How To Choose Between A Transfer Switch Vs Interlock Kit With Power Inlet Box

In this video I talk about the transfer switch vs interlock kit with power inlet box when deciding which one is best to hookup your generator to your house. This is probably the most common question I hear when folks are trying to decide the best option for them.
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Items In The Video:
30 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3913Nal
50 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3C6HEUF
30 Amp Generac Transfer Switch: amzn.to/2XaIGzr
Popular interlock Switch Kits. Make sure the interlock switch will fit your panel before purchasing. These are not necessarily the exact same one in the video:
Square D HOMCGK2C: amzn.to/3mOvZlr
Square D QOCGK2C: amzn.to/2TO1wYo
Eaton EAT-CH200A: amzn.to/38aGGuv
General Electric GE200HDUL: amzn.to/2U4ygNn
General Electric GE-3: amzn.to/3l9na5D
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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.

[@philpom4515]

Interlock kit all day long. Just label your critical breakers in the panel to have on during an outage. Exact same as a transfer switch except the added benefit of being able to energize any other breaker as you see fit. Personally I prefer the flexibility of running anything in the house. A transfer switch removes any flexibility you have and forces a compromise. I have an 11,000 watt dual fuel on a 50 amp inlet but I could also use my 3300 watt on the same inlet with reduced breakers live at once. I appreciate the video, thanks!

[@SuperVstech]

@@timothywillis7872 hard to imagine why that would be the case. Interlock is required if a generator inlet is connected to the panel without a transfer switch.

[@timothywillis7872]

@@SuperVstech that’s what Texas power told me. If I wanted to run a generator as a back up, I had to use a transfer switch.

[@DIY_Dad_83]

@@timothywillis7872 I'm in Texas as well, but all of the electricians we've gotten quotes from offer both options. My understanding (as I haven't found anything in my research) is as long as there's no chance of back-feed there shouldn't be a legal issue. We're going interlock for the same reason @philpom did. If our needs are drastically different for an outage in winter vs summer and we want the options. Cool thing with a transfer though is that it is easier to tell once the grid is back up.

[@philp3512]

Agreed. The flexibility of an interlock is by a far superior choice. People just have to be aware of the wattage of what's being used on each circuit and what their generator can handle.

[@jim4621]

@@philp3512 absolutely, Reliance has a nice 2 line wattmeter box (cat.no.MB125) for monitoring that I installed. They also have a nice little PowerBack device that sounds an alarm when ulility power is restored.

[@tracynation2820]

Super. Somebody is missing the ball by not making main breakers with extra generator terminals and wire control so that you can just hit a switch in your house and the main kicks off, connecting the generator. Yes, auto-transfer switches, but i'm talking inexpensive retrofit, not complete replacement. (Remote starting is possible with any generator that has a starter motor, so you would not have to go outside at all.) You can shut off almost anything inside that is not needed without killing the breaker. 💙 T.E.N.

[@Doug-gp2qw]

Generally I think an interlock switch would work best for most people no matter the size of your generator. It allows you to easily change the loads and the size of generator. Clear instructions on its use should be posted in or near the panel. Lets say you were making dinner on your electric stove when the power went out, and you have a smaller generator. You can turn on the breakers for the range and kitchen lights. After the meal you can turn of the range and turn on the hot water heater and dishwasher. In the winter you would want the furnace on, in the summer the AC, or fans. If you're working in the garage you can turn those circuits on. With a transfer switch you are stuck with what you decided when you installed it.

[@jamesjackson4224]

Couldn't agree with you more. Mine powers my whole panel and I decide what I want to use and flip breakers accordingly. I.E. Turn the ac on to get it cool then turn ac off and water heater on for a little for showers then water heater back off and ac back on.

[@MrTeamriab]

In the event of an outage, does that mean you have to first flip all breakers OFF before enabling the Interlock switch (or at least enough to bring the panel under the capacity of the generator)?

[@Doug-gp2qw]

@@MrTeamriab To turn on or off a main breaker it is always best to shut off all the breakers first. Then turn the circuits on one at a time.

