The BEST Way To Connect A Generator To Your House - Interlock Kit With Power Inlet Box Install

In this video I show you how I installed an interlock kit and 50 amp power inlet box so I can hookup my generator to my house and power it in the event of a power outage. How this is wired would be the same for a 30 amp power inlet box as well. Down here in the South it is not abnormal to get strong thunderstorms and hurricanes that can knock out power for extended periods of time. So it is important that I am able to keep my fridge and freezer on and nice to have our everyday amenities even without utility power. As always, if you don't feel comfortable
with electrical projects or don't know where to start, definitely reach out to your local electrician and they can take care of it for you. If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure to consult all local codes and have your installation inspected.
Tools and Materials Used In the Video:
Rophor 50 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3ltTP7p
Interlock Kit In Video: Interlockkit.com
5 Feet Of 6 Gauge Black, Red, White, and Green THWN Wire: amzn.to/4cYrTko
10 Feet Of 6 Gauge Black, Red, White, and Green THWN Wire: amzn.to/3XCvzD5
30 Feet Of 6 Gauge Black, Red, White, and Green THWN Wire: amzn.to/3ZcRfrx
Southwire Lineman Pliers: amzn.to/3lwVN7i
Klein Multimeter: amzn.to/3lwHfEC
Klein Magnetic Screwdriver: amzn.to/3NmZHv6
Liquid-Tight 3/4" 90 degree elbow: amzn.to/3sNCFpk
Liquid-Tight 3/4 Straight Connector: amzn.to/3LE75RE
Liquid-Tight 3/4" NM Conduit: Best pricing at local home improvement store.
How To Run An AC With a Generator: • How To Install A Soft ...
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Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Down here in the South we are starting to prepare for possible hurricanes. Do you have a backup power solution? If so, what are you using? 😎

[@pacearrow4620]

I like your American accent

[@rtoguidver3651]

Being down South explains your main breaker on the outside of the house, but doesn't moisture and dampness cause corrosion specially w/ Hurricane weather. Most of our outages are in the winter, I'd rather not go outside w/ a foot of snow to hook up my generator.. My generator is in a shed attached to the back of my garage so I don't need to go outside. I open the shed door outside for ventilation...

[@FC-cz6zd]

Spacecoast of FL here. Gonna have a certified electrician install one of these asap. Do not have the confidence to do this myself. Thanks for explaining what all will be done.

[@kiddt1999]

Same here, Louisiana.

[@blakmosescctx]

Purchased a Westinghouse 7500 looking forward to contacting an certified electrician to install a interlock/power inlet box asap

[@rachaeltumer1498]

Shout out to all the homeowners looking at this video after a hurricane. I'm with you 😅

[@resellerrick5587]

How about those of us watching just days before one!

[@melinda5777]

​@@resellerrick5587BIGGER SHOUT OUT! I'VE BEEN WHERE YOUR AT ON THE ALABAMA COAST! GOD SPEED! ✝️🙏❤🇺🇸

[@SWFLJetSkiRiders]

Milton?

[@shandraweathersby8376]

This made me giggle. I feel so seen. 😂😂😂😂

[@shenmisheshou7002]

I had the same box and interlock switch installed by a professional electrician and as I recall it was about $170, but I supplied the inlet box and the interlock kit (about $70 for my panel). I have 5500 watt (6250 peak) inverter generator. It will run everything in the house except the AC (though it will run the blower so I have heat in the winter). Generator uses about 4 gallons of gas for 10 hours. I have had to use it a couple of times. My total investment, including the electrician, was about $1400. I am quite pleased with my investment. The power was out for three days during the great freeze in Texas last year and I swore I would never be without power in cold weather again.

[@paulsosa1872]

I live in Texas also and just had one installed. But in had to update my breaker box.

[@MARTiALYOU]

@@paulsosa1872 @Shénmì Shèshǒu Wow! I just got hosed by an electrician that charged me $1200 to install that same $35 inlet box, the interlock kit, one 60amp breaker and 20 feet of 8/3. I got lazy and trusted them to install an actual transfer switch but he did this route instead and charged the same. I could not dream up how he charged $1200 for $200 in parts and 1 1/2 hours of labor. I need to become an electrician!!!

[@robertjohnsey9496]

If you install a soft start, your generator may be able to run your ac

[@strokerace8458]

I was quoted in the thousands for this work. $170? Please take my money!!! My electrician - handyman said it could go from a low of $1500 to $3000 and I don’t get the math. How do I request the job properly so I don’t get hosed? I’m in Miami and everyone is trynna get paid around here.

[@henryflores7492]

@@strokerace8458 also in Miami, let me know how it goes

[@Crapse545]

Even as a Army electrician I still watch gold videos like this to see other peoples ideas and a refresher.

