Is my Manual Generator Interlock Transfer Switch Code Compliant? Securing my Backfed Breaker!

Рет қаралды 1,374

Күн бұрын

Installation of a breaker hold down kit to meet NEC 408.36(D) code compliance.
NEC 408.36(D) - Plug-in-type overcurrent protection devices or plug-in type main lug assemblies that are back-fed and used to terminate field-installed ungrounded supply conductors shall be secured in place by an additional fastener that requires other than a pull to release the device from the mounting means on the panel.
Any other common mistakes that happen when installing a manual generator interlock transfer switch? Let me know in the comments below!
I have an Eaton CH plug-on neutral loadcenter which required a CHPHD hold down kit - www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-CH-....
Hold down kits are brand and model specific, if you don't have the same panel, you most likely will need to get a different kit.
#electricalwork #diy #NECCodeCompliance

Пікірлер: 14

@brandonnelson4164 9 ай бұрын

Conduit fill levels need to be < 50% to be code compliant. Using jacketed wire like romex or the outdoor equivalent vs. THHN means you will need a larger than expected conduit.

@jlbreak 2 жыл бұрын

Good example of a simple explanation of a specific code. Thanks for the video!

@kettch42 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. FYI based on your safety equipment, it looks you were worried about shock (rightly), but if there's an arc, it can fling molten metal, chunks, etc, at explosive speeds, and eye protection would be just as important as insulated gloves, if not more important. It wouldn't be outrageous to even wear a face shield, though I doubt people would unless they were required.

@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. My electric is supplied by my city utilities. Emailed the utility director the specs, brochures and website link. Requested the utility department approval as I assumed they were not aware of this unit - they were not. A week later I received his approval letter! For best pricing, order directly from Generlink by calling them. For my 40-amp unit, they had a build lead time of 4 weeks.

@jonathanDIYs 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! What jurisdiction are you in? I’ve heard of some utility companies giving home owners a very hard time. Glad they made it easy on you.

@dwightsmith5174 2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathanDIYs Newberry SC. Here in the city or in Newberry County, the electric can be supplied by the city, Duke Energy, or the Newberry Electric Cooperative. Mine is supplied by the city. I think the main issue is lack of familiarity with the unit. That is why I went directly to the head person and supplied all the needed documents for a determination. Regular customer service reps would likely have a negative response.

@christopherfrantz7050 27 күн бұрын

Jonathan, do you have a link to that particular manual interlock kit?

@tom95521 10 ай бұрын

Is there a method for your sense power monitor to measure generator power during power outages or would it require separate CTs and wifi box?

@jonathanDIYs 10 ай бұрын

Hi Tom, yes, you can easily measure both your generator and the main power by clipping both the generator and the main wire with the CT. You have to be careful to align them in the same direction and there may be a slight inaccuracy due to the different gauge wire and such, but in general, it measures and gives you good enough reading to understand how much power you're using both on generator and on grid. Thanks for commenting!

@mooosestang 2 жыл бұрын

I'm trying to find something similar for siemens panel. seems there solution takes up the opposite breaker space and i don't think it will even work with my panel since i don't have screw holes where it is supposed to mount. I'm sure you've see all the interlock kits that just include some zip ties and stickers to go around the top two breakers. Zip ties don't seem code worthy, nor do i think they will prevent me from pulling the breaker out anyway. Waiting to here back from siemens.

@jonathanDIYs 2 жыл бұрын

Have you looked into 3rd party kits? It was fortunate for me that Eaton makes an interlock kit, but for some other brands, getting a 3rd party kit might suffice. I don't know what model you have particularly, but I saw this on amazon. Not sure if it would work for you - www.amazon.com/SM200-Siemens-Murray-Generator-Interlock/dp/B094DXVHHQ/.

@spacecoastz4026 Жыл бұрын

I have a Siemens outside panel...which is where my generator breaker is. I really don't understand this particular requirement...who's going to loosen or pull out a breaker with a generator attached to it? My interlock kit came with some zip-ties and a sticker to be inside under the panel cover...so I guess I understand that intent is to inform a person that that breaker is attached to a generator.

@mooosestang Жыл бұрын

@@spacecoastz4026 yeah, it's a dumb thing in the code. My inspector didn't even look at it.

@jonathanDIYs Жыл бұрын

I dunno how this could happen, but imagine the breaker fell out with the generator connected and on and the male stab connectors that usually go into the hot buss bar touches the enclosure making everything hot. Crazy scenario but maybe it could happen? 🤔 Securing the back feed breaker is because it seems they don't want any possibility for a "male" connector to be live which would be true for the breaker "legs".