Interlock locks to be used in lieu of transfer switch

 

I have this generator:

  http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/onan/Diesel/

I bought these interlocks on eBay:

  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item00106024488

They are actually quite large, the photo does not do them justice.

My plan is to place interlocks so that either the generator's
disconnect is closed, or the main panel breaker is closed, but never
both.

That's what they were designed for, if it is unclear to anyone, I can
explain it in more detail, or see: http://www.kirkkey.com/index.html

I would lock up another key (they are keyed alike) in my safe so
that its use cannot defeat this system.

I believe that this arrangement fully satisfies the rule that a
mechanical interlock device should prevent both sources of power from
coming in contact.

Any comments?

i

 

Ignoramus23720 wrote:

I don't think your local inspector is likely to approve of such a setup.
You would be better off with an approved interlock system produced by
the manufacturer of the electrical panel such as the Square D setup I
use.

Pete C.

 

Ignoramus23720 wrote:

AT&T had this arrangement on a battery plant that was in two cabinets.
The interlock
depended on one key that had to turned to release the key so it could be
used in the
other cabinet..

So some idiot had a spare key made so he didn't have to move the key.
Some time later
he disconnected both battery strings and failed the service.

Not much is idiot proof

Bill K7NOM

 



Not acceptable.

Currently approved mechanical interlock devices physically do not permit
both breakers to be on.

With this, a second key already exists, and if it did not, a hardware
store could make one - nothing to prevent both from being turned on at
once, other than the assumption that there's only one key. A key in a
safe can be removed from a safe, a key in place can be copied. Your
taste for weird old surplus has got the better of you - there's a reason
this stuff is surplus.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

 

On Mon, 07 May 2007 18:05:13 -0500, Ignoramus23720


It's a perfectly acceptable solution and I've used it on power station
transfer boards.


Regards
Mark Rand
RTFM