[@johnnyeubanks7657]

Don't waste your time watching any other video on how to do this. This one is explained and shown the best I've watched on the Internet. Good job! 👍

[@reempire888]

Short, concise, to the point video deserves a BIG thumbs up. No crazy acting and annoying background music. I like.

[@jaredporche1592]

I'm a designer for a Generac dealer in the south and your video was very helpful and informative. Thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Jared!

[@mianaomipost9885]

Best video on KZbin hands down‼️ We’re currently surviving Hurricane Helene and wish I had found your channel sooner but so grateful you came up when I looked up helpful generator tips! Thank you so much and you’re a great teacher‼️💙💫💯

[@melinda5777]

GOD BE WITH YOU! ✝️🙏❤🇺🇸

[@mianaomipost9885]

@@melinda5777 💛💫 Thank you

[@ToddSails]

I just completed an inlet box like this build thread. Works perfectly! You might mention that you need to infact have a 240V generator to power up both sides on the panel with a double breaker.

[@1313velasquez]

Someone that doesn’t know anything about electricity can easily instal this with the way you explain it 👏🏽👍🏽 best explanation I’ve seen I’m a visual learner, some people leave things out

[@septimuspretorius250]

As part of my research regarding connecting a portable generator to my home, I have viewed many, many, video tutorials, some of them good, and many of them not so good. I would have to rate your video presentation as the best that I have seen. Your explanation is clear, your instructions are accurate, and you include a video list of all the items needed. You present a good balance between text and visuals. You should consider training KZbinrs on the art of KZbin presentations. Well Done, Sir!!

[@wes326]

Had a $15,000 quote for a whole house generator, $1,500 quote for a 10 circuit transfer panel, and I put in an interlock myself with breaker, wiring, and generator inlet for about $150. Tested it out today and everything worked fine.

[@PhuLy8788]

cool flexing bro

[@dannywilson850]

So your meter box didn't have a transfer panel? I think mine is the same. I only have a meter box and that goes strit to my panel.

[@ShawnPatrickMurphy]

I’m going to have to do the same no power here for a few days

[@cutiejen15]

That quote is bananas.

[@wes326]

@cutiejen15 They had to run a NG line about 100 feet because the utilities were nor close together.

[@jafarym77]

This video really changed my mind when it comes to choosing between an interlock switch or the transfer switch. Since I have a bigger generator, I'll go with an interlock switch setup. Thanks a lot.

[@theMister07]

the INTERLOCK simplified it all and I’m all smiles knowing that food and peace of mind will be intact during future outages

[@sarahburke6884]

I’m an electrician but never did a generator like this. Mostly do commercial work. This all makes perfect sense. Awesome video.

[@pstreicher]

This is the way! I keep coming back to this solution. No limiting transfer switch with only so many circuits. I want the whole house to run when the grid is down. Well done video! Thank you!

[@catfish500mark9]

If you're reading through the comments as I did,there is one extremely important thing left out in this video. You MUST have an unbonded generator to SAFELY connect it to your house.There are tons of videos on how to do this.There can be ONLY one location throughout your electrical system that the neutral and ground are bonded and thats at your main disconnect. Make sure you understand and do this before connecting a generator to yout home.I learned the hard way and fried a huge portion of electronics in my home because I failed to unbond my generator.Lesson learned and thought I would pass this along.

[@martinberlanga4914]

I have a bonded generator that I plan on making a unbounded neutral. Once that is done will the method shown in this video be the correct way to wire the unbounded neutral to my home

[@catfish500mark9]

@@martinberlanga4914 yes sir. I simply used an ordinary house light switch that way you can choose between bonded or unbonded and your generator will easily be switched from one to the other.All the best.

[@GB-it2qh]

Does the 50 amp breaker at the house, have to be on before turning on the power plant breaker.

[@stevereason6931]

@@GB-it2qh The purpose of the interlock kit forces you to turn off the Main Breaker switch BEFORE you turn on the 50 amp breaker on your control panel that connects to the outlet where you will be plugging in your generator. Does that make sense? Did I understand your question correctly? You never want to have your 50 amp breaker (that's fed from your generator) turned on at the same time of the home Main Breaker.

[@edrusk9846]

How do I know if I have an unbounded generator?

[@carapungo]

I Purchased my generator last year. I followed the instructions on this video to successfully install all the parts. This week, power is out in many areas of Houston, thanks to my generator and to this video, the wait for the main power to come back, has been painless. Thanks for sharing this video bro!

[@thedudefromU]

Did you buy a 220v generator?

[@carapungo]

@@thedudefromU yes, the WEN 11000

[@thedudefromU]

@@carapungo awesome. I assume any generator backing up the house must be 220v? My 110v RV gennie won't cut it

[@carapungo]

@@thedudefromU if your AC main breaker is 50 amps, then you need a 50 amp generator, if it has a 30amp breaker, the WEN 11000 supports both, 30 and 50amp.

