How To Install a Generator Interlock Kit and Inlet

Transfer Power Safely With A Main Breaker Interlock Kit

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The PB-30 generator inlet box comes with a factory installed green grounding pigtail which is connected to Romex grounding conductor
The PB-30 generator inlet box comes with a factory-installed green grounding pigtail, which is connected to the Romex grounding conductor.

The PB-30 generator inlet box comes with a factory-installed green grounding pigtail.  For more information about grounding, consult article 250 in the “National Electrical Code.”

As part of your learning how to install a generator interlock kit and inlet, you should read the National Electrical Code articles about this particular interlock kit and inlet installation. Applicable articles are 110, 250, 300, 334, 408.36(D), and 702.  Local codes may also apply.

It is best to consult with your building department about what codes are in effect during installation.  Please note that it is not the building department’s nor the inspector’s responsibility to tell you how to do the work.  The knowledge needed to do the installation is up to you to obtain through experience, research, or guidance.

The completed PB-30 generator inlet that is connected to the two-pole 30 amp generator circuit breaker in the main electrical panel.
The completed PB-30 generator inlet that is connected to the two-pole 30 amp generator circuit breaker in the main electrical panel.

Above is the finished generator inlet.  It needs a small bead of clear caulk at the top to keep water from getting behind it.  Article 702 in the National Electrical Code pertains to generator installations, but other articles in the code book also apply to the wiring methods used in this installation.

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The 10/3 Romex as it penetrates through the drilled hole in the rim joist
The 10/3 Romex as it penetrates through the drilled hole in the rim joist

You can see the 10/3 Romex as it penetrates through the drilled hole in the rim joist to enter the back of the generator inlet mounted outside.

Duct Seal was also used inside where the 10/3 Romex penetrates through the rim joist to prevent air from coming into the basement.
Duct Seal was also used inside where the 10/3 Romex penetrates through the rim joist to prevent air from entering the basement.

Duct Seal was also used inside where the 10/3 Romex penetrates through the rim joist to prevent outside air from entering the basement.

The 10/3 Romex is secured to the inside surface of the rim joist using BX staples
The 10/3 Romex is secured to the inside surface of the rim joist using BX staples.

The 10/3 Romex is secured to the rim joist inside the basement using BX staples.

The orange 10/3 Romex stands out against some of the original wiring and pipes.
The orange 10/3 Romex stands out against some original wiring and pipes.
The 10/3 Romex is stapled along the rim joist using BX staples
The 10/3 Romex is stapled along the rim joist using BX staples.

The 10/3 Romex is stapled along the rim joist using BX staples.

The 10/3 Romex cable fits in between the existing cables entering the Cutler Hammer load center
The orange 10/3 Romex cable fits between the existing cables entering the Cutler Hammer load center.
A two screw metal Romex connector was used to secure the 10/3 Romex as it enters the Cutler Hammer circuit breaker panel.
A two-screw metal Romex connector secured the 10/3 Romex as it entered the Cutler Hammer circuit breaker panel.

A two-screw metal Romex connector secured the 10/3 Romex to the Cutler Hammer circuit breaker panel.




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INSTALLING THE GENERATOR CIRCUIT BREAKER
The #8 wires are tightly twisted together before the blue wire connector is screwed on.
The #8 wires are tightly twisted together before the blue wire connector is screwed on

Note how tightly twisted together the #8 wires above are before the blue wire connector is screwed on.  The existing #8 copper conductors for the stove were too short.  Pigtails were added so the stove circuit breaker could be located further down to make room for the generator circuit breaker.

In the above interlock kit installation, it was necessary to relocate the two-pole 40 amp stove circuit breaker to make room for the generator circuit breaker.  I spliced some short pieces of #8 wire onto the existing stove circuit wires and moved the stove circuit breaker to the bottom of the circuit breaker panel.

I also had to relocate one single pole circuit breaker below the stove circuit breaker as the interlock kit for this particular circuit breaker panel required three spaces.

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Continued on Page 3