Generator interlock build and installation on the breaker panel

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Generator interlock build and installation on the breaker panel

Рет қаралды 43,224

Күн бұрын

How to build and install a Generator interlock on your service panel. This same method can be used to build an interlock for many different brands of service panels. Guards against back feeding power in the utility lines while using your generator as backup power that is connected to your service panel.

Пікірлер: 145

@robertmunroe3976 2 жыл бұрын

Well done, sir! Even after 20+ years of having internet, I’m still amazed that some dude, in his home shop, can teach us all something new. Cheers!

@RustyGlovebox 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, have a great week

@jestkidding 3 жыл бұрын

You just saved me about $70. I told my wife today that I figured I could make one. Now I know I can and will have it all together before long. Thank you so much.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Glad it could helped

@tennpikr74 3 жыл бұрын

Great job, sure beats paying $70 to $100 for them on ebay. Thanks very much for posting.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you found it helpful.

@dljones61 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought a generator and have sticker shock on what the stores want for this type of interlock kit. As a steel fab guy with a manufacturing plant of tools, this is perfect thank you.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and glad it helped

@jakekelly3281 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the guide, worked like a charm!

@RustyGlovebox 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks , hope yours work just as well.

@MalcOfLincoln 5 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea Lloyd. I've only lost power for a day once, so very rarely, if ever need to do it. I switched the mains off, and plugged my 800w genny that you've seen, into a socket. Wouldn't run the fridge, but ran lights etc.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I did the same thing in the shop and decided to try this setup for a permanent solution . Thanks Malc and enjoy your week

@lakesideranch 5 жыл бұрын

Genius design sir! A perfect safety device that every service panel with a backup generator should have. Very nice presentation, easy to follow procedure and a huge safety upgrade. 2 thumbs up from here, great job! Doug@ the "ranch"

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Doug, I don't need a generator very often but I'm set if I need it now. Enjoy your week.

@WallysPlace66 5 жыл бұрын

Very good Lloyd. That will help a lot of folks out

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ron, it works good and guarantees no issues back feeding the power lines. Take care

@Redneckmfg 5 жыл бұрын

I myself have a Back fed Generator setup in my garage... But, I have never seen such a GREAT idea to lock out the breakers like this... I love it !!! I am Definitely going to be adding this Idea to my panel as well...… Awesome job !!! Thank you !!!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, it's a simple way to keep everything safe during an outage. Take care

@GDTractor 5 жыл бұрын

That is SO informative!! I do have an interlock on my fuse box - one of our sons is an Electrician - I didn’t however realize how important it was NOT to electrocute the people working on the line! Thank you!! You never fail to amaze me with builds and info!!! Gary

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary, it's up to us to work safe and what out for those around us. Have a great week

@JustPlainCommonSense 5 жыл бұрын

That is a fantastic idea! I use card stock and tape on projects quite often. It is so much easier to manipulate than a piece of sheet metal.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I've used this method for some time. Just as you say, it's much easier to manipulate or adjust before you make the finial part. Thanks and enjoy your week.

@stephenzies8867 Жыл бұрын

Awesome Job Sir 👍

@RustyGlovebox Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much

@rockerpat1085 5 жыл бұрын

Great Idea Rusty!!! In my opinion that is better than the electronic ones, safer!!! Electronics can fail,but a positive manual interlock work's every time!!! Keep Rocking it out!!!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pat, it is a nice option. I would like to have a standby generator and the whole shebang but just don't need it that often this far inland. Take care

@brentferguson442 3 жыл бұрын

Rusty, let me tell you first that this was a great job. I had planned to do the same when I saw the kit was $69. I actually have 2 main panels, so that quickly became cost ineffective - you can nearly buy an automatic transfer for that price! Your idea of taping cardboard to the panels was a time saver, as well. BUT there's a feature other interlock kits have which yours does not. By default, gravity promotes disengaging the generator breakers. When they are disengaged the lock automatically drops down into place. You must physically lift the lock up to engage the generator - insuring the main is cut off. WIth your design I see a potential for error. A new home buyer might just think it ok to flip the generator on and let your interlock flip the main off. In time that would lead to play in your design - and the potential of a momentary, or if wobbly enough constant situation where both the generator and the main are connected. I hope this helps you come up with an even more innovative design!

@brentferguson442 3 жыл бұрын

I forgot to mention, I built mine just like yours - with a single vertical notch and 4 nylon washers so it slides up and down very easily. I didn't need to use the folded tab, though.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. I recently got a 3D printer and may rework this one with added features. Take care.

@brentferguson442 3 жыл бұрын

@@RustyGlovebox I like the idea of a non-conductive interlock but I'm curious to see how you'll overcome the weakness inherent in making a thin enough to allow you to close the door.