[@thedudefromU]

@carapungo will I'm focusing more on voltage. 220v vs 110v

[@outlet6989]

Perfect DIY project and video. If your locale requires you to pull a permit, I suggest getting one. The inspector will check your work and sign off on your permit. Some, if not most, insurance companies would not honor a claim concerning this installation if you didn't pull that permit and have your work inspected. It's in their policy fine print.

[@jamesellis5549]

Glad to see someone showing a safe,legal means of interfacing a generator as opposed to the drier plug,backffeed and other slug installs.

[@ryanpebbles1731]

They now have rubber grommets in place of the knockouts on the inlet box. They must have listened to you. Thanks for the video.Getting mine hooked up now!

[@randykish8242]

Your video just might be the BEST instructional video I have ever watched! Thank you for your attention to detail sir!

[@nhasicalvin]

Texans need this video to be shared among them ASAP. #beryl

[@pretti4ashun]

The reason why I am here!! Day 2 with no power!!

[@jessejamesmorales5016]

Same!

[@Rondman]

Im done procrasitaning Im getting it done this week

[@rodricktaylor2114]

I am a certified electrician in Houston and have done these all over even my own house .

[@rodricktaylor2114]

People don’t realize how effective this process is until there in the dark sweating bullets I have stressed this to many customers but the problem all comes down to is that people just don’t wana down the money until it’s to late

[@TwistedVNM94]

Who else is here after hurricane Helena

[@mn1170]

Me!!

[@odan7564]

This is a wake up call, FEMA ain’t gonna come, YOYO (you’re on your own)

[@danieltimmons9928]

Me

[@matthewsmith2362]

Me too, looks like we got another coming behind it

[@DaniKickAss1000]

Nah, here for Milton 😢

[@jasonhewell4600]

This is gold!! Direct and thorough coverage of the topic, no fluff. Thank you.

[@ThomasWhittaker]

THANK YOH.... This is what I been waiting for, I live in the Caribbean and you know hurricane got to pass us before hitting THE USA. And I've just hookup my 50amp 7500watt generator and it work flawlessly, I even power one of the AC unit, now all I need is a soft starter for the ac unit , I event powered my samsung family fridge

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Very nice!

[@NSAshchi]

Hey Adam, I've watched dozens of videos on how to connect my generator to my home breaker box, yours was by far the easiest to follow and understand. Thanks brother

[@RitchieLivewire67]

I love you man I’m 67 I always had my electrician friend do my work I’m now wanting a dual generator propane mainly you have made this so easy to follow I’m subscribing 🔥🇺🇸🤜🏻🤛🏻 You young folks have it made please watch this young contractor he’s excellent teacher in easy to understand! Ty so much! I can do electric i just had my friend till he passed so we bartered I do tractor work 🇺🇸

[@USMCSDI]

I fought buying a generator here in SW Florida since I moved here in 1997. After Ian that was it! I educated myself, bought a nice high end Westinghouse WGen9500 Dual Fuel generator and had a personal friend, who's an electrician install my 50 amp box & interlock kit *OFF THE BOOKS* I am ALL set for the next hurricane. Great vid though

[@raymondcamp8212]

I am a electrical contractor and this was a very good how to video. Don't forget your electrical permit. Where l live the power company will turn you in. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Absolutely right about that. Thanks a lot for the feedback Raymond!

[@utubetjc]

Well done once again. I had a 8500 running watt genny II connected through an interlock kit on my main panel. I worked flawlessly, powering everything except the 3 ton ac. Tankless hot water and furnace are natural gas. Last year I caved and had a whole house 24k ng unit installed by a contractor I use a lot for rentals and our house. $12,800 total cost. We also added the Micro-Air Soft Start to the ac unit.

[@amiedavis5257]

DAMN! You just saved my husband and myself a helluva lot of money. I just shared this with my girlfriend down in Texas and she and her husband have rental properties there. They were looking at permanent generators for their properties and this makes it so much more affordable just in case you go down. I have another girlfriend in Ohio I'm sharing this with as she's had issues with her electricity going down too. I'm sitting in a Starbucks watching this being without power for over 14 hours right now.

[@carlmergenthaler5151]

I do all the remodel and repairs on my properties myself. But I NEVER felt confortable doing electrical work. Thanks to you I have ventured for the first time installing 6 outlets, 2 light switches of a GFI outlet, and now I might even do this installation. I live in Florida and hurricanes are coming. Thank you of keeping it simple and clear. I really appreciate what you do.

[@timjustice5046]

Did you get your generator?

[@johnlockesghost5592]

Hopefully you followed through without hesitation.

