How To Choose Between A Transfer Switch Vs Interlock Kit With Power Inlet Box

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2 жыл бұрын

In this video I talk about the transfer switch vs interlock kit with power inlet box when deciding which one is best to hookup your generator to your house. This is probably the most common question I hear when folks are trying to decide the best option for them.
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Items In The Video:
30 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3913Nal
50 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3C6HEUF
30 Amp Generac Transfer Switch: amzn.to/2XaIGzr
Popular interlock Switch Kits. Make sure the interlock switch will fit your panel before purchasing. These are not necessarily the exact same one in the video:
Square D HOMCGK2C: amzn.to/3mOvZlr
Square D QOCGK2C: amzn.to/2TO1wYo
Eaton EAT-CH200A: amzn.to/38aGGuv
General Electric GE200HDUL: amzn.to/2U4ygNn
General Electric GE-3: amzn.to/3l9na5D
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Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

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@philpom4515 2 жыл бұрын

Interlock kit all day long. Just label your critical breakers in the panel to have on during an outage. Exact same as a transfer switch except the added benefit of being able to energize any other breaker as you see fit. Personally I prefer the flexibility of running anything in the house. A transfer switch removes any flexibility you have and forces a compromise. I have an 11,000 watt dual fuel on a 50 amp inlet but I could also use my 3300 watt on the same inlet with reduced breakers live at once. I appreciate the video, thanks!

@SuperVstech 2 жыл бұрын

@@timothywillis7872 hard to imagine why that would be the case. Interlock is required if a generator inlet is connected to the panel without a transfer switch.

@timothywillis7872 2 жыл бұрын

@@SuperVstech that’s what Texas power told me. If I wanted to run a generator as a back up, I had to use a transfer switch.

@DIY_Dad_83 2 жыл бұрын

@@timothywillis7872 I'm in Texas as well, but all of the electricians we've gotten quotes from offer both options. My understanding (as I haven't found anything in my research) is as long as there's no chance of back-feed there shouldn't be a legal issue. We're going interlock for the same reason @philpom did. If our needs are drastically different for an outage in winter vs summer and we want the options. Cool thing with a transfer though is that it is easier to tell once the grid is back up.

@philp3512 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. The flexibility of an interlock is by a far superior choice. People just have to be aware of the wattage of what's being used on each circuit and what their generator can handle.

@jim4621 2 жыл бұрын

@@philp3512 absolutely, Reliance has a nice 2 line wattmeter box (cat.no.MB125) for monitoring that I installed. They also have a nice little PowerBack device that sounds an alarm when ulility power is restored.

@tracynation2820 6 ай бұрын

Super. Somebody is missing the ball by not making main breakers with extra generator terminals and wire control so that you can just hit a switch in your house and the main kicks off, connecting the generator. Yes, auto-transfer switches, but i'm talking inexpensive retrofit, not complete replacement. (Remote starting is possible with any generator that has a starter motor, so you would not have to go outside at all.) You can shut off almost anything inside that is not needed without killing the breaker. 💙 T.E.N.

@Doug-gp2qw Жыл бұрын

Generally I think an interlock switch would work best for most people no matter the size of your generator. It allows you to easily change the loads and the size of generator. Clear instructions on its use should be posted in or near the panel. Lets say you were making dinner on your electric stove when the power went out, and you have a smaller generator. You can turn on the breakers for the range and kitchen lights. After the meal you can turn of the range and turn on the hot water heater and dishwasher. In the winter you would want the furnace on, in the summer the AC, or fans. If you're working in the garage you can turn those circuits on. With a transfer switch you are stuck with what you decided when you installed it.

@jamesjackson4224 10 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree with you more. Mine powers my whole panel and I decide what I want to use and flip breakers accordingly. I.E. Turn the ac on to get it cool then turn ac off and water heater on for a little for showers then water heater back off and ac back on.

@MrTeamriab 5 ай бұрын

In the event of an outage, does that mean you have to first flip all breakers OFF before enabling the Interlock switch (or at least enough to bring the panel under the capacity of the generator)?

@Doug-gp2qw 5 ай бұрын

@@MrTeamriab To turn on or off a main breaker it is always best to shut off all the breakers first. Then turn the circuits on one at a time.

@scottmacglashin3059 Жыл бұрын

This really breaks everything down so well. I really appreciate this video prior to meeting with an electrician for an install.

