade your 10/3 Romex to 6/3 and get rid of the 30 amp inlet box and install a 50 amp box. You might have well do it right the first time.
I'm with you, but the thing is, the 50 amp setup has a different plug than the 30 amp. Most generators only have the 30 amp plug. Do they make adapters?
@@mae2759 I believe they do, however if you can't find one you can always make one.
That 50-30 conversion cable is sold in every rv isle in a hardware store
50amp uses size 8 wore correct, or is it 6?
@@Godfather44055 6 gauge.
Definitely interested in the upcoming genset tests. Florida has not been treating us well with hurricanes lately. Even if it’s to keep power on for a day or two, I am tempted to get the plug installed and invest in a genset of some sort.
Nice work ....what could you suggest if i only wanted to power 110 appliances in this manner. What particular plug would be needed and what connections to the main box would be different.? I'm using a eco flow delta 2 max which I've attached an rv 30 plug already. Thanks
Did you ever get an answer?
Thanks!
Thanks for the support 👍
Can you detail what THHN wires should be used for a 50amp Inlet box when the box is located on the outside of the house and what type of conduit should I purchase for this type of job?
This is the simplest interlock system to install. Relatively easy to do and less expensive than a transfer switch. The issue with the interlock is that when the grid power is restored, you might not know. A transfer switch will let me select which circuits are critical and need to be powered by my generator. The non-critical circuits (some lighting circuits for example) stay connected to the grid. When grid power is restored, those circuits become active and Ican shut down my generator (saves gas and wear and tear on my generator). One thing not mentioned that most portable generators have their neutral and bond tied together inside the generator. NEC requires these to be separated and individual wires run to the main electrical panel.
If you have a smart meter, will it go blank when the power goes out, and then you'd see it come back on when the power was restored?
I have heard of some issues with ecoflow and connecting to a panel with a ground neutral bond. There are some videos here on RUclips that show the problem.
Thanks for the heads up Dan 👍
Excellent explanation. Will this setup energize one side of the panel only or both sides? I am asking because you connect the generator wires to on side of the panel only.
No this will energize both phases and give you full 240V backup. The 30 Amp circuit covers 2 slots (2 poles) and the phases alternate on each side.
We have this very setup for use with our Predator 9500 Invertor. It runs out entire house, including a 4T variable speed central air conditioner.
Thank you!! I have a generator but have not taken this next step. I have looked into both the transfer switch and interlock.
Two things I don't understand:
1) How does powering one side of your box power the other side where you needed 9 amps?
2) Are you not concerned about powering refrigerators/freezers or do they consume too much power for a 30amp supply?
He is powering both sides of the panel. He added a 2-pole, 30-amp breaker. If you were to remove all of the breakers, you'd see a metal bus bar fed by each "leg" that cross back and forth, from side to side. A 2-pole breaker mounted on one side contacts both bus bars and, hence, both sides of loads.
With a refrigerator using 2200 watts on startup and 700 watts when running constantly, he could power a refrigerator with his generator. He has a 7000-watt generator, I think.
I'm in an area where we have frequent power outages during storm seasons. Surprised your not allowing for at least one Fridge/Freezer or more. They are one of my biggest draws, after AC/Heat. And don't have the generator capable of running both AC's.
I accounted for my Fridge on this setup but not the central Air/AC.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Sorry didn't hear that mentioned. We have 2 Frig's & a Freezer, which are our largest draws, and only run one AC if necessary. Can run a portable room unit, if necessary.
@@Bwanar1 Same situation for me. During high-draw periods (e.g. running the hot water heater), I may alternate refrigerators (unplug one or the other) as we're not usually needing both to run at the same time and they hold their temp quite well.
Pre clamping the wire! Nice!
I'm just curious why sometimes there is a secondary panel or switch board that come as a bundle with these inlet boxes. Is there an additional fuse/layer of safety with those? Or are those larger Generac (as an example) switch panels just for ease of use when selecting/remember what you have hooked up to the inlet box installed that's receiving power from the generator? Great video. We lost power this weekend and temps in the hose dropped to 20 degrees. I felt like an absolute dingus for not having this simple back-up that could've at least had our furnace keeping temps above freezing.