[@keithharrington4595]

Carl, I am an electrical guy not a tax preparer, so I recommend this for your consideration. If your properties are a business, I believe repairs are tax deductible. Use a reputable electrical contractor to do some of the work and you work with them like a trainee. This will get you safety, skills, and knowledge, but most importantly the satisfaction that you did some of it. The big bonus is that you have some you know just a phone call away. Your local guys should know all the local rules. The rules are not hard to find, but the experience might be. Example:. Bathroom receptacles must be GFCI protected and one breaker can cover everything in a bathroom, but wiring it up to prevent a GFCI trip to not turn out the light might be a problem for some. Along the same lines, GFCI protection can be provided by a receptacle or a breaker. Your naked wife with wet hair may not want to run from the second floor to the basement to reset the GFCI. I hope you can easily shift into electrical doings. Be safe and good luck.

[@deanmiles3505]

FYI...It's illegal for a home owner to do electrical work, plumbing, or gas work in anything other than a Single family home. A multi family must be done by a licensed contractor.

[@akyak333]

Great Video ! I'm a retired electrician and your information is spot on and concise , excellent instructional video.

[@cdunlap0008]

I just came to the conclusion today that I would be doing this and found this video. Thank you for this info. I don't have a large house and 30amp 120/240v Westinghouse WGen5300c that I just got, and it's set up for this. Tired of local outages and high electric bills haha

[@JohnTurbeville-cy9uj]

Thanks for the notation about the neutral and ground being bonded on a main box. I was real sweating where to connect the white neutral wire!

[@coreymoore8991]

This video is awsome! it saved me hundreds of dollars from what a pro quoted to complete this project.

[@bryanbutler4067]

Great video. Very clear and easy to understand for anyone. You might want to have let.people who have no idea what they are doing that the conductors feeding the top of the main breaker are still hot despite being shut off. Some people attempting this install may not be aware and if there was too much insulation stripped back on those conductors they could be exposed and be a shock hazard especially when feeding new conductors into the panel.

[@MrSummitville]

If they have no idea what they are doing, then they are *NOT* doing this. Hire an electrician

[@dustyroads834]

Im so glad professionals like you take the time to make these videos for the rest of us. Im a heavy equipment mechanic so not a complete newb but i have my profession and you have yours and share it Thanks.

[@guavaball]

I used your past videos to install my backup generator and 4 ton a/c and everything is still working great thank you!

[@atilathesonofdanubius4277]

Excellent! I had already given up on converting an existing outside 220V outlet for a hot tub which is now gone into a generator outlet. After looking at this video I now realized that is basically the same installation. The addition I need is to install the switch plate to the main box to prevent both circuit breakers to be active at the same time.

[@Fletcher891]

Holy shit.... I'm going to do the same thing! Perfect idea!

[@planetimagine]

Best video and best explanation. You can't get a better demonstration than this. He makes it appear to be easy to install. Well done and thank you for sharing.

[@billvoss1362]

Another excellent video. You keep it simple and concise with no unnecessary dialogue.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I appreciate that! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Truckinman2000]

Great video. This is how I have my house wired with 30amps. I will upgrade to 50 eventually. I upgraded the generator a few years ago to from a Generac 6.5k to a DuroMax 13k gasoline driven. I plan on upgrading the house to 50 amps in the next year and adding propane fuel to make it a dual fuel (if possible). With the cost of everything going up it may take a little longer. Covid19 nearly killed me so I'm going to reposition the generator connection to the front of the garage. Makes it much easier for me to deploy the generator while I'm on Portable oxygen. I can pull the generator out of the garage much easier than trying to pull it around the house. I was so impressed with the DuroMax generator I became an authorized service center for them. I have never had a "no start" situation.

[@ronblah8538]

One thing you should have mentioned is that loads should be staged on one breaker at a time to reduce the surge. Another is always disconnect loads before turning off the genset. As the generator winds down the voltage and frequency drops which can cause failures of equipment and the generator itself. Voltage and amperage are inversely proportional, as voltage drops amps go up and can burn out electronics

[@ronblah8538]

@a mere bondservant Yes, that is always the best way. Unless you have a larger generator and ATS

[@gelguitarist]

Thanks so much for this video, as today I just finished my own generator project. I had to reorder the correct interlock kit for my panel, but when I finally got everything installed it felt great. It’s good to have peace of mind knowing you have a back up power source if the grid goes down.

[@DaveDabomb]

I didn’t see or hear where you mentioned, whether or not your generator is bonded or not with this kind of set up. My generator came bonded and I had to unbonded before I used it with this set up. Great video, BTW!

[@kingsgame1916]

Hey Adam, I want thank you for your great How To tutorial video. I live in Houston Texas where Mother Nature seems to love to send her hurricanes to. Your video is well made. Thank you again for your help. I will be sharing your video to as many people as possible.

[@Monztuh]

Same brother. Did you ever set it up? What about water proofing it?

[@SeventhSamurai72]

Very thorough information. I did this same thing on my panel. Living in Colorado, losing power in the winter would be very dangerous. Really glad you put the interlock in place!