@genew.231 2 жыл бұрын

Bravo!! Finally a video that was helpfull and understandable at the same time. I have watched several how to do videos on transfer switches. This is the first one that was clear and to the point. Thank you!!!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it! Glad it was helpful for you! Thank you for the feedback Gene!

@susannebarrett4356 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Adam, You do a great job keeping it simple and direct call covering all the bases.

@ApoJake13 2 жыл бұрын

Interlock. 100%. You have complete control of what circuits you want to have power to in your entire house. Not to mention it is so much cheaper (and easier) to install.

@jstevens501 4 ай бұрын

unless customer has a 200 amp zinsco meter main. good luck. or some other 40 year old weird panel.

@roush2win 2 жыл бұрын

Nice Video. I went with the 6 breaker Transfer switch powered by a remote start 4500 Watt inverter. Also plumbed it for Natural Gas as well as reg gas. Wanted to stay small so it wouldn't us too much fuel and inverter good for electronics and the RPMs drop when low load. This way I can run the basics, refrigerator, Furnace, lights, internet/ computers TV, Oven (gas oven but needs 110V to open gas valve).

@stephen.mcguire Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Good info, I'll share with less electrically minded friends who need to know the basics. I have used both and prefer the interlock even with my small generator. I have a small house and have changed over all my 220 appliances to gas which helped and I can almost run the entire house now. May re-use my transfer switch for a solar project but we will see.

@rstephe 2 жыл бұрын

Good explanation. I hooked up an interlock with a line coming from an external 50A plug and a 12,500 watt on propane. I can choose the circuits I want to run and during hurricane season in FL, life with the wife without A/C is hell. I do have a small generator I loan out to others or I can use during cooler months in my house if needed. Costs - the most expensive cost was the cable from the external plug to my circuit panel at $105 and the plug at $43, which you would have to buy anyway. Other costs were the interlock switch for $38, and a 50Amp circuit breaker for $8.

@JamesMcGillis 2 жыл бұрын

I had the Generac 30-amp Homelink transfer switch professionally installed. At that time, I had only a 2000w Harbor Freight inverter generator. When utility power failed, the small generator, with only two 120v receptacles, would not switch over power on the Homelink. After removing the HomeLink front panel, I used the provided lever to activate "test mode". Then, I could use the Homelink, but only at about 1800w continuous. I recently bought a Champion 4250w dual fuel generator, which has a 30-amp receptacle and should switch generator power to the HomeLink. Testing soon!

@dandiffenderfer6010 Ай бұрын

Really high quality video. This in conjunction with your other video on the power inlet box puts together the whole topic in a really short amount of time.

@llsansan50 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I recently experience my first 2 day power outage in Norther Virginia. I want to be prepared for next time. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Great! Yeah it is not fun being without power. I went about a week without it and it is really what prompted me to do everything that I have done. Thank you for the feedback.

@jenc8953 10 ай бұрын

THANK YOU so much for explaining this. This has helped me to decided that I need to go with an interlock kit verses a transfer switch. The interlock is just much more flexible. I don’t want to be locked into only being able to use a select amount of circuits.

@jsimish 2 жыл бұрын

Well done. direct and to the point with no rambling, Thank you

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!

@yamioji Жыл бұрын

I live in a rural area with power outages often, especially during winter. The boxes my utility company uses come prefitted with interlock kits so that adding a power inlet is very simple since most people in my area have generators

@geraldarmstrong5861 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your very, very helpful videos!! I may not be able to do all this stuff with my arthritic hands anymore at age 69, but it gives me an idea what I'm getting into that I might have to pay for. Keep up the good work!!!!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! I am glad you doing it helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback Gerald!

@OfficiallyFran 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I just did a video on my set-up. I opted for the InterLock for the exact reason you stated. Thanks for the detailed overview!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad you were able to get it all setup and are ready to go! Thanks for the feedback Fran.

@thomassemich4627 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am looking into a couple of different scenarios with generators for a couple people. So this is educational for me.

@lstanich1 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent info and presented quickly/professionally.

@steeve7010 Жыл бұрын

Perfect video! Straight forward information. Exactly the info I’ve been searching for, thank you!👍

@antoniomariomagalhaes2521 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the excellent video. Concise and to the point. From the beginning, you set out to give us points to consider in each situation, as opposed to a definite answer that might not fit everyone. Well done.