I'm guessing that any refrigerators and freezers you may have were also running and included in your amp draw test, correct?
When your panel is in the basement and on a different corner from the garage, is it better to run a long extension cord to a walkout basement door or do an exterior plug on the outside of the house (in the elements)?
Ecoflow is very nice. But mine did break, and it took a month and a half for customer service to take care of me and replace my unit under warranty. They were so slow I definitely got a bit angry. It does work very well and I also have a Honda 2200 which I can then turn on and charge my Ecoflo in about an hour and a half and then I can run all night long on the battery system.
I’d love it if you had a set of links to PPE you use in the video descriptions you post. For instance, I have lots of test equipment but never owned any insulated screwdrivers or insulated gloves rated for common voltages. I definitely want to buy the gloves asap, even though I also adhere to strict electrical safety best practices when working on household electrical projects.
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! I could use more details about this interlock kit! It is the WHOLE reason I have not tried to add an input! I just saw you screw something somewhere for some reason!! Bwoing!
Hi Scott
Thanks for the video. So you are connecting only to one side of your panel and trying to run up to 30 A on one side only?
How does the other side get powered ?
Thank you for your reply.
Have you followed use of the Ford Lightning as your power source and how you can DIY that set up to avoid the almost $4k Ford wants
Seems like I can only find interlock kits for right side of my square D panel. I have to put my breaker on the left side. Any ideas?
I watched this to start trying to learn how to install one of these and electrical in general, I guess I just don't understand electrical breaker boxes. Since the bipole is on the left phase, wouldn't it only power up the left phase breakers? How does the breakers on the right get powered up setting this up this way?
2.10.23 I would like to see a Westinghouse 9500df generator put into action. Question would the generator need to be bonded or not?
Thanks for the feedback and I have seen those on sale every once in a while for a pretty solid price through Amazon.
Give the Bluetti lineup of power stations a look. Their current offerings are really good. I have an AC200Max that I use with a 4 circuit 120v transfer switch. It gets me through most outages with the exception of major storms. I have generator and whole house plug for that but rarely need or use.
Does code allow the use of a source switch for the inlet plug similar to a boat that has "shore", "gen", and "off"? I would want an inlet plug in my basement near my panel to plug in a power station (such as an ecoflow delta pro) and another inlet on the outside of my house for a generator and then use the switch to select the source of power coming in. Everything else would be how you did it with the "out" of the switch going to the interlock controlled circuit.
I'm installing a 50A generator plug, the cable I'm using (6 wire gage 4 wires, black ,red, white and green) my question is the white and the green where do they go? the electric box is a D square with ground connector bars in each side of the breakers
I installed a High Wattage Generator in a shed near the house, ran its output power cable through a junction box mounted high on a wall, ran the power cable about 8 feet above the ground from there to section in and through the eave wall, suspended on the typical cable supports like for telephone lines and Cable TV/Internet cables, down inside and to the house between the ceiling siding panels, to and through the back door overhead wall, around the corner and into the circuit breaker box on its own high amperage breaker. I rigged a buzzer to the main to be able to know when city power was restored so I could turn the generator off, turn its breaker off and turn the main breaker back on. I connected the buzzer through a light switch mounted near the breaker box to be able to turn it on and back off once city power was restored. I'll admit that this part was dangerous!, but I did it without issue.
When an electrician came for a reason I don't recall and saw my rig, he said the generator cable needed to be run underground, up the brick wall and into the circuit breaker panel, and a Load Balancer needed to be installed to have the job done right. You may want to ask your electrician friends if a Load Balancer would be required or at least advantageous to your application. I don't remember his reasoning for it, but we had him do it all his way. It's certainly safer and up to code, but there was never an issue with my way. However, I'm sure it played a role in the safety inspection when the house was sold. And explaining its safe operation to a buyer could have been tricky. The Load Balancer does everything without human intervention. Just wanted you to know about it in case a Load Balancer may be required in your city or state.
That's good video for the beginner DIY like me. I am trying to install 50 amp circuit breaker. In video you installed 30 amp circuit breaker. I guess I should use a different wire. I have been searched in Amazon, but I couldn’t find which one is right. Can you help me where I can buy it ? Thank You.
1st question: What happens if I do not have a free slot in my main breaker?