[@susannebarrett4356]

Awesome video Adam, You do a great job keeping it simple and direct call covering all the bases.

[@ApoJake13]

Interlock. 100%. You have complete control of what circuits you want to have power to in your entire house. Not to mention it is so much cheaper (and easier) to install.

[@jstevens501]

unless customer has a 200 amp zinsco meter main. good luck. or some other 40 year old weird panel.

[@lstanich1]

Excellent info and presented quickly/professionally.

[@scottmacglashin3059]

This really breaks everything down so well. I really appreciate this video prior to meeting with an electrician for an install.

[@steeve7010]

Perfect video! Straight forward information. Exactly the info I’ve been searching for, thank you!👍

[@user-dd9yn1xo3h]

Thanks for the clarity of this. I had no idea what to do

[@dandiffenderfer6010]

Really high quality video. This in conjunction with your other video on the power inlet box puts together the whole topic in a really short amount of time.

[@thomassemich4627]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am looking into a couple of different scenarios with generators for a couple people. So this is educational for me.

[@user-su4tp8lk7n]

Gave all the information I needed in the most simplistic way, thanks.

[@bobharris3433]

thanks it gave me a better understanding, since I want to get my generator hooked up to my panel

[@jamesshelton4423]

Great presentation. Was leaning to transfer switch, now I am convinced, transfer switch.

[@antoniomariomagalhaes2521]

Thanks for the excellent video. Concise and to the point. From the beginning, you set out to give us points to consider in each situation, as opposed to a definite answer that might not fit everyone. Well done.

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

Very helpful. Now I finally know what I'm going to do to connect my gen to my house.

[@dwwilliams72]

Answered a question I’ve wondered for several yrs. 👍🏼

[@sebastiannielsen]

Also I want to mention it DO exist transfer switches that don't hook into a subpanel, but into the main panel instead, which only consist of a tranfer switch and give same flexibility as an interlock. There are lots of transfer switches, even transfer switches that can automatically measure load current, and automatically start up generators and transfer over the power to backup when grid disappears, and transfer back & shut down generators when grid comes back. Some of these transfer switches will also have a in-line UPS too, so you have completely 100% uninterrupted power.

[@kiaweron]

I have to say that you really helped me figure out which one to buy. Thank you very much.

[@rbrown2925]

Great info, thanks! It seems like the interlock is the only decent option for us. We have two furnaces running off an 80A sub panel in the furnace room, which also has breakers for lights and outlets in almost half the house. The 200A main panel in the electrical room powers the kitchen, water and sewage pumps (we’re on a well and septic), and the remaining lights and outlets. Given the staircase and finished walls and ceiling between the furnace and electrical rooms plus other framing obstacles, it would be a nightmare wiring job to connect the furnaces to a transfer switch in the other room.

[@jsimish]

Well done. direct and to the point with no rambling, Thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@genew.231]

Bravo!! Finally a video that was helpfull and understandable at the same time. I have watched several how to do videos on transfer switches. This is the first one that was clear and to the point. Thank you!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad to hear it! Glad it was helpful for you! Thank you for the feedback Gene!

[@yamioji]

I live in a rural area with power outages often, especially during winter. The boxes my utility company uses come prefitted with interlock kits so that adding a power inlet is very simple since most people in my area have generators

[@gunznknives]

Excellent explanation of the difference and who should install the transfer switch or the interlock. It clears up my confusion. Now I know what to buy. Great video!

[@OfficiallyFran]

Great video, I just did a video on my set-up. I opted for the InterLock for the exact reason you stated. Thanks for the detailed overview!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad you were able to get it all setup and are ready to go! Thanks for the feedback Fran.

[@jenc8953]

THANK YOU so much for explaining this. This has helped me to decided that I need to go with an interlock kit verses a transfer switch. The interlock is just much more flexible. I don’t want to be locked into only being able to use a select amount of circuits.