[@gregorall9779]

This is definitely a much cheaper method of preventing back feed, but to be honest, I would still prefer a transfer switch, whether it be automatic or manual. But thank you for making this video.

[@mahermaher9819]

well explained in a language that the slowest people can understand, i liked it. well done.

[@bobd.]

I suggest those who may not be planning to stay in their current home for too long look into the Generlink interface. It mounts between your meter and the meter socket and is UL listed. With this you plug in a single cord form your generator to the Generlink and when you do the whole house is automatically disconnected from the grid so you can't backfeed out onto the grid. You can also power any device in your home up to the capacity of your generator and the version of the Generlink you install. I have been using mine for 8 years and it is 30A. I can run my well pump, the boiler, plus some lights and essential equipment like the freezer and fridge. You don't need to install any sort of interface box, don't need an electrician or a permit and inspection. The utility installed mine for free. Best part is if/when we decide to move I can unplug it and take it with me. I don't have to leave my investment behind. The Generlink also has a whole house surge suppressor that is active all the time, not just when running off the generator.

[@brentsharon404]

Hi Bob thanks for the info. About what does this cost?

[@clarkallen4541]

They cost about $600-1 $1000 depending on model. They WILL NOT work with the new “smart meters” that are being installed across the Country. Best bet is to do what this video says and have an interlock system installed and be done with it

[@firecrow7973]

@@clarkallen4541 those "new" smart meters have been around since 1975

[@projectswithjw]

It's not allowed by a lot of utility providers. My provider will not install one

[@DOCDOCFLAMINGOS]

Ummmm I have seen and heard many people saying that their utility's company's won't allow them to be installed.. either way if someone should move that has installed an interlock system like in this video , they could uninstall it and take it to their new house just as easily.. but in their own .. without the need of the utility company to come and uninstall it for them ..

[@jeffryan590]

Great video. I have done about 4 of these installs (30A), the process is the same, the plug & wire sizes are different. The interlock kit is essential - this will prevent you from back feeding the power lines & not injuring the guys trying to fix the power.

[@keithlucas6260]

all of the codes for proper solar systems require a electro-mechanical disconnect that automatically disconnects the grid from your home in the event of a power failure. It must be manually reset and can only be done so once the grid is going again. Both the City/County inspectors along with the energy department's inspectors must sign off on it to get your system approved. If a buy back of over produced power is approved, then a contract and bidirectional meter is installed. There's nothing like a lineman getting zapped by someone. I've seen the mechanical ones and they're fine, however for those on hospice care and CPAC machines, keeping the power going automatically after the power goes out is nice.

[@carlosmerino121]

@Keith Lucas, can you advise where I can find an electro-mechanical disconnect and what they look like? Thanks

[@juanrdgzg]

What size wire for 30amp plug?

[@theMister07]

@@juanrdgzg10/3 Romex with Ground

[@np4057]

Seems like it’s always better to install a 50A generator inlet and just use an adapter for the cable so if you do upgrade you don’t have to replace it.

[@Samsquanch96]

You noted different wiring for bonded vs. floating neutral. Was the wiring you did for a bonded neutral generator, or for floating? And what are the differences in wiring between the two when installing the outlet that the generator plugs into?

[@la1403]

He doesn’t know

[@lexandersig]

This guy is awesome for Diy homeowners.

[@jakescot7850]

THANK YOU. You saved me over 700.00 from what I was quoted to do the exact same thing. Just needed someone to show me the way.

[@xcalibre222]

Great Instructions! Thumbs up on this one. I set up a 30 amp interlock system for my house. Using a 55 watt 8250 watt surge gen. Only thing I can't run is the Central Air. I went one step further and converted my gen to use natural gas so I don't have to worry about gasoline storage problems. Thanks for the Vid! :)

[@Coldax-w4H]

I have a similar set up but with a propane conversion. Look into getting a soft start kit for the central air. It ramps up the amperage to allow the generator to handle the load.

[@nikolasvel]

I got a 12000 watt DUROMAX but am going to be installing a 30 amp switch like you. Though the DUROMAX can handle 50 amps, the cost is double and I don't plan on ever running this beast beyond 50% load. Do you have any info or are you able to point me in the right direction or as to how I can go about converting mine to natural gas also by my chance? Any help would be much appreciated

[@larrydouglas3951]

@@nikolasvel One caution: If using a power cable less than 50A rated be sure to use the generator's 30A receptacle, not the 50A one, & be sure anyone else using the unit knows - and remembers - that. Fuses and circuit breakers exist to protect wire and the 50A outlet from the generator would not safely protect a 30A (#10/3) cable.

[@nikolasvel]

@@larrydouglas3951 thank you for the response. I ended up going with a 50 amp cable, 50 amp recipticle, 6/3 copper wire to a 50 amp breaker and an interlock kit. I also added a "reliance power back on" detection device.

