Relocating breakers and updating generator inlet
#1
10-09-20, 08:23 AM
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Relocating breakers and updating generator inlet
Hello,
I've recently bought a house which needs some things updated (built in 1988). I want to buy a backup generator, but I've been told the current setup is unsatisfactory. What I want to do is replace the current recessed inlet with a proper inlet box, move the top two right breakers below the main breaker and switch them with the double 50A breaker at the bottom ( breaker for inlet), install an interlock kit. Because the 50A is at the bottom, it needs to be relocated beneath the 200A main so that the interlock can function, right? Will it be hard to complete this relocation? The two breakers below the main are for our dining room (1) and a hot tub (2) (hot tub is gone now). I may also need to replace the old hump style main breaker with a flat one. Is this easy enough? If this is possible, I'd like to do it myself. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you.
Breaker panel w/ old generator outlet below it
Main panel up close
Breaker descriptions
Old outlet that I want to replace with a new male outlet
I've recently bought a house which needs some things updated (built in 1988). I want to buy a backup generator, but I've been told the current setup is unsatisfactory. What I want to do is replace the current recessed inlet with a proper inlet box, move the top two right breakers below the main breaker and switch them with the double 50A breaker at the bottom ( breaker for inlet), install an interlock kit. Because the 50A is at the bottom, it needs to be relocated beneath the 200A main so that the interlock can function, right? Will it be hard to complete this relocation? The two breakers below the main are for our dining room (1) and a hot tub (2) (hot tub is gone now). I may also need to replace the old hump style main breaker with a flat one. Is this easy enough? If this is possible, I'd like to do it myself. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you.
Breaker panel w/ old generator outlet below it
Main panel up close
Breaker descriptions
Old outlet that I want to replace with a new male outlet
#2
10-09-20, 08:49 AM
Member
Looks like a reasonable approach, as long as an interlock kit is available and certified for your panel.
#3
10-09-20, 09:17 AM
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This is the kit I want. It's currently not in stock but they said it would be back soon. I have a Crouse Hinds panel.
https://www.geninterlock.com/product...witch-200-amp/
https://www.geninterlock.com/product...witch-200-amp/
#4
10-09-20, 04:33 PM
Will it be hard to complete this relocation? The two breakers below the main are for our dining room (1) and a hot tub (2) (hot tub is gone now). I may also need to replace the old hump style main breaker with a flat one. Is this easy enough? If this is possible, I'd like to do it myself. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you.
How do you plan on shutting off power to replace the main breaker? Remember, the cable feeding the main breaker is live unless you pull the meter or this panel is a subpanel (in which case, the whole concept of installing the generator breaker here needs to be revisited).
#5
10-09-20, 05:37 PM
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I didn't think of that. I know they make kits for the hump style breaker, so maybe I need to start looking at those.
#7
10-09-20, 07:03 PM
You've gotten good answers. One other item to consider is to use a 50A twist-lock (L14-50) inlet as opposed to a standard pin-type 50A inlet (14-50). I find the twist-lock keeps a better connection, especially for larger loads. Of course, either way is code compliant.
Also, you probably know, you need to use a 4-wire inlet/cable instead of the 3-wire that you have now.
Also, you probably know, you need to use a 4-wire inlet/cable instead of the 3-wire that you have now.
#9
10-11-20, 05:41 PM
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Another question: the current breaker is a 50A. Should I swap that out for a 30 or 40A? I was looking at the Westinghouse generator that is 1200 starting watts/9500 running watts. I'm not even sure I need something this large, I just want to power as much as I can. Assuming I buy this Westinghouse generator, what you you recommend for a breaker? Also, what gauge wire would you recommend? 8 gauge?
#11
10-19-20, 09:09 AM
Group Moderator
You can use the current 50A or downsize to 40A or 30A.
That breaker is only being used as a switch.
The circuit protection comes from the generator breaker.
That breaker is only being used as a switch.
The circuit protection comes from the generator breaker.
#12
10-20-20, 01:58 PM
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Ok, thanks. So with a 50A outlet, I've been reading that 6 gauge wire is recommended. True? The generator has a 50A and 30A outlet, so I'm still unsure if I should bother with the 50A. I'm having a harder time locating a 50A outlet box, it seems like the 30A or more readily available. But, I'll find the box if y'all think it would be better in the long run.
#14
10-23-20, 12:40 PM
I know they make kits for the hump style breaker, so maybe I need to start looking at those.
