Interlock Vs Transfer Switch

A generator interlock kit is similar to a transfer switch in that it is a device that allows you to power on your generator through your home s electrical wiring system.

Interlock vs transfer switch. A transfer switch is an automatic system. An interlock is a small connector device that is installed on the front of the panel of your home breaker. It is often much cheaper than a generic version. This ensures that you cannot have the main breaker and generator breaker running at the same time.

Interlock vs transfer switch. Unlike a transfer switch an interlock kit allows you to provide power to anything in your home since it isn t just limited to 6 8 circuit breakers. I won t use a transfer panel again. When the power goes out the transfer switch automatically kicks the generator on.

They are too limiting and most won t support afci gfci breaker functionality. I have one in my panel it was 40. Some of them recommend an interlock saying it s much easier and i can use my entire existing panel of course making sure not to switch on things like central a c etc and not have to worry about only selecting certain circuits that would go on a transfer switch but others say don t go with the interlock because it s too risky that someone might flip the central a c and it s therefor much safer to have a 30 amp 10 outlet transfer switch which will be able to power pretty much everything. If your panel manufacturer makes an interlock use it.

It allows you to use your generator to safely back feed your panel and power the circuits in your house. Transfer switches also need an entirely separate panel in order to operate while interlock kits can be installed directly on your home s breaker panel so you don t have to have another piece of bulky equipment in your home. With an interlock switch you need to set it to the generator setting manually. Interlock switches are usually less sophisticated and therefore less expensive than automatic transfer switches.

An interlock switch is a manually operated system. With a transfer switch only a few circuits can be operated at once. The difference between generator interlock and transfer switch interlock what is it. I ve had both the transfer switch panels and the interlock.

Interlock switches are often used in residential and small commercial applications where continuous power is not required.