@sebastiannielsen 2 жыл бұрын

Also I want to mention it DO exist transfer switches that don't hook into a subpanel, but into the main panel instead, which only consist of a tranfer switch and give same flexibility as an interlock. There are lots of transfer switches, even transfer switches that can automatically measure load current, and automatically start up generators and transfer over the power to backup when grid disappears, and transfer back & shut down generators when grid comes back. Some of these transfer switches will also have a in-line UPS too, so you have completely 100% uninterrupted power.

@gunznknives 4 ай бұрын

Excellent explanation of the difference and who should install the transfer switch or the interlock. It clears up my confusion. Now I know what to buy. Great video!

@kiaweron Жыл бұрын

I have to say that you really helped me figure out which one to buy. Thank you very much.

@fredguerra4917 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for all of your well develop videos. Some years ago, I saw your oldest generator related video. Due to my budget and other related factors, I was able to create a my own locking mechanism. The one I needed was out of stock but principally was about $120 dollars delivered. Personally, I re arranged my circuit box to properly accommodate the order for my 240v. panel. This is important because it created a method for me to select 6 low power circuits along with 2 higher power consumption circuits. My main restriction to give power to the house was my generator. Lucky, I got one that produces about 8k of constant power and up to 13500k for peak events. In my view, the best option is the manual locking option. This is due to the fact that are less things that could go wrong and it is cheaper and a much straight forward option that just about any DIY person can actually handle.

@jamesshelton4423 2 жыл бұрын

Great presentation. Was leaning to transfer switch, now I am convinced, transfer switch.

@bobharris3433 2 жыл бұрын

thanks it gave me a better understanding, since I want to get my generator hooked up to my panel

@rbrown2925 Жыл бұрын

Great info, thanks! It seems like the interlock is the only decent option for us. We have two furnaces running off an 80A sub panel in the furnace room, which also has breakers for lights and outlets in almost half the house. The 200A main panel in the electrical room powers the kitchen, water and sewage pumps (we’re on a well and septic), and the remaining lights and outlets. Given the staircase and finished walls and ceiling between the furnace and electrical rooms plus other framing obstacles, it would be a nightmare wiring job to connect the furnaces to a transfer switch in the other room.

@sharpenrightservicesllc 7 ай бұрын

Very helpful. Now I finally know what I'm going to do to connect my gen to my house.

@user-su4tp8lk7n 5 ай бұрын

Gave all the information I needed in the most simplistic way, thanks.

@utubetjc 2 жыл бұрын

I used a 10 circuit manual transfer switch for a few years and recently replaced it with the interlock kit. 8500 running watt generator. Much better set up for us.

@johnrickert1929 Күн бұрын

Great explanation. Gave me more information than I received from talking to several electricians!

@gls3894 10 ай бұрын

I went with a Pulsar 6500 dual fuel and a 6 circuit transfer switch. Perfect fit for our size home. The install was straight forward.

@JeffBowe 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for this and your other video, I just purchased my first generator which is actually an inverter and I'm looking at stepping into a full house possibility over time. The first generator can certainly run critical need issues and I have the ability parallel them if I buy a second small one. I also am smaller because they're easier to move around and if one breaks I still have something happening whereas if I have one large one and it won't start I'm dead in the water. It's the military two is one and one is none Theory.

@homerfantastic 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative video. In our case we went with a interlock kit. Our range, clothes dryer and on demand water heater are propane. The only 220 items are our well pump and central air. We have a 13kw dual fuel portable genny that I can hook up to our in ground 250 gal propane tank in a few min. and plug into the side of the house. With our genny we can run the whole house without picking and choosing circuits.. Living in Florida it is important that AC operates.

@wes326 2 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Central Florida without A/C. I've been sleeping with a fan ever since.

@dwwilliams72 9 ай бұрын

Answered a question I’ve wondered for several yrs. 👍🏼

@user-dd9yn1xo3h 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the clarity of this. I had no idea what to do

@kaitym9012 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your concise explanation of the differences in the two approaches. We recently purchased a largish generator, 10k watt output, and have been looking into our options. Our power consumption calculation is about 8000w, so we purchased something that would not have to run at peak all the time. This allows for home heating with our pellet stove, cold food storage in two fridge/freezers, hot and cold water and lighting. Also figure we can switch off a few things and fire up a computer/TV for some DVD watching while we are "in the dark". We really have appreciated the effort that folks have put into providing clear information about our available choices. Your video and information are top notch! May 2022 bring us all peace and prosperity.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Sounds like you all are doing your homework and getting everything setup right! I am glad you found the video helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback and enjoy the backup power!