2nd question: Is 50A enough for both EV charging (32A) and a 5-ton AC running?
What is your opinion on the GenerLink? Seems extremely easy and safe.
Thanks for the video. Question: what wire are you using and where can it be found? Thanks in advance.
I did this for one leg of my breaker panel as I only have a 2000 watt inverter generator 120 v output, so it connects to the box with a special cord and the interlock is on the breaker panel.
But I also have a Vtoman 1000 battery and I'm going to connect a second box but inside by the breaker panel so the FIRST thing I do is plug the battery in, if the outage is going to be longer than a few hours I could disconnect the battery, plug it into a wall outlet, and run the generator outside with that special plug plugged into the putside box to charge the battery while running lights, fridge etc.
I'll only have ONE of the special plugs, it is;
Parkworld 885460 Adapter Cord 5-15 Male Plug to Locking L14-20 Female Receptacle.
So no chance of having both the generator and battery connected together thru the interface, it's one or the other..
I only need to run my fridge and some LED lights I normally use most, and my tower computer/modem/router/monitor on these. Last time I had an outlage it lasted a couple of hours, the Vtoman battery easily ran those, and in winter it would be enough to power the electrical part of my Goodman gas furnace.
I am assuming same plug can be used if i go with home battery backup. I was thinking to install the plug in garage and put my power stations there (50A) and in case if power outage last longer than 1 day i would connect generator to it.
Is there a way to install a current meter on the neutral to measure the total amperage being drawn?
@2:00 you mention the 120v load from the furnace. This must be the fan on a gas furnace. Some have pure electric furnaces that draw far more than the 8-9 amps in yours and they draw it at 240v.
I enjoyed your video…my so just bought this to my attention we need this in Louisiana…
Hi Scott, Please let me know if you go with the EcoFlow Delta Pro or not. I've heard that it can not charge while being used for grid backup. I'm comparing different solar generator units to be able to provide battery back up for the Mrs. and her needs. Thanks, Tony
Where did you purchase the interlock from
interlock kits just make so much more sense to me than a whole separate transfer switch sub panel.
I have on on my square D panel with 50amp breaker and some thick boi 6-3.
Great video I think this is the easiest way to hook up generator to the house. My only question is do you just turn off all the individual breakers of the non essentials you dont want power to, and keep the essentials on? Or leave everything on and just use what you only need?
Before you turn your generator breaker on, you'll want to switch all of your breakers off. If they're all on when you flip your gen breaker it will overload your generator. Once the generator is on you can flip your breakers on 1 by 1. Only use what you need to use.
Just did this about 3 weeks ago for my 3600w generator and had to move a few breakers so that the one leg of my power could energize the lights in certain rooms. Came out good and was fairly easy
I also bought a vinyl siding mounting block and installed it on the outside of the wall my panel is on in my garage.
I cut put an 8x8" square beneath my panel after drilling the hole on the outsie of my house and I used one of the plastic spring loaded access panels to cover my cut out beneath the panel. Makes it look a lot cleaner and since it's in the garage i could care less but if i move up generator sizes I can acess it to replace my 30A inlet to a 50A down the road if i decide to
@@Kevin-mp5of yet here you are commenting on my post.. I guess you cared enough eh?
If you don't need or require 240V for any appliance, then it's actually best just to send 120v single phase to both legs. That way you are not trying to balance a two-phase 240V system using a generator, and everything 120V in your house works (and no need to move any breakers for a particular leg). You can still wire up a 240V 30 amp four pin inlet power box, and use a 3 wire to 4-wire power cord converter at the generator that supplies the 120V to both legs. Be sure to use a physical interlock between the breaker for the inlet power box and your main disconnect.
How to know which interlocking bracket to buy?
This will be an interesting project since we are looking to do the same. My son is looking at building my power station generator so will be interested in your results. He built one to use on his camping adventures and has worked really well and he seems to be getting a pretty good handle on components he likes and works. Well see…. Ha
So you added a 30amp breaker which will back feed to all circuits that are turned on, to run lights, appliances,etc within the 30 amp max??? What if the main and the new breaker are not positioned for an interlock install?
After hurricanes 🌀 if the power is out, having backup power to run a fan is important to me. After hurricanes go through it is very hot and muggy.