@brentferguson442 3 жыл бұрын

I had originally had a similar thought of cutting it out of laminated rigid thermoplastic but to avoid flex it just would have had to have been too thick.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Just printed one on my 3d printer kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bc5-a8Ke3rameYU.html&ab_channel=RustyGlovebox

@mohawksteel2215 3 жыл бұрын

Rusty Glovebox you just saved me a few bucks, I was thinking on buying an Interlock but though , I can make my own so you have given me an easy solution to design. THANK YOU. I have LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and glad it helped. Good luck on your build

@1968hambone 5 жыл бұрын

Really good stuff buddy, I’ve been rolling over ideas of how to safeguard switching between, solar, generator, and regular 110 in my panel. Many thx!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm also going to do an upgrade on my solar and wind generator system too. I've several ideas on the switching and controls. Enjoy your week.

@PappysCorner 5 жыл бұрын

That's excellent.!! Safety first...You are a genius Llyod.!!... Great DIY.!!... Thumbs up.!!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pappy, I like how it turned out. It will come in handy in the future .Take care

@johnnicolini2562 11 ай бұрын

Nice job thank you. I’ll be starting mine soon.

@RustyGlovebox 11 ай бұрын

Thanks John and good luck on your project. Take care

@27613James 4 жыл бұрын

Nice project. I made a similar one using 4" Steel City box cover since it was plated and under $2.

@RustyGlovebox 4 жыл бұрын

Nice work, that was a great source for material to build yours.

@LarryDeSilva64 5 жыл бұрын

Great explanation as one who worked for an electrical sub contractor really first rate.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Larry, I appreciate hearing that. I'm very happy how well it works.

@3DOutdoors 5 жыл бұрын

That is a great item to have. Back feeding the electrical line would be one issue, but the one issue everyone would really notice without your device could be double feed. If you have the generator running and street power is restored you would double up and burn out a lot of items in your home.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

That's very true Dan. One mistake like that and you would really regret it. Thanks and take care

@MissouriOldTimer 5 жыл бұрын

that's a nifty idea. I don't have a generator but I'd like to have one that would power the entire house, that is a great way to protect the line , probably safer than those electronic ones I see advertised.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I don't need it very often but now when I do I'm ready. Thanks Vernon

@popup1959 5 жыл бұрын

That's a nice safety feature. Quick easy fix for what could be a real tragedy. Hope to get a generator someday. Thanks!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pat, it worked really good and was simple to make. Take care

@buzzsah 5 жыл бұрын

A really easy way and safe for everyone. Thanks Rusty.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Buzz, I wanted to do this for a while and finally took the time to do it. Take care

@milvolts1 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding! Thank you sir.👏👏🍻

@RustyGlovebox Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it. Thanks and take care

@bobgieser2943 3 жыл бұрын

Rusty, your video is great. Thank you for doing and showing your process. I believe you have an identical panel. I have a Murray/Siemmens 200 amp. I like your design better than mine. I am in the planning stage with one plan design. I LIKE YOUR DESIGN BETTER.THANKS.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful and appreciate your comment. Thanks

@BruceBoschek 5 жыл бұрын

Very clever Lloyd! I am still glad that we don't have power outages here!😂

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

We don't have them to often but when we do they are never at a good time. It's nice to have a backup plan. Thanks Bruce and enjoy your week.

@ramblers69 5 жыл бұрын

That's great Lloyd, nice and simple, :)

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tom, it is much safer than back feeder through the welder plug. Take care

@SteveRobReviews 5 жыл бұрын

A must have to prevent a costly mistake. Great idea bud 👍

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I would not want to be the one that put power to the utility line and got someone hurt. Thanks Steve and have a great week.

@shawnmrfixitlee6478 5 жыл бұрын

that is a great setup Lloyd .. I like it !!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shawn, if I should need it later I will feel much better with these safety measures in place. Take care

@MothershipVideos 5 жыл бұрын

Very ingenious Lloyd.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Noel, certain times of the year we are more pron to power outages. This gives me an option when it happens now. Take care

@BlindOwl-Outdoors Жыл бұрын

very interesting, i just plug my generator into a wall outlet and it powers the whole house

@RustyGlovebox Жыл бұрын

I did this after we had a major ice storm and lost power for a week. Hope that never happen again Thanks Dan

@philstreeter9703 2 ай бұрын

Great video

@RustyGlovebox 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, appreciate you checking it out. Take care

@jessejames586 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job. Thanks

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you too!

@jankotze1959 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome plan Lloyd, that is really fail save, I will follow your plan for sure

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

It is a simple and easy way to have a system in place in case of a power outage. Thanks and take care my friend

@DONALD1951 3 жыл бұрын

They make them already but they sell for around $100 which is ridiculous. I’m surprised more people aren’t doing this .

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

It just takes a little time to get it figured out. Thanks

@swflmotorsportsfan6667 4 жыл бұрын

very nice demonstration!

@RustyGlovebox 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! it works well.

