I have a 200amp panel with a 6 circuit manual transfer switch immediately adjacent to it. I use the transfer switch during power outages when I run my generator and power the water pump, boiler, refrigerator, water pump, and kitchen lights. We've had this setup for 8 years now and, it works, but becomes frustrating because we can't use the lights in the rest of the house (i.e. to walk down to the basement), or purposefully shed electrical loads to run, say, the dishwasher or a window AC without running extension cords throughout the house.
And so, we've been thinking of switching to a generator interlock kit so we can have more freedom to purposefully decide what to run or not. I would appreciate advice/guidance:
1. I've seen some generator interlock kits that claim to be UL Listed and cost ($140) at least 2x those that do not make such a claim ($70). Not really sure how a simple piece of metal can be UL Listed, but anyone know what's the deal with this? Do building inspectors balk at a metal plate without the UL symbol?
2. Can anyone suggest any downside to changing to an interlock? The only thing I can see is that it's more difficult to figure out when line power returns (right now we leave the lights on in a room that is not run by the transfer switch on the generator). Anything else?
Many thanks
Theodore
And so, we've been thinking of switching to a generator interlock kit so we can have more freedom to purposefully decide what to run or not. I would appreciate advice/guidance:
1. I've seen some generator interlock kits that claim to be UL Listed and cost ($140) at least 2x those that do not make such a claim ($70). Not really sure how a simple piece of metal can be UL Listed, but anyone know what's the deal with this? Do building inspectors balk at a metal plate without the UL symbol?
2. Can anyone suggest any downside to changing to an interlock? The only thing I can see is that it's more difficult to figure out when line power returns (right now we leave the lights on in a room that is not run by the transfer switch on the generator). Anything else?
Many thanks
Theodore