@danielh4995 2 жыл бұрын

For what its worth from a random internet stranger, I just installed a new outdoor load center with a main breaker and generator lockout w/ 50A input. I have 3 generators (for various reasons ranging from a 8kw welder to a 2250w 120v inverter) the 8kw will run my A/C, water heater, stove, microwave, etc individually with various lights and other small draws. It burns around 1gal/ hr at moderate load. For comparison my small inverter will run lights, fridge, freezer, TV, internet without issue. It burns a gallon every 6-8 hours or so. My typical usage for an extended outage is to run the 8kw intermittently cool or heat the house, shower, cook, etc in a couple hour time frame. After that I shut the 240V breakers off and run fridge, freezer, lights, and entertainment stuff with the smaller generator. Last large outage we had ~5 days running the small generator only was around $50 in fuel. Running the 8kw for 5 days would have been $420. The small generator I have was around $470. I keep a 55gal drum of 100LL aviation gasoline on site for all my small engines and as an emergency reserve for running the generators. Hope this helps or gives you something to think about.

@turkwendell6904 2 жыл бұрын

@@danielh4995 thanks for that info good to hear real world stuff.

@nicklopez5298 Жыл бұрын

Are u running gas NP, NG

@nicklopez5298 Жыл бұрын

@@danielh4995 have u considered a no load low idle generator would do same

@ronaldhagen4890 10 ай бұрын

REALLY INFORMATIVE INFORMATION.WISH I HAD FOUND IT SOONER.THANK YOU.

@corneliusharrisoniii964 2 жыл бұрын

Very simple BUT very helpful. Two thumbs up! Thank you

@HowToHomeDIY Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Cornelius!

@maelo9x 11 ай бұрын

Outstanding explanation, thanks for the time and energy on this video 🤙😎

@user-qp4gp4ri8c 5 ай бұрын

Very helpful. I have a 4500w generator and will be using the transfer switch option. Of course, if you can get your hands on a whole house generator, I'd go with the interlock kit.

@joaquinaguirre2976 9 ай бұрын

Thank you Mr. Again I really appreciated this video with it information. Simple, easy and well explain.

@Bergarita 2 жыл бұрын

Very good video. Now that I see this I think an interlock system would suit my purposes better.

@bryanfissell9255 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for answering all my questions. Good video right to the point I like that.

@lamontacoff4529 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. You’re explanation was as clear as can be. Personally, I’d prefer the transfer switch. Simply because in an emergency when I’m not available. My family can operate the transfer switch without the worry of dealing with the panel.

@HowToHomeDIY Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome. That is certainly a smart thought to take into consideration. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

@ChuckMorton 3 ай бұрын

I went interlock even with the family, training them when you are gone is key though.

@krazzyk01 9 ай бұрын

Awesome. Clear cut answers. Thank you very much.

@PNW_Sportbike_Life 2 жыл бұрын

I’m going with a 50a interlock. I want to be able to choose what I want running. I’ll likely be getting the 7 or 8kw predator inverter. Very concise and informative video!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds good! Glad you found the video to be helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

@emblems4life726 Жыл бұрын

Just bought the 8750 Predator Inverter Generator and initial impressions are good so far.

@hendersonsobers396 Жыл бұрын

Really great information in this video. Good job man!

@richardmorton1569 2 жыл бұрын

I found this content very helpful, especially the price value

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

@LloydArthurWilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to share this information.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome Lloyd! I hope you found it helpful.

@amputeemarksman Жыл бұрын

I just did an interlock setup. It was $40 for power inlet box, $90 for the interlock kit, $20 for a double breaker, $28 for a mount plate for the power inlet box (so it would sit flat on the siding). I also needed a chunk of wire about 10' long for the power inlet box. I had that as a left over from a previous job. I have limited room where my panel is and there was no space to install a transfer switch.

@joelkoole1960 Жыл бұрын

Everytime I go to Electrical Store they don't have any Transfer Switches, Interlock kits, no power inlet boxes.. Are they playing "stupid?" Or, are they stupid. An other store does not offer any Solution.

@DeadlyHippo 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. I am currently building my own place and this information helped me decide on the power failure route I am going to take. Seriously appreciate the time you took to make this video!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad this was helpful for you. Good luck on the build!