I see the advantage of an interlock but what if I was primarily concerned with heat in the winter. Why couldn't I run two dedicated 30 amp lines from the generator into the house and then use a heater on each line to heat the basement and main floor? As it wouldn't be tied into the house power system no interlock would be needed. Is there any reason this shouldn't be done?
Great tutorial video sir! I like how simple you explained and showed how to install this! Would it be prudent to future proof and just install the 50amp?
Install the 50 amp fuse & use appropriate gauge wire for 50amp then if u need to upgrade in the future just swap the inlet box to a 50amp
Greetings! I already have an outside generator hookup and interlock safety switch in the fuse box! I am trying to add an Ecoflow Pro inside and next to the fuse box! Can I hook up the wires to the fuse box from the Ecoflow 30 amp outlet into the same breaker of the line coming into the house from the outside? It would only work when the grid power is off to energize either the gas generator outside or the Ecoflow inside, but not both! Thanks
Only one problem with doing an amp draw test this way.... you don't know the start load (inrush) of certain appliances, which may be more than what the gen set can handle. You also have to consider balancing the load so both legs (not phases) are fairly close. That means making sure the fridge, sump pump, and furnace are not on the same leg.
@@Kevin-mp5of ... we're already in the main panel so hopefully it's correct there.
@@Kevin-mp5of ... you mean from a few days ago?
@@Kevin-mp5of ... at the risk of being a wise guy, some people might lean on the generator frame (metal) while yanking on a faulty cord? All I can say is they should learn the trick of keeping one hand on their pocket while working with electricity.
@@Kevin-mp5of ... the 4 prong plug to the panel supplies the bond... but only if it's connected. I also mentioned it might be faulty. If you think of the typical owner going through the motion of connecting or disconnecting the cord, you will get the picture. I actually watched a customer drop one of those plugs and mess up the alignment, then proceed to use a screwdriver to make it fit while the set was running! What were they thinking? (shaking my head)
@@Kevin-mp5of ... and now you are just foolin' with me because he's not around? Ha... my skin is thicker than that! I also have 35 years between HVAC and generator work so have seen just about everything there is.
You might also want to add additional instruction label to INSURE certain high amperage breakers are also shut off [thinking central AC, electric water heater, etc] so as to not overload the genset.
Been watching a lot of these videos as I'm planning on installing a generator inlet. I noticed you used 10 gauge for 30 amp circuit. I see several folks recommending 8 gauge as this is considered a "feeder" circuit. Curious if you did this again if you'd use 10 gauge or 8 gauge? Thanks for all the great how to videos. Love the content.
It also depends on the distance but generally the bigger the wire the better.
I used 10ga for a 30A feed. Like his mine is less than a 10 ft run to my panel so I think that is adequate. If the run was pushing 50 feet or more then maybe upsizing would be a good idea. That said, if you are really running your generator at 95% load continuously, you probably need to rethink your setup.
The ground wire to box ? Box, how was it grounded ? Back to main breaker box ? Why was it needed ?
Thank you. In my vacation home I’m looking for a way of powering the home when power is lost through using a eco-flow delta ultra pro. Amazon and Eco flow just had a massive sale.
I did not take part because I’m still in the research phase of getting a electrician in PR to hook up the L-NEMA 30 Amp outlet on the inside of the home.
Not sure how one would do that since the main breaker is outside the home sitting on a 12 Foot wall of concrete block. When I open that small panel all I see is the Main breaker I’m thinking the other part is under it.
Any suggestions
I like your videos well explained
what interlock kit did use can you send me a link ,i have the same panel ,thanks
Is it possible to run an extension cord directly to one of these generators? What if I’m only interested in supplying power to my fridge and a couple of other things (phone chargers, maybe the internet modem, and a couple of lamps) without having to do this work on the panel?
Great video .I couldn't tell did you put the 30AMP breaker in or was it already there?
Doesn’t really matter. Typically you put it there yourself when you get the generator.
@Everyday Home Repairs Great video can I power 110 volt items in my house with just one power bank? Connected thru the the panel ?
The small print on the bottom of the 30 amp box says not to be used indoors. Is what you did ok? You mounted it indoors.