[@ronaldhagen4890]

REALLY INFORMATIVE INFORMATION.WISH I HAD FOUND IT SOONER.THANK YOU.

[@gls3894]

I went with a Pulsar 6500 dual fuel and a 6 circuit transfer switch. Perfect fit for our size home. The install was straight forward.

[@JamesMcGillis]

I had the Generac 30-amp Homelink transfer switch professionally installed. At that time, I had only a 2000w Harbor Freight inverter generator. When utility power failed, the small generator, with only two 120v receptacles, would not switch over power on the Homelink. After removing the HomeLink front panel, I used the provided lever to activate "test mode". Then, I could use the Homelink, but only at about 1800w continuous. I recently bought a Champion 4250w dual fuel generator, which has a 30-amp receptacle and should switch generator power to the HomeLink. Testing soon!

[@llsansan50]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I recently experience my first 2 day power outage in Norther Virginia. I want to be prepared for next time. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Great! Yeah it is not fun being without power. I went about a week without it and it is really what prompted me to do everything that I have done. Thank you for the feedback.

[@krazzyk01]

Awesome. Clear cut answers. Thank you very much.

[@stephen.mcguire]

Thanks! Good info, I'll share with less electrically minded friends who need to know the basics. I have used both and prefer the interlock even with my small generator. I have a small house and have changed over all my 220 appliances to gas which helped and I can almost run the entire house now. May re-use my transfer switch for a solar project but we will see.

[@roush2win]

Nice Video. I went with the 6 breaker Transfer switch powered by a remote start 4500 Watt inverter. Also plumbed it for Natural Gas as well as reg gas. Wanted to stay small so it wouldn't us too much fuel and inverter good for electronics and the RPMs drop when low load. This way I can run the basics, refrigerator, Furnace, lights, internet/ computers TV, Oven (gas oven but needs 110V to open gas valve).

[@maelo9x]

Outstanding explanation, thanks for the time and energy on this video 🤙😎

[@Bergarita]

Very good video. Now that I see this I think an interlock system would suit my purposes better.

[@joaquinaguirre2976]

Thank you Mr. Again I really appreciated this video with it information. Simple, easy and well explain.

[@rstephe]

Good explanation. I hooked up an interlock with a line coming from an external 50A plug and a 12,500 watt on propane. I can choose the circuits I want to run and during hurricane season in FL, life with the wife without A/C is hell. I do have a small generator I loan out to others or I can use during cooler months in my house if needed. Costs - the most expensive cost was the cable from the external plug to my circuit panel at $105 and the plug at $43, which you would have to buy anyway. Other costs were the interlock switch for $38, and a 50Amp circuit breaker for $8.

[@bryanfissell9255]

Thanks for answering all my questions. Good video right to the point I like that.

[@corneliusharrisoniii964]

Very simple BUT very helpful. Two thumbs up! Thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Cornelius!

[@utubetjc]

I used a 10 circuit manual transfer switch for a few years and recently replaced it with the interlock kit. 8500 running watt generator. Much better set up for us.

[@chrishackett554]

Excellent video ! Very helpful with our decision.

[@geraldarmstrong5861]

Thank you so much for your very, very helpful videos!! I may not be able to do all this stuff with my arthritic hands anymore at age 69, but it gives me an idea what I'm getting into that I might have to pay for. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! I am glad you doing it helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback Gerald!

[@whobdis77]

This is good stuff. I'm just at the start of this process but if I went down the wrong path it would be difficult to go back I think.

[@user-qp4gp4ri8c]

Very helpful. I have a 4500w generator and will be using the transfer switch option. Of course, if you can get your hands on a whole house generator, I'd go with the interlock kit.

[@hendersonsobers396]

Really great information in this video. Good job man!

[@richardmorton1569]

I found this content very helpful, especially the price value

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

[@ricko2766]

interesting video. Thanks for making it. Since I haven't bought a generator yet I will use the money I save going with the home interlock kit and and apply that to my generator purchase to buy a bigger unit. This way I will be able to power my whole ( if my daughters aren't home ) house

[@LloydArthurWilliams]

Thanks for taking the time to share this information.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome Lloyd! I hope you found it helpful.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Great information. Thanks. I can now make a decision clearly.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. Thanks a lot for taking the time to let me know!