[@johnnyo5915]

Dude, I was "shocked" to see how easy you made this look. I got a real "charge" out of the video but I will still hire a seasoned PRO such as yourself to do my install. Thanks man you have helped thousands!!😎

[@HowToHomeDIY]

😂 I like what you did there! Well I’m really glad to hear it “sparked” your interest! Nothing wrong with having a pro install it at all. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@jameslester4474]

Excellent Video. This is the Same setup I used in our home. It's low cost, compared to Transfer Panels, way easier to wire, and works safely, preventing power back feed to the utility.

[@bigpardner]

If you have the intelligence and skill to do this aren't you capable of switching the main breaker off " preventing power back feed to the utility" ?

[@rf8driver]

@@bigpardner Who is going to guarantee that you will be the only one to do the power up?

[@metrork1]

This is a safety security concern as to why there exist a inter lock. Screw ups are prevented with this device. To each their own. @@bigpardner

[@joeolejar]

I just completed the same generator interlock and interface box. It's as easy as you described.

[@modsquad8u]

Great video! I'll be doing this to the new place I'm building on some land I bought (renting now so can't at my current residence). My only input would be to hook up your cables first before cranking your generator, as not all of them have that breaker on the generator like yours does. Much safer to have it cabled up before cranking and have your house generator breaker turned off.

[@beentheredonethatoriginals5673]

Great video. I found an interlock for my Square D panel for 30 bucks! Lots of room too. I have a 4500W (120V only) but it runs everything I need for winter outages since I have a Blaze King wood stove and I can run my water heater at 120V, it just takes longer to heat. And I got all my freezers and refrigerators running fine which is the biggest deal. Anyway thanks again I kinda just confirmed what I thought.

[@joejackson73]

Can you tell me how you made the adjustment to 120 volt on your electric water heater? I'm not being smart I just want to know so I can go smaller on my generator.

[@lindocielito32]

This video as is today 4/18/24 it has more than two million views because it is a great information !😊

[@CubanRider]

Dude, brilliant. I had watched other videos on how to install a manual transfer switch, but this is much cleaner and perfect for our needs. We bought a DuroMax XP9000iH with a running wattage of 7600. It won't power our entire house, but we'll play with the circuit breakers that we'll need and cycle the ones with big draws. Will be getting that soft start kit for the AC as well. Thanks a ton!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Sounds like a plan! Glad to hear it sounds like you are getting all set. Thanks for the feedback!

[@jov415]

Interlock kits are a "gray" way to meet code for feeding alternative power source to your home. They are not best practice, and they also can make it hard to balance the load on the two 120 legs of your generator. For example my breaker box has all but one breaker that I need in an outage situation on the left 120 Busbar (left side of breaker box) if I used the method from this video almost all my load would be on 1 120 leg of my generator. A manual transfer switch solves for this, and is best practice for backup power.

[@svenska572]

@@jov415 Thank you for that commentary. I was leaning toward a transfer switch but the interlock kit/method looked a little more straight forward. I know it's less expensive, which is some benefit but not my whole reasoning. I am now rethinking back to a transfer switch as the interlock seems a bit less safe. That being said, I am on Consumers Energy (company) in west Michigan and they *kind of* mention interlock by way of saying something like having something to prevent accidentally back-feeding the grid. That all being said, a transfer switch looks a lot more safe.

[@jov415]

@svenska572 there is nothing "wrong" with an interlock device as it meets the spirit of the code, which is protecting linemen by prohibiting generator power from reaching the grid. Saying that, it mounts on a removable breaker panel and, therefore, not a 100% foolproof method. Saying that, as long as you, the homeowner, are aware of this, they are fine. Now, the other issue is balancing load on the 2 legs on a generator. An 8000W generator isn't designed to have all 8000W ( or most of it) pulled from one leg of the generator and could damage the windings. This all depends on your breaker layout and/or the circuits you want supported by generator power. You want to look at your panel and calculate an estimated load for each circuit and each 120 leg. If you find it is very unbalanced, a transfer switch can help you solve for this. The one that I utilized has some documentation that includes a sample chart with power estimates to help with load calculations. www.reliancecontrols.com/products/reliance-controls-pro-tran-transfer-switch-125-250v-30a-nema-l14-30-10-circuits-metal-gray-r310a

[@mackellyman5642]

The "Green light" is always welcome in all aspects of life. Keep up the excellent work and great content.

[@__x.x_maddie_x.x___983]

electrician here , you did a pretty decent job! it's generally helpful to measure any wire coming from your junction by the length of your hand plus your thumb (thumbs up). it you have trouble feeding your wire through the carflex.. you can dump a little water in there and your wires will slide on through , alternatively , you can buy wire lube from your local supplier. the bend radius may be exceeded on your feeders mainly black . its not bad but pretty close to being a violation.

