Interlock Vs Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

With a transfer switch about 500 to 900 to install including labor you ll have one connection to make plugging one end of a cable into the portable generator and the other into a.

Interlock vs transfer switches for portable generators. I won t use a transfer panel again. I have a 3000 watt propane powered generator and can run just about everything in the house gas too. When you use an interlock kit all of your panel s circuits can be energized up to the load capacity of the generator. When the switch is in off position the system is not running and needs to be turned on.

They require training and an understanding of the building s electrical system for safe use. Interlock vs transfer switch. With a transfer switch only a few circuits can be operated at once. When the switch is on this option the system is running on the primary utility power supply.

When to use an interlock. 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. I have purchased a duromax xp12000eh 9 500 watt 18 hp dual fuel powered portable hybrid gas propane generator since the home we just purchased last year lost power for about a week during the hurricane. Switch in this position indicates that the system is running on.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and possibly offer some advice in my situation. 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. Both are different in the way they operate. They usually have three positions.

Operating the transfer switch is extremely easy even if it is a manual transfer switch. A transfer switch is an automatic system. Interlock switches are often used in residential and small commercial applications where continuous power is not required. This ensures that you cannot have the main breaker and generator breaker running at the same time.

Just watch your loads. Interlock switches are usually less sophisticated and therefore less expensive than automatic transfer switches. They are too limiting and most won t support afci gfci breaker functionality. An interlock switch is a manually operated system.