[@Dqalex]

I use an interlock at my house in NJ. My home has natural gas. My 7000 watt generator can run everything but the central AC. During Sandy it was nice because I could turn on any light in any room with the interlock.

[@JeffBowe]

Thank you for this and your other video, I just purchased my first generator which is actually an inverter and I'm looking at stepping into a full house possibility over time. The first generator can certainly run critical need issues and I have the ability parallel them if I buy a second small one. I also am smaller because they're easier to move around and if one breaks I still have something happening whereas if I have one large one and it won't start I'm dead in the water. It's the military two is one and one is none Theory.

[@jimmyraythomason1]

I use a transfer switch with my Champion 7500 watt generator to power almost my entire house. I don't have my stove/range, heat pump or cloths dried powered by it because of the high amp draw. I have back up window a/c units for summer use if the power is out during hot weather that the generator handles quite easily. Even though it isolates the generator from the line I always throw the main breaker to guarantee no back feed of the power lines.

[@shoyrushoyru]

i like the simplicity of a transfer switch, but i think even with having to micromanage what circuits are on and off, the versatility of the interlock kit cant be beat for evolving power needs, especially depending what season it is when you lose power

[@johnpaula1400]

You asked how I installed my transfer switch. I have a 3 position switch- utility live- neutral (in between the two power sources)- and generator live. This way current is provided to the panel from one source only. Again this is very important so that my generator cannot feed into the grid where you might have downed power lines.

[@victorriga9814]

Great video. Concise and clear. Thank you

[@Barc7580]

I’m almost ready to set up a generator inlet combined with a 48v battery & EG4 inverter(s) to a combiner box and run that back to a 125a breaker on an interlock in the main panel. Trying to capitalize on battery for main backup power and then use the generator to supplement grid power and also charge batteries with the EG4 chargeverter. Main idea is to use the generator to conserve gas / propane by only running the generator as needed until the batteries are charged. Thank you for this video. Lots more to think about.

[@GamingCentral3000]

Great description, thanks!

[@trustbuster23]

The flexibility of powering the whole panel is really nice if you are technically inclined and understand what you are doing. I have a transfer switch that feeds the whole panel. I shut off all the breakers and then flip a few key circuits back on. I color coded the essential circuits with small stickers to make the whole process very quick. But in an extended outage, maybe you really need to do some laundry or power some otherwise "non-essential" load for a few hours. But that flexibility requires understanding, in advance, how much power various appliances use and keeping a kind of rough wattage budget in your head as you flip things on and off. A transfer switch is better if you want the whole process to be simple and foolproof. Fire up the generator, push one switch and the food doesn't spoil, the internet comes back on, etc.

[@tcap7917]

Its not for everyone but an Interlock is in my panel. I got lucky when I shopped for mine, It was around $15 for my panel. I saw others for different panels costing $75 and up. With my needs and requirement is was a no brainer.

[@wabitt11]

GREAT stuff! THANK YOU!

[@s.meredithclark1164]

Could you talk about grounding the portable generator when using it for household and other situations?

[@yvondubois1494]

clear, detailed and very helpful. Thank you.

[@Roame55]

This was very helpful!

[@fredguerra4917]

Thank you so much for all of your well develop videos. Some years ago, I saw your oldest generator related video. Due to my budget and other related factors, I was able to create a my own locking mechanism. The one I needed was out of stock but principally was about $120 dollars delivered. Personally, I re arranged my circuit box to properly accommodate the order for my 240v. panel. This is important because it created a method for me to select 6 low power circuits along with 2 higher power consumption circuits. My main restriction to give power to the house was my generator. Lucky, I got one that produces about 8k of constant power and up to 13500k for peak events. In my view, the best option is the manual locking option. This is due to the fact that are less things that could go wrong and it is cheaper and a much straight forward option that just about any DIY person can actually handle.

