Thinking about adding a sub panel with a generator interlock

[ArcticTaco]

So looking at hitting two birds with one cat.

We need a sub panel, the current one is full all electric house 200 amp service EATON panel:

Since we want to set up an emergency generator as part of this ongoing remodel, I’m thinking about this panel or something similar:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Siemens-20...VoP7jBx0fCgBHEAQYBSABEgKR8vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Looks like this:

Leaves plenty of room and also it’s only 1 additional panel. It has room to expand the generator fed circuits so there is flexibility for future expansion and we have a 2 freezers and 2 refrigerators, well pump, booster pump, plus electrical controls for the pellet stove a lift station and a couple lighting circuits as well. Just floating the idea....

 

[Stuff]

I would stay with Eaton so have similar breakers between panels.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[ArcticTaco]

That would definitely be preferable.
I will have to check if they make a BR type breaker panel, I believe they do. I am mostly looking at the panel configuration I have some mounting space issues. Plus if possible fewer J-boxes and splices make for a cleaner wiring setup.
Found an EATON CPM126GEN or a CPM236GEN , probably best to go with the 236 as it is also rated for 200 Amp service?
From EATON :
Combination Service Entrance Loadcentre Generator Panel
CPM126GEN/CPM236GEN
♦ Single enclosure (EEMAC 1) to house both loadcentre and generator breakers
♦Factory installed main breakers. ♦Available in 100 and 200 ampere
designs.
♦Utility and emergency transfer
switch breaker factory installed. ♦ Utility breaker and generator
Standards and Certifications
♦CSA approved.
Product Specifications
♦10,000 AIC rating for CPM126GEN ♦25,000 AIC rating for CPM236GEN ♦Switching devices must be circuit
breakers.
♦Transfer switch panel must be
supplied with neutral and ground.

 

[Stuff]

What size generator are you going for? From the specs the 126 has a 30 generator breaker and the 326 has a 60 amp.
Also see this is service rated. Some panels are service only (neutral/ground bonded) and you need a sub. I don't see details on this.

 

[WorthFlorida]

As Stuff asked, WHAT SIZE generator and what brand and model number. If it is not a whole house generator such as what Kholor has at 10-15 KW or higher, you're spending a lot of effort and money that may not work.

 

[ArcticTaco]

Well the generator on-site is buried under a bunch of stuff in the garage, but it looks like an L14-20 plug- so 20 amps max. That said the boss will need convincing that it is inadequate. As the emergency loads would be a well pump/pressure pump,2 freezers & 2 fridges, a sump pump and a lift station, and a couple light circuits what is on site is not big enough. I will track down the loads do a calculation and size one from there, but I would lean towards the 236, with the generator at least an 8-10kw.

 

[WorthFlorida]

If it is a portable unit they do not regulate well and all of your inductive loads (motors) will not function 100%. It is not just available watts to watts needed for the load. When power has been out for a while and you throw the load, everything will be on at once.

 

[Stuff]

Also - are you in the US or Canada? Those two Eaton panels you found show Canadian specs, not US.

 

[ArcticTaco]

In the US, I haven’t found any info on an EATON combo panel. Initially the system will be manually actuated. After some research and load calculations I will work on selecting a larger emergency generator and possibly go with an automatic switching system. Right now this is just some preliminary work.

 

[Stuff]

Maybe to keep your future options open buy a decent sized 100 amp main breaker panel along with a breaker interlock kit. Get a spare front cover so you can remove the interlock at a future date.

Also - are you certain that your panel is full? Lots of times tandems and quads can be swapped in. Check part number of panel or look at bus stabs for notches.