[@4663David]

Enjoyed the video. Years ago, I also installed a manual interlock kit on my Square D panel. The kit is basically the same with a nice template for drilling the panel deadfront for the interlock plate. I used a "3R" enclosure for my generator receptacle, in that, the twist lock plug plugs in the bottom of the box, making the connection waterproof. Works great. Thanks again!

[@kevinmaxwell6610]

I was considering just mounting my receptacle box directly to my main box allowing more water resistance 👍 I think it's a good idea.

[@Monztuh]

Can you elaborate on how you did that? I need a waterproof connection myself

[@lydia.cobain]

Who else is here after Hurricane Milton?

[@jasonjones9034]

👋🏻

[@prime]

Me!!

[@benjamindarnell7643]

Me too

[@jimmyjoseph4509]

Ummmmmm me😅

[@jaredmcquiniff6174]

Guilty. I’ll be better prepared in the future

[@rebelsixtynine1]

Followed step by step works beautifully. Would have never attempted without your guidance.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Excellent! Really glad to hear it was helpful and you are all set! Thanks for the feedback!

[@alannorman6599]

You made this easy to understand. I'll still hire an electrician, but now I'll understand what they are doing. Thanks

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

I got a quote for this job, $800 plus materials. Kind of ridiculous to hire an electrician. I got a quote from an electrician to have another circuit ran and one outlet on that circuit for my Airbnb coffee room.. people often use the microwave, an airfryer and a coffee maker all at the same time on one circuit . They quoted me $1500. I bought the romex and receptacle and had it installed on just over an hour and only $68 in materials. Not sure about you but that's a lot for an hour of work . Same applies here. I'm sure you can do this job in an hour or two and save a ton. You got this . Fuck the electricians.

[@rodneysmart9774]

The power goes out here a lot during winter storms. I've always just run ext. cords from my generator to what ever I need to power up. It's time for me to evolve. Thanks for the informative, well produced video.

[@xvolkodavx446]

This is a great video! A lot of videos show installation in subpanel, love that you are doing it for main👍

[@johnpicard4909]

Well done Adam. Concise and very detailed. To me this is definitely the way to go.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback John!

[@chansa64]

You are here bc Hurricane Beryl 07/08/2024😊

[@justintx75]

Yep

[@Isai4724]

I'm doing mine with a transfer switch but this video helps.

[@robertmunroe3976]

Good video! I got the same inlet box; yes, knockouts are fake and I do love the silly green light!! We lost power for 10 hours recently and all worked perfectly; thx for your video!

[@teaglet1]

Our circuit breakers are all inside 200 amp, in our basement, love to get a generator, neighbors uses one with several extension cords 😊, that’s our gutter, thanks for posting informative

[@gottofly2]

Good job Adam and nicely explained! We have virtually identical setups. I have a MicroAir Soft Start on my 6T AC and a 9500w Westinghouse generator dual fuel running into my 50a inlet box. Works perfectly!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Lenny, yes I think I recall many months ago talking to you about the soft start kit. I think you were waiting on more to come in. It makes a massive difference doesn't it? Really glad to hear you are all setup. Thanks a lot for the feedback.

[@feelthepayne88]

What does the soft start kit do and how do I know if I need one? I have a 9500 running 12000 peak generator that I just set up for 50 amps exactly like your video shows.

[@TitoSelosse]

Hello Sir, love your videos. Very informative and very easy to follow. I have a situation though. I'm trying to set up an Ecoflow system in my garage, and in all the videos I have reviewed, the Main is typically incorporated in the same electrical box. However, my Main cutoff is on an outside panel and the inside box is on the opposite side of the house. How would I go about installing the 30 amp plug in the garage and the interlock switch since it doesn't look like have a Main inside? Would I have to install another Main on the garage electrical box? Thanks for your time.

[@jmommy991]

Be careful everyone!!!!! This installation might not be right for you. You need to verify your generator does not have a bonded neutral if you are using this wiring method. If your generator has a bonded neutral you need to have a 3 pole transfer switch that isolates the generator neutral(white wire) from the power company’s neutral. VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

[@degen_dad7682]

So we could just make the neutral bonded generator a floating neutral and this method would be fine?

[@jmommy991]

@@degen_dad7682 you could if you have the ability to do so. Some generators mainly inverter generators can be difficult to switch around from bonded to floating and vice versa.

[@martinberlanga4914]

@@jmommy991 So once you convert to floating neutral will this method of wiring be the correct way?

[@edrusk9846]

How do I know if my generator has a bonded neutral or not?

[@layziebone19]

@@edrusk9846use a meter and do a continuity test on one of the outlets on the generator from the neutral side to the ground side. If it beeps and you have continuity then it is bonded neutral, if not then it is not bonded

[@universallaw8850]

Thsnk you sir this was the best installation video I've seen yet straight to business with no extra jibber jabber. I will be connecting my Genny to the house next month thanks to you.