[@johnminogue7360]

Excellent and very informative. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad you found value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@erinwilliams7405]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO, IT WAS VERY HELPFUL!

[@DeadlyHippo]

Thank you for this video. I am currently building my own place and this information helped me decide on the power failure route I am going to take. Seriously appreciate the time you took to make this video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad this was helpful for you. Good luck on the build!

[@user-ns5gk7lw3m]

Great job very helpful !

[@larryk5823]

Thank you! Great information

[@nunyabizness2396]

Good video. Very informative. Some homes like mine have the main breaker outside and the breaker box inside. This doesn't allow me to have an interlock switch because the main is a single breaker box. So a licensed professional would not install an inlet box and breaker to my panel without the ability to put in a interlock switch. So a transfer box would be ideal. However my neighbor is an electrician and we installed a inlet and breaker. I just have to make sure i flip my main on and off before i do anything. I will eventually switch to a transfer box. JFYI

[@jim4621]

Reliance has a nice 200 amp outdoor rated manual transfer switch with interlock. A little expensive put it might be a good option for you.

[@sqttube]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@josealvarez9517]

Transfer switch is more ideal. 1) Interlocks can’t be used everywhere legally, transfer switches can. 2) When the power is out people shouldn’t try to keep their home running exactly like before. It’s wasteful with fuel (which could be in short supply) and most people only use 50% of a generator capacity at any given time. A transfer switch makes people focus on what they really need and have it be sized to the generator they have.

[@johncontos264]

Very good comment. Are interlock systems legal in Texas ? Where is a good place to look for the code about it? Thanks

[@josealvarez9517]

@@johncontos264 I think it depends on your local rules and even the utility that gives you electric service. My city and utility forbids interlocks because it can be defeated by removing the cover panel.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I’m going with a 50a interlock. I want to be able to choose what I want running. I’ll likely be getting the 7 or 8kw predator inverter. Very concise and informative video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Sounds good! Glad you found the video to be helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

[@emblems4life726]

Just bought the 8750 Predator Inverter Generator and initial impressions are good so far.

[@slimtimrem1075]

Thank you for the videos. They’re very informative. My question is how do I know what size generator I’ll need to run the whole house. How do I add up all the wattage my house has in it Thank you

[@peterduthie1806]

I think one of the biggest pros with an interlock is you have the flexibility to power any circuit. When I switch over to running on generator during an outage and before throwing the interlock I make sure to turn off the breakers for my electric water heater and electric dryer. These breakers are marked with red tape which makes them easy to identify. I have a 7,500 watt generator. For extended use I try and keep the wattage being drawn to no more than 6,000 watts. I have also installed a hard start kit installed on my central AC so it isn't a problem running it on a generator as once it has started it draws 2,200 watts.. My wife and I know that when on generator you have to selectively run no more than two high wattage appliances besides the refrigerator at the same time (a stove burner, the microwave, hair dryer, garage door opener, etc.) . If after a few days my wife gets tired of cool showers I have the option to switch off the AC and then run the water heater for forty five minutes. If in the worse case the generator would be overloaded it would just trip off line. For most people using a interlock and also by switching off all the 240v circuits would mean that they could run most everything else in the house while using a 5,000 watt or larger generator. With 12,000 watts then you can probably run most everything.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks for the input Peter! Could very well be helpful for others in your situation!

[@homeFall1]

@@max4life352 do they offer the two in one 110 breakers for your box? while not my favorite I used a couple to pair up some light loads (mostly lighting circuits) to free up a pair of slots for a 220 breaker

[@tinaus646]

@@max4life352 most panels are rated as the total amperage, spaces, and maximum number of circuits. The ones I am most familiar with the number of circuits is double the spaces indicating that you could have all tandem breakers. This rating should be on the inside of the hinged cover you can see and research

[@user-ci6sc4fc2u]

Great and informative videos. I think I have learned something. Thanks so much. John

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback John!

