Generator Lockout for breaker box

[Owen Lucas]

Breaker box does not have a generator lockout and needs one installed. Is there enough empty space in this box for a lockout switch?

There is no generator installed currently but there is an outlet outside.

I'll hire an electrician to do the work but would like to know what I am getting into and which brand of high quality components I should ask the electrician to use.

p.s. How's this box look, any glaring issues?

 

[benjamming]

What state are you in? That may help some of the finer "allowables".

 

[Cujet]

In my case the Generator Lockout is in the same box as the meter, on the outside of the house.

 

[oldcodger]

Normally the generator breaker will need to be installed in one of the slots just under the main breaker. You will have to relocate one of the top breakers in your panel depending on the model interlock you buy. What brand panel is this?

 

[Owen Lucas]

Normally the generator breaker will need to be installed in one of the slots just under the main breaker. You will have to relocate one of the top breakers in your panel depending on the model interlock you buy. What brand panel is this?

I am not sure of the brand, I'll let you know once I find out.

Are breakers and internal components are brand specific? There is no standard between all breaker boxes?

 

[Racer4]

The load center is a Square D Homeline breaker panel.

 

[oldcodger]

Panels are rated as to electrical loads. The physical dimensions and arrangement of internals are not standardized. Each panel has a listing of breakers which can be used in the panel. Other breakers may or may not fit exactly right and may cause problems. It is recommended that only breakers approved for the panel be used. I know substitute breakers can cause fitment problems with interlocks.

 

[Donald]

Install a 6 (or more) circuit manual transfer switch. Then you do not need a main breaker lockout.

Depending upon size of generator you probably only want to cut over some of the circuits. And maybe not all at once.

Another options is a 200 amp DPDT transfer switch to push circuit breaker box to generator power. Or automatic transfer switch.

I would cut over the oil boiler and a few lights and microwave. Resisted cutting over water pump unless I got desperate for water.

Also think about how to know when street power is back on.

 

[andyd]

SquareD is an odd ball panel and they use a different type breaker. I don't know much about them. My more conventional panel needed room for a 2pole brkr under the main to install the interlock. It creates a clumsy but workable Double Pole/ Double Throw switch. Google is your friend. The main advantage to the lock-out plate is that it is contained in the existing panel, so no carpentry was involved.

 

[oldcodger]

An interlock gives you full access to all your circuits. Of course you have to be careful with loads so that you do not exceed your generator rating. I believe this interlock may be correct for your panel: https://www.geninterlock.com/produc...-square-d-qo-homeline-150-and-200-amp-panels/
Something else to consider is a power back alarm which when using generator power alarms to let you know when utility power has returned. Try Amazon.

 

[eljefino]

You would probably have to buy a couple of half-width breakers to take the loads from the current ones to make room for the new one.

Pretty sure your white wires taking one leg of a 240V breaker should have a band of colored (eg red) tape to indicate they aren't neutrals.

 

[blkwtr]

I did what many here have suggested. I replaced a couple of regular width breakers with thin breakers. This gave me room to install the 50 amp 240v breaker from the generator inlet just below the main breaker. This kind of setup should be easy to install on your panel provided there is a sliding type interlock available for it.

 

[Cujet]

An interlock gives you full access to all your circuits. Of course you have to be careful with loads so that you do not exceed your generator rating.

Or the input "Main" breaker for the generator at the interlock, which is often 20A or 30A for portable units.