@Barc7580 4 ай бұрын

I’m almost ready to set up a generator inlet combined with a 48v battery & EG4 inverter(s) to a combiner box and run that back to a 125a breaker on an interlock in the main panel. Trying to capitalize on battery for main backup power and then use the generator to supplement grid power and also charge batteries with the EG4 chargeverter. Main idea is to use the generator to conserve gas / propane by only running the generator as needed until the batteries are charged. Thank you for this video. Lots more to think about.

@jonathanDIYs 2 жыл бұрын

Great video - very well put together! I would recommend measuring the power usage of the house and deciding based off of that rather than the raw amp ratings. I have a new house with 200 amp service, but with all the lights being LEDs, my regular energy usage is 1000 watts, very well within a small or medium generator to power everything. My peak continuous energy usage has been 9000 watts, but that is only with the dryer, AC, and oven on all at once - probably wouldn't try doing that when in an emergency situation. I prefer having everything connected and simply remembering not to turn on the dryer, oven, and AC all at once. Only thing I have to worry about is AC inrush, but I will be installing a soft start for that (which you provide an excellent video on too!).

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jonathan, I appreciate the feedback! Yes getting a good reading of what wattage is actually used is a great way to size what you will need. Sounds like you are doing it right and getting yourself all setup just in case you need to be! You will definitely love that soft start kit. It is a gamechanger.

@rupe53 2 жыл бұрын

you are obviously missing the inrush from many other devices with motors because the typical fridge is around 1200 watts right there. If you have several (and a freezer?) you have 3600 watts you forgot about, even though the average run draw is 2 - 3 amps. Edit: if you have forced air heating you have blower motors to deal with. If they are 10 years old they likely do not have a soft start.

@jonathanDIYs 2 жыл бұрын

@@rupe53 thanks for the reply. You're absolutely right. I fortunately only have 1 fridge/freezer and I'm going to give How to Home's soft start installation a try for my HVAC. He put out a really cool video explaining how to set one up. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q9WnibCK2rbXXYk.html I already tested the heat and my generator had no issues powering that, it did die on trying to power the air condition condenser. In-rush definitely is something worth considering.

@nicklopez5298 Жыл бұрын

@@rupe53 I have a outside packaged a/c unit not sureaybe 4ton not sure the start watts hit

@rupe53 Жыл бұрын

@@nicklopez5298 ... look at the data tag on the unit. It has figures for run amps and something else called LRA, which stands for Locked Rotor Amps. That's roughly the draw for starting up the compressor. Most gen sets can handle around 140% of their rated amps as a start surge if the "peak power" is not listed. Be aware that peak, inrush, start surge, etc is only for a few seconds.

@Dqalex 2 жыл бұрын

I use an interlock at my house in NJ. My home has natural gas. My 7000 watt generator can run everything but the central AC. During Sandy it was nice because I could turn on any light in any room with the interlock.

@Roame55 Жыл бұрын

This was very helpful!

@victorriga9814 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Concise and clear. Thank you

@SanchezArep Жыл бұрын

I bought an interlock kit for $69.95 form my main breaker box. What a rip! I made one in 2 hours for my apartment box. People are misled by how many watts they need for power in an emergency. MOST power outages are emergencies. You do not need to run an electric water heater and electric clothes dryer at the same time, ever. You do not need to run your refrigerator all day long. Over Christmas weekend I had no power for 3 days. The fridge got to 44F and the freezer to 22F. Of course it was 48 inside the house. You can plug the fridge in when needed if you open it a lot. you can run most homes on 5000w or less generator.

@whobdis77 Жыл бұрын

This is good stuff. I'm just at the start of this process but if I went down the wrong path it would be difficult to go back I think.

@ricko2766 6 ай бұрын

interesting video. Thanks for making it. Since I haven't bought a generator yet I will use the money I save going with the home interlock kit and and apply that to my generator purchase to buy a bigger unit. This way I will be able to power my whole ( if my daughters aren't home ) house

@MrMercenary20 2 жыл бұрын

This was the video I needed thank you!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful. Thank you for the feedback!