[@thelog86]

I have the interlock. My reasoning was the interlock gave much more versatility. I can run all my outlets and outside lights for security during an outage. And cost was much lower on labor cost to hiring an electrician

[@athroop1321]

I use an interlock and I got a 2200 watt gen. Furnace is gas and I have a wood stove. Literally for lights and tv. Works great. Get the right cord you can power both sides of the panel.

[@jeandenispotvin9371]

Hi, Great tutorial. For your info., I live in the Province of Quebec , Canada, the “ Interlock “ system is illegal in Quebec. Only the manuel & automatic transfer switches are legal. As for the other Provinces you will have to verify which system is legal.

[@briandesrocher8994]

Great videos....very informative!

[@Former_Texan]

I would have wanted to see the comparison between a larger, whole house transfer switch compared to the interlock. I went interlock, figuring I'm eventually going to add batteries and get an Enphase smart switch, so I am going cheap until then.

[@jeffmasters6223]

Thanks,just what i was looking for

[@thealien6900]

To add to this great video and discussion. An outage is not the time to be figuring this out. Need to prove what will and wont run, how much fuel will you use and how much do you store? I am a retired electrician and finally got my stuff almost all squared away and tested recently here in New England. In my opinion we should shut the main once or twice a year and prove everything works. Might need to swap some breakers and balance the load. Do you have access to an amprobe? Run for 12-24 hours and know your fuel consumption, and learn what you can live without. I can survive for a while on a 2000 watt inverter generator. It can run on 3 gallons a day.

[@rogerdevero8726]

Adam, you're a fine teacher, and this was VERY well explained. (Liked & Subscribed from long ago) Kudos John 3:16

[@raymondborror6996]

Thank you, very helpful

[@kaitym9012]

Thank you for your concise explanation of the differences in the two approaches. We recently purchased a largish generator, 10k watt output, and have been looking into our options. Our power consumption calculation is about 8000w, so we purchased something that would not have to run at peak all the time. This allows for home heating with our pellet stove, cold food storage in two fridge/freezers, hot and cold water and lighting. Also figure we can switch off a few things and fire up a computer/TV for some DVD watching while we are "in the dark". We really have appreciated the effort that folks have put into providing clear information about our available choices. Your video and information are top notch! May 2022 bring us all peace and prosperity.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Excellent! Sounds like you all are doing your homework and getting everything setup right! I am glad you found the video helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback and enjoy the backup power!

[@danielh4995]

For what its worth from a random internet stranger, I just installed a new outdoor load center with a main breaker and generator lockout w/ 50A input. I have 3 generators (for various reasons ranging from a 8kw welder to a 2250w 120v inverter) the 8kw will run my A/C, water heater, stove, microwave, etc individually with various lights and other small draws. It burns around 1gal/ hr at moderate load. For comparison my small inverter will run lights, fridge, freezer, TV, internet without issue. It burns a gallon every 6-8 hours or so. My typical usage for an extended outage is to run the 8kw intermittently cool or heat the house, shower, cook, etc in a couple hour time frame. After that I shut the 240V breakers off and run fridge, freezer, lights, and entertainment stuff with the smaller generator. Last large outage we had ~5 days running the small generator only was around $50 in fuel. Running the 8kw for 5 days would have been $420. The small generator I have was around $470. I keep a 55gal drum of 100LL aviation gasoline on site for all my small engines and as an emergency reserve for running the generators. Hope this helps or gives you something to think about.

[@turkwendell6904]

@@danielh4995 thanks for that info good to hear real world stuff.