@bigwadventures7061 5 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea that I can use in the near future. Good Job on this project. Thanks for sharing your smarts. Have a great day and more my friend. BigW:-)

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I had been wanting to do this for a while . It will may it a safe process if I need to fire up the generator. Thanks and take care my friend.

@farmboy30117 5 жыл бұрын

Great idea Lloyd!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay, it works pretty good. Take care

@scottpearsontoolsmore185 5 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks brother. Great information and idea so no one or nothing gets hurt. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott, safety is always important. To much at stake. Enjoy your week

@NathansFerroceriumrods1 5 жыл бұрын

Good job Lloyd.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nathan, I have been wanting to start on this project for a while.

@805ROADKING 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Bud!! The file is your Friend!!☺

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, that way you can ease up on it and not shoot through it. Thanks and take care

@ShawnMtz_78 3 жыл бұрын

Man, way to go...I had the same idea!

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and good luck

@johnstrange6799 5 жыл бұрын

Great project idea! Kudos.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks John, It may come in handy in the future. Take care

@BitsofRealPanther 5 жыл бұрын

Full play and like #56 from Bits of Real Panther! Just stopping in to help with watch time, Rusty Glovebox. I hope your week is totally rocking, friend!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks and appreciate you stopping by

@BitsofRealPanther 5 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome, Rusty. Have you a super-fly Saturday!

@MrGaborseres Жыл бұрын

Awesome 👌 👍

@RustyGlovebox Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@eumernunez6706 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you great video amigo

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, it is a good safety device for connecting the generator to the circuit breaker panel.

@eviltwinx 5 жыл бұрын

Funny enough, I have to make one of these! Perfect!

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Great , hopefully this will help you building your. Good luck

@Ojeramup12 Жыл бұрын

What size is your generator for this 30 Amp? Are you running 110 or 220 as well.

@RustyGlovebox Жыл бұрын

I'm operating on 220 volt, I have a new 11000 watt that can more than take care of the supply needs.

@txsviking 5 жыл бұрын

I bought a kit when they first came out and they were cheap. Now I think they are expensive. Much better to make your own.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

The prices are still all over the place . 40 to 75 bucks seems the norm. I can do a lot of playing around with that...ha ha. Thanks and take care

@mikegaumer2916 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job!! Do you have a video on hooking up your outside generator to your home?

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike, I stalled a manual disconnect box at the house for a portable generator. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f8eVgc6ErJuRpZ8.html&ab_channel=RustyGlovebox

@steve60. 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job, does this meet electrical codes ?

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Of course if you build it , it won't have the UL markings. It performs as the factory made units. But if your application call for UL or code requirements in your area, you may prefer to purchase one. Good luck and Thanks

@Vortec67 5 жыл бұрын

Nice

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tony, it works good . Take care

@WildmanTech 5 жыл бұрын

Great project Lloyd. Are you going to The Good of the Land fest in Temple?

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, that's the antique tractor show Oct 26th. Are you planning to attend?

@WildmanTech 5 жыл бұрын

@@RustyGlovebox Yes! I arrive in DFW on Thursday before and take the train to Temple the next day. I have a VIP ticket so I'll be in Temple Friday-Monday. Let's be sure to cross paths.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

@@WildmanTech Sounds like fun. I will send my cell number in an email. Looking forward to it.

@1970chevelle396 5 жыл бұрын

If you lived in India you would have to use the generator a lot. Because the power goes out there everyday.

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I have seen pictures of India's power lines and they look like a birds nest. Thanks Ken and take care

@vkapoor69 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks sir! I had ordered the homeline interlock kit for my panel from Home Depot which arrived yesterday. I thought I was paying $55 for the UL stamp but there is no stamp on the metal piece at all. So I have decided to try make one myself. I took a piece of scrap sheet metal from my garage and cut it to exactly match the shape of homeline part in two minutes. How did you cut the slots? Router or drill?

@RustyGlovebox 4 жыл бұрын

Vikram Kapoor I drilled 2 holes and used a Dremel cut off disc to finish the slot between the two.

@vkapoor69 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks you very much! I bought a Dremel kit from harbor freight and cut the slots. Here's a picture of mu replica along side the Homeline interlock kit photos.app.goo.gl/7jk82h2P5yPP696C6

@RustyGlovebox 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job, that will work great.

@vkapoor69 4 жыл бұрын

@@RustyGlovebox Its funny that when I went to install it I found that I had ordered the interlock switch in this first place. I had to trim one side and cut a new slot to make it fit. Here's a picture of it installed photos.app.goo.gl/Kh2PTi1W9FkT8Jhr7

@rwruther 5 жыл бұрын

Are you planning an upgrade using magnetic contactors which automate the process? We got a whole house gen that runs when our store bought electric craps out, does so automatically. hey! No pressure! ;-)

@RustyGlovebox 5 жыл бұрын

I would like to have a stand-by unit for the house but don't for now. I will install a 10 circuit manual transfer switch soon though. Thanks and enjoy your week.