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

I have this generator:

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

I bought these interlocks on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300106024488

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


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


Regards
Mark Rand
RTFM

Mark
I don't know were you or the OP are located so I'll answer as if both of
you are in the United States. It may indeed be acceptable in a power
station that is operated by a utility under the National Electrical
Safety Code (NESC). The NESC is the code that is enforced by the public
utility regulatory bodies in most states to govern the installation and
operation of electrical generating and distribution systems. It is not
however compliant with the National Electric Code (NEC) that is adopted
and enforced as law by the vast majority of local or state governments
in the United States. The NEC is also incorporated by reference into
the vast majority of insurance contracts in the US. The NEC requires
that materials be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
The AHJ can be the local building official, electrical inspector, or the
insurance companies loss prevention department. No responsible AHJ will
approve the use of an interlock that is not listed by a national
electrical testing laboratory.
--
Tom Horne

"This alternating current stuff is just a fad. It is much too dangerous
for general use." Thomas Alva Edison