[@nicklopez5298]

Are u running gas NP, NG

[@nicklopez5298]

@@danielh4995 have u considered a no load low idle generator would do same

[@MrPLC999]

I have a little Honda EU2200 generator that I've used in the past by running extension cords all over the house when power has gone out. I wanted to implement a more convenient way to do this with minimal trouble and cost. And I was able to do so as follows. I have one of those older Sylvania/Zinsco load centers and there's no ready-made interlock kit that I could find for it. So I simply installed a normal external outlet below my load center connected to dedicated circuit breaker #4. Then I did a little re-arranging of the load center so that the circuits I want to power are all on even numbered CB's. So when the power goes out, I turn off all CB's including the mains. Then I connect the generator to the external outlet using a short double-male X-cord and start up the gen. Then turn on CB#4. Then turn on the other even-numbered CB's one at a time. That powers up both frig's, the furnace, the computers, TV, surveillance system, burglar alarm and most of the lighting. Now of course, I would never turn on the main breakers while the gen is running! Total cost, less than $50.

[@garfield8900]

Good information! Thanks!

[@MrMercenary20]

This was the video I needed thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful. Thank you for the feedback!

[@thomasmaddox9917]

Great video. Thanks for the information. What was the model of interlock kit you are using?

[@jkepps]

Very informative! Thanks!!!

[@pwil7016]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@homerfantastic]

Very informative video. In our case we went with a interlock kit. Our range, clothes dryer and on demand water heater are propane. The only 220 items are our well pump and central air. We have a 13kw dual fuel portable genny that I can hook up to our in ground 250 gal propane tank in a few min. and plug into the side of the house. With our genny we can run the whole house without picking and choosing circuits.. Living in Florida it is important that AC operates.

[@wes326]

I grew up in Central Florida without A/C. I've been sleeping with a fan ever since.

[@jamesws3]

When circuits and their breakers are moved to a transfer switch what happens to now "empty" slots in the main panel? Very good video!!

[@SuperVstech]

@@jmljml5065 incorrect. The circuits are moved to the transfer switch. The breakers can be moved to the transfer switch, which would leave spaces in the panel that require coverplate sin the panel cover. Or new breakers can be used in the transfer switch, leaving unused breakers in the panel.

[@MD.ImNoScientician]

@HowToHomeDIY Hi Adam, thank you for all your interesting topics. They really help us understand what we need to consider for our homes. Do either of these 2 systems you describe here use a power inverter between the generator and the circuit panel?

[@jabroni6199]

I went with a transfer switch because my main breaker/meter is in an electrical closet I don’t have easy access to. Either one you go with, you’ll be far better off than the vast majority of homeowners which typically dont have any backup power beyond flash lights and candles.

[@user-fj2ew9by7i]

Very good information

[@normanrabbitlee]

Thank you. This is very helpful

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I am glad to hear that it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback Norman!

[@stephenagaertner]

My house originally came with a main panel & a sub panel in my house. The original main panel on the house had all the large wattage devices on it like the water well pump, stove, hot water heater, HVAC, & also last but not least a breaker for the sub panel too! The crazy thing about my main panel was that there was no main breaker on it! The original sub panel on my house had most of the other smaller amperage / wattage house circuits on it for lights, refrigerator, etc. Now of course I knew my medium size generator would not be able to power all of these big wattage appliances & I wasn't going to try it either. So some of these sub panel circuits would be the ones that I wanted to be able to power if an emergency happened (except for the well pump for water). To fix the dilemma I had, I moved the high importance (water supply) well pump from the main panel to the sub panel. Now I also installed a new sub panel on it that had a main breaker on it for the interlock switch (because my original sub panel didn't have a main breaker on it). BTW - I also don't plan on using the electric dryer & microwave (still on the sub panel) when using my 7000 watt generator. So what I plan on doing is to turn these breakers OFF to stop an accident "generator overloads" from happening. I also have wattage meters attached to the sub panel too so we can check wattage useage while running the generator. I have informed the wife about we can't use all house appliances during power outages as well... I actually asked electrical companies to give me estimates to fix my original panels so I could connect a generator & they gave me a lowest $15,000 bid to do this job. I said WTF & hell no. I did all this stuff myself for $200-$300...

[@howtodoitdude1662]

More flexibility with the interlock kit switching to different breakers, but the transfer switch is thought out and planned for the rated amperage needed.