[@melinda5777]

THANK YOU! I've been looking for a video like this for years!!!✝️🙏❤🇺🇸

[@SuperResa14]

Purchased this kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y after researching several brands.Reasons for picking this one was, dual fuel, I don't have to carry gasoline and stink up my truck bed!Propane is so much cleaner.Quiet 62 db, won't piss off neighboring campers!Less than 100 lbs, can lift in to truck bed.I can run my 30 foot Transcend 261BH, AC among other appliances.

[@jonlee5642]

just be careful and use a torque screwdriver to make sure its within specs

[@richardrichard8741]

Great advice with torquing to spec. Also, 6" of wire from the face of the box would be nice and perhaps strap your conduit with a one hole strap.

[@ElitePraetorianGuard]

I was going to install a kit like this at my house and I bought everything I needed online. After doing a bunch of research, I decided to leave it to the professionals and called an electrician to do it. Now I have an outdoor inlet box just in case that back feeds my main panel with an interlock kit installed.

[@trex2092]

I went with a Manual Transfer Switch and purchased the largest portable generator available, 17.5kW, and put a propane conversion kit on it and set a 500 gallon propane tank in the ground. To exercise the generator I use a 30# bottle and hope I never have to tap into the stored ground tank. Yes, I have been hit with several major hurricanes in my lifetime and simpler is better. Sometimes we have been on generator power for two weeks till power is restored. Gas lines at the few operating stations are insane, no more gas for me. I make sure to kill the breaker to the stove and dryer lest "some one" forgets we are on auxiliary power. The water heater is a heat pump unit and it only draws 3 amps so no more heating bathwater on the back porch with the fish fryer.

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

I love this idea. I don't know much about propane storage. How long will a 500 gallon propane be good for when stored long term? Do it go bad, like gasoline over time?

[@markbradley5290]

That’s how I have my house set up.Awesome.

[@jesusmoreno2981]

Great tutorial, thanks for helping me out, more clear impossible. Noo wasting time ,pure knowledge, and easy to understand. I just finished my installation. I will try tomorrow morning .Let's see 👀 .My only concern is if the inlet box led indicator is just turned on when the generetor is connected and sending power through. I installed everything, but when I turned off the main brakes, I didn't see the tiny light on the box light up.

[@fatherguidosarduchi5204]

Nice description and example. I need to do this to my house but have the electric panel inside the house in a wall. So I will require longer feeder lines to reach an outside wall. Thanks very much for the detail on this. 👍

[@tombo552001]

Just did it with my Firman generator, works great, beats running extention cords

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Just keep in mind that even properly done, interlock kit and so on, linemen won't (might not) power up your home if they hear a generator running. When you see them in the area, either turn it off or make sure to let them know If possible. Great video.

[@wigidy12]

I did pretty much the exact same install for about $100. Had to purchase an adapter plug to send 120 into 220 to run my predator 3800. It runs everything in the house other than the hottub

[@BW12149]

Last fall, we had an electrical contractor come in and install this in our home. We set a portable 13kw generator on a pad and covered it. We had already upgraded our panel from 100 amps to 200 amps with all new circuit breakers as needed. The contractor ran conduit from the back of the house, through the attic and into the panel. Several breaker upgrades were done, plus the breaker from the generator and installed a surge protector. If the generator is needed, we simply shut off the power into the house, start generator, switch on the circuit breaker from generator and the whole house will now be running off the generator. I have a number of individual breakers to household that will be turned off since we won’t need power to those areas. The most important to HVAC, freezer, refrigerator, stove and kitchen, plus a few others will provide the necessary emergency power. It’s a great system, cheaper than an installed full house auto start generator. I decided against that because running the gas line was going to be really long and difficult to install. The generator can run from gasoline or propane.

[@mikepintell2267]

really liked the straight forward approach and step by step instructions. Thank you!!!

[@joseidario]

Very easy to understand very Professional explanation. Thank you.

[@terrybryant]

I knew this was going to be a great video by your shirt choice. No really I enjoyed the video and it was informative, to the point and I seen zero issues with your instruction.

[@juliocarrasco7164]

WOW! EXCELLENT VIDEO…. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am about to install my generator connector … AGAIN: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. SO HELPFUL

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Glad you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@theodorekobishyn8387]

Great explanation.....good teacher and informative before bringing anyone in ...thanks

[@2ndAmendProtector]

Awesome. My electrician will be doing all my work.......but now I understand everything. Thanks.

[@lawanacroskey7994]

Thank you. Great video. Our next project once hurricane Milton is over. Be safe everyone.

[@johnpaula1400]

I run a 6kva single cylinder diesel generator, 100% reliable - has to be as I live in the caribbean, runs the whole house- no problem. Also very important to operate under the kiss principal as part can be hard to come by.

[@mattnichols9614]

I have the Same set up But I have a 9500/12,000 Generator, I did install the Micro air It runs everything total cost including electrician was $2100 Generac wanted $12,000 for an auto start Permanent