@nunyabizness2396 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Very informative. Some homes like mine have the main breaker outside and the breaker box inside. This doesn't allow me to have an interlock switch because the main is a single breaker box. So a licensed professional would not install an inlet box and breaker to my panel without the ability to put in a interlock switch. So a transfer box would be ideal. However my neighbor is an electrician and we installed a inlet and breaker. I just have to make sure i flip my main on and off before i do anything. I will eventually switch to a transfer box. JFYI

@jim4621 2 жыл бұрын

Reliance has a nice 200 amp outdoor rated manual transfer switch with interlock. A little expensive put it might be a good option for you.

@yvondubois1494 4 ай бұрын

clear, detailed and very helpful. Thank you.

@erinwilliams7405 9 ай бұрын

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO, IT WAS VERY HELPFUL!

@shoyrushoyru Жыл бұрын

i like the simplicity of a transfer switch, but i think even with having to micromanage what circuits are on and off, the versatility of the interlock kit cant be beat for evolving power needs, especially depending what season it is when you lose power

@garrettg5130 2 жыл бұрын

It seems like the transfer switch is ideal if you plan to switch to generator power often, or if the person doing the switching doesn't understand the loads within the house. I think the interlock switch would be what I'd personally use, as its nice to have the flexibility to switch what is powered in case you need to use something you didn't plan on when you installed the transfer switch. Although, I'd probably write up a "interlock guide" that shows what breakers to disable for normal 'generator'/backup use.

@rustynail6819 Жыл бұрын

That's the one thing I never understood about the transfer switch, it supports say 6 breakers and that's it...OK got it but why not just use an interlock kit and just turn those 6 on from the main breaker panel rather than move it over to a separate panel? Also, the interlock gives way more flexibility.

@Mr_Meowingtons Жыл бұрын

@@rustynail6819 Because some ones wife at some time will just turn every thing on and smoke the generator ask me how i know... 🤣🤣 why i went with Transfer Switch.

@billywatson118 Жыл бұрын

@@Mr_Meowingtons yup!!

@GmanfromTexas 2 жыл бұрын

Great information. Thanks. I can now make a decision clearly.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. Thanks a lot for taking the time to let me know!

@user-ci6sc4fc2u Жыл бұрын

Great and informative videos. I think I have learned something. Thanks so much. John

@HowToHomeDIY Жыл бұрын

Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback John!

@thealien6900 2 жыл бұрын

To add to this great video and discussion. An outage is not the time to be figuring this out. Need to prove what will and wont run, how much fuel will you use and how much do you store? I am a retired electrician and finally got my stuff almost all squared away and tested recently here in New England. In my opinion we should shut the main once or twice a year and prove everything works. Might need to swap some breakers and balance the load. Do you have access to an amprobe? Run for 12-24 hours and know your fuel consumption, and learn what you can live without. I can survive for a while on a 2000 watt inverter generator. It can run on 3 gallons a day.

@sauceswoodworkinganddiy7292 2 жыл бұрын

For me, the big deciding factor was that my breaker box, while it had some breakers in it (sewer pump, dryer, and a few more), it has 3 large (100A) breakers for "Upstairs", "Downstairs" and "Garage" which lead to three subpanels. If I wanted to be able to switch individual things from upstairs or downstairs, I'd have to rewire them all the way back to the main panel, otherwise I'm going to use large breakers on a transfer switch and still have to go and turn on and off individual circuits not to overload the generator. The interlock kit was much more straight forward.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found the right solution for you! Appreciate all the feedback.

@danlux4954 2 жыл бұрын

Whole house generator

@burkepete110 Жыл бұрын

Wait ... one interlock in the main breaker panel does not solve your problem. It gives you the same choice (on or off) for each subpanel. It does not give you remote control to individual breakers in the subpanels.

@user-ns5gk7lw3m 3 ай бұрын

Great job very helpful !

@GamingCentral3000 5 ай бұрын

Great description, thanks!

@briandesrocher8994 5 ай бұрын

Great videos....very informative!

@s.meredithclark1164 2 жыл бұрын

Could you talk about grounding the portable generator when using it for household and other situations?

@bryanrocker5033 2 жыл бұрын

I have looked at both options and I tend to favor the interlock kit. I will add there is one additional option. You can have installed a generator connector that connects to the main power coming in. When you connect your generator and turn on the power it senses the power and disco's it from the main lines.

@brianp9054 Жыл бұрын

go for interlocm kit. The last option you mentioned is a stupid too risky decision that please avoid. No offense intended.

@ThomasCameron Жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thank you very much!

