Working Pro Power using Generator Lockout Kit to Feed the Whole Panel

[Danface]

Long story short (pun intended), the GFCI on the truck will trip off if the receptical ground wire is connected to the ground wire coming from the panel. So run all 4 wires from the panel to the generator plug and don't connect the green and connect the green from the truck side of the plug to the front of the plug and to the receptical hosing.

Because the generator (truck) is not connected permanently (ie for emegency use), it's legal (in a lot of states) for the ground to float.

One NOTE, I have one more thing to do before we call the inspector but the work was done with a permit and by a licensed electrician.

Sponsored

 

[Danface]

I am wanting to install a interlock. My right top breaker is my dryer, so that has to be relocated and the 50 amp generator breaker mounted there.
reading through all the posts, I'm confused about the ground. Do all 4 wires get used from the inlet box to the panel? meaning the ground to the panel ground?

I was looking at something like this
8000-13000 Watt Generator Interlock Kit w/ Inlet Box for Square D Homeline Panel | eBay


And a cable like this
https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Extension-N14-50P-SS2-50R-Connectors/dp/B083TN1LGX/ref=sr_1_19?crid=3KP3ST01RHU4A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ovw5rNwS4HmzrIPKmRI9DVhvr5nqnxWBL6Qlbr-b92zGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.YFR3Wp3rxEYPihkbfWb-NDq8Ek1jSfHEWcMn_g__xDc&dib_tag=se&keywords=50+amp+generator+backup+cable&qid=1727217837&sprefix=50+amp+generator+backup+cable,aps,119&sr=8-19&th=1

Assuming you have a Square D panel, you need a 240 volt 30 AMP breaker so a kit like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Interlock-Compatible-Homeline-Transfer-Switch/dp/B0BFDHLTDB

A 240 volt, 30 AMP plug wIth a male/female twist lock like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C23XW6KR/ref=twister_B0CCKRG856?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1




See my post for a picture of the plug setup

 

[Jasper7821]

Thank you very much for the photo, I totally get it now. Yes my panel is
For some reason I was thinking the truck had a 14-50 outlet.

Assuming you have a Square D panel, you need a 240 volt 30 AMP breaker so a kit like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Interlock-Compatible-Homeline-Transfer-Switch/dp/B0BFDHLTDB

A 240 volt, 30 AMP plug wIth a male/female twist lock like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C23XW6KR/ref=twister_B0CCKRG856?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1




See my post for a picture of the plug setup

Thank you for the photo, now I understand the ground wire.
And for some reason I was thinking the truck had a 14-50 plug and and put out 9.6kw, but I see that’s the total of all the outlets.
Thank you for the links.
This is my panel, trying to figure where to move the dryer breaker to. The Sense breaker is the only open spot, if the dryer moved there, wouldn't that make the power more uneven and too much on the left side?
And I'm supposed to use a double pole breaker ?
Also, I have solar, so if power does go out, do i have to turn off the solar breaker from it's panel?
And for the input box, something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Tr...lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=AJSNQ0W2EEGGO

 

[Danface]

Thank you very much for the photo, I totally get it now. Yes my panel is
For some reason I was thinking the truck had a 14-50 outlet.

Thank you for the photo, now I understand the ground wire.
And for some reason I was thinking the truck had a 14-50 plug and and put out 9.6kw, but I see that’s the total of all the outlets.
Thank you for the links.
This is my panel, trying to figure where to move the dryer breaker to. The Sense breaker is the only open spot, if the dryer moved there, wouldn't that make the power more uneven and too much on the left side?
And I'm supposed to use a double pole breaker ?
Also, I have solar, so if power does go out, do i have to turn off the solar breaker from it's panel?
And for the input box, something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Tr...lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=AJSNQ0W2EEGGO

I assume your truck has Pro Power? As for the load balance, the truck shows how much each leg is drawing (kinda cool) so you could move things around to balance the load if need be. I guess it depends on what circuits you'd leave off if running the house from the truck (like the Dryer).

 

[Danface]

I assume your truck has Pro Power? As for the load balance, the truck shows how much each leg is drawing (kinda cool) so you could move things around to balance the load if need be. I guess it depends on what circuits you'd leave off if running the house from the truck (like the Dryer).

Does the solar also feed the panel?

 

[Jasper7821]

I assume your truck has Pro Power? As for the load balance, the truck shows how much each leg is drawing (kinda cool) so you could move things around to balance the load if need be. I guess it depends on what circuits you'd leave off if running the house from the truck (like the Dryer).

Yes my Lariat ER has Pro Power, and I meant the balance in the panel. Would one side be getting too much? But then it may not matter, I'd probably only run the AC, fridge, and some lights, and the TV.
Power usually only goes out here once in a while from the Summer monsoons. And when it does, it's usually only for a few hours or so.
And yes I believe the solar also feeds the panel, it also back feeds the into the meter.

 

[Danface]

Yes my Lariat ER has Pro Power, and I meant the balance in the panel. Would one side be getting too much? But then it may not matter, I'd probably only run the AC, fridge, and some lights, and the TV.
Power usually only goes out here once in a while from the Summer monsoons. And when it does, it's usually only for a few hours or so.
And yes I believe the solar also feeds the panel, it also back feeds the into the meter.

I don't know what effect the Solar would have on the panel if the power goes out so that is something you may find on another forum or start a new one. I would test the setup and see if you need to move some breakers around.

 

[Jasper7821]

I don't know what effect the Solar would have on the panel if the power goes out so that is something you may find on another forum or start a new one. I would test the setup and see if you need to move some breakers around.

got it, thank you

 

[SSNutz]

The panel is square D panel and the breakers were relocated from main (also Square D )panel. The drum switch is UL listed and rated 380VAC 63Amps, so good fit for 240VAC 30Amps from lightning.
As for being approved for home use. Many local inspectors are not approving the generator lockout metal slider, it is up to them. The problem with this idea is it requires you to use the breakers as switches……..up through 30amp most breakers are SWT rated (switch rated). The main in your panel is not and this leads to a weak spring tension in breaker. Later the weak spring tension gets hot and can cause a fire. I literally did an inspection for an insurance company, when I was an electrician, for this very reason. Breakers are’nt switches, this is why most inspecrors require transfer switches. After I finished my install, local inspector did inspection and check paperwork of items used, setup was approved.

Would you be ok posting pics of this set-up? I have a 60 Amp sub panel that I like to power during a outage. This seems like a very good option for my needs. Can you share more on the drum switch (UL listed and rated 380VAC 63Amps), like the manufacturer and model#?

 

[Danface]

No Drum Switch, it's a lockout that's a sliding piece of metal that prevents the main and 30 amp/240 volt breaker from truck from being switched on the same time see pic: IMG_20240809_142543.MEDIUM.jpeg

The breaker from the truck has to be in the upper left slot on the panel AND you need the proper lockout for your panel.

The ground from the panel can't be attached to the ground on the generator plug or it will trip the GFCI in the truck

So you will need:

A 30 amp/240 volt breaker
A 30 amp, twist lock generator plug
The proper wire (8 AWG with 3 conductors and a ground that won't get connected)
The lockout for your panel