@chrishackett554 4 ай бұрын

Excellent video ! Very helpful with our decision.

@jeffmasters6223 8 ай бұрын

Thanks,just what i was looking for

@johnminogue7360 8 ай бұрын

Excellent and very informative. Thanks

@HowToHomeDIY 8 ай бұрын

You are very welcome! Really glad you found value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

@jamesws3 2 жыл бұрын

When circuits and their breakers are moved to a transfer switch what happens to now "empty" slots in the main panel? Very good video!!

@SuperVstech 2 жыл бұрын

@@jmljml5065 incorrect. The circuits are moved to the transfer switch. The breakers can be moved to the transfer switch, which would leave spaces in the panel that require coverplate sin the panel cover. Or new breakers can be used in the transfer switch, leaving unused breakers in the panel.

@johnpaula1400 Жыл бұрын

You asked how I installed my transfer switch. I have a 3 position switch- utility live- neutral (in between the two power sources)- and generator live. This way current is provided to the panel from one source only. Again this is very important so that my generator cannot feed into the grid where you might have downed power lines.

@dadofmichelle 2 жыл бұрын

Good explanation. I chose an interlock kit, because a transfer switch installation would have required running wiring to my main panel and to 2 distant sub panels. I don't bounce up and down to the panels and constantly flip circuit breakers. I have typed instructions next to the panels, including the order in which breakers should be flipped on (something important to have with a transfer switch as well), and turn a specific set of breakers on when I need my generator. In rare cases, I'll turn one off and turn a different one on.

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

That is the way to be. Prepared! Then there is no guessing when you have to use it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

@eddievibbert6740 7 ай бұрын

You do an excellent job with your explanations! Thank you for keeping it simple for us!

@stevetx9301 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. After one week of reviewing generators and all of the associated details, I thought I needed a transfer switch. Your instruction clearly indicates I need an interlock kit. My wife and I live outside of town. Our house has a well and two water heaters. My 15,000 peak watt generator should arrive in a week or so. Your video is great!

@HowToHomeDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! That is a nice sized generator and will almost make it like the power never went out. Thanks for the feedback Steve!

@sqttube Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the explanation.

@dwightsmith5174 2 жыл бұрын

Suggestion - for a temporary situation or a permanent solution, get a Generlink meter base adaptor. Would recommend the 40 amp unit. Safe, very easy to use, super easy (5 min.) for the electric company to install. I have no ties to the company. I bought one and it's a great solution. Using it with my Generac standby genset. Simply plug in the cord when needed, unplug when done.

@user-bj4lp3fr1o 2 жыл бұрын

Very expensive compared to interlock and some utilities don’t allow it.

@wabitt11 Ай бұрын

GREAT stuff! THANK YOU!

@jimmyraythomason1 Жыл бұрын

I use a transfer switch with my Champion 7500 watt generator to power almost my entire house. I don't have my stove/range, heat pump or cloths dried powered by it because of the high amp draw. I have back up window a/c units for summer use if the power is out during hot weather that the generator handles quite easily. Even though it isolates the generator from the line I always throw the main breaker to guarantee no back feed of the power lines.

@tcap7917 2 жыл бұрын

Its not for everyone but an Interlock is in my panel. I got lucky when I shopped for mine, It was around $15 for my panel. I saw others for different panels costing $75 and up. With my needs and requirement is was a no brainer.

@rogerdevero8726 11 ай бұрын

Adam, you're a fine teacher, and this was VERY well explained. (Liked & Subscribed from long ago) Kudos John 3:16

@raymondborror6996 5 ай бұрын

Thank you, very helpful

@larryk5823 11 ай бұрын

Thank you! Great information

@jkepps 8 ай бұрын

Very informative! Thanks!!!

@trustbuster23 11 ай бұрын

The flexibility of powering the whole panel is really nice if you are technically inclined and understand what you are doing. I have a transfer switch that feeds the whole panel. I shut off all the breakers and then flip a few key circuits back on. I color coded the essential circuits with small stickers to make the whole process very quick. But in an extended outage, maybe you really need to do some laundry or power some otherwise "non-essential" load for a few hours. But that flexibility requires understanding, in advance, how much power various appliances use and keeping a kind of rough wattage budget in your head as you flip things on and off. A transfer switch is better if you want the whole process to be simple and foolproof. Fire up the generator, push one switch and the food doesn't spoil, the internet comes back on, etc.