Square D - QOCGK2C QO Cover Generator and QOM2 Frame Size Main Breaker Interlock Kit

For all the ways of getting generator power into the house, this is the simplest, cleanest and cheapest. There are kits like this for virtually all brands of panels out there now, so the only thing that may prevent you from setting up one like this on your panel is if you don't have a "main" breaker for all of the street power, you MUST have a "main" for a kit like this to work. All this does is force you to turn off the upper "Main" before turning on the breaker in spot 2-4 that becomes your "generator main" into your box.The advantages of a kit like this are you only need to add the 1 cable for generator power into your box (not 15-20 wires like in those pre-made "transfer-switch" panels), you can send power to anything in your house as you select (not restricted to 4-10 circuits that must match others pre-selected breaker sizes) and it goes for less cost ($50 for this and $20 for a breaker, not $250+ for a panel). There's also no confusion over multiple boxes controlling the same things. Some may argue things like "It's too easy to overload your generator turning on too much at once in your main box this way", but anyone can do things like plug in a power strip to a powered circuit (from any system), try plugging in multiple devices like space heaters that draw too much power and pop breakers (or risk fires). So everyone who plugs things in needs to learn what "too much" is on any circuit and be willing to pay attention to such (especially when on a much more limited power supply like a generator). If you want to take charge of switching breakers, you need to learn what gets turned on and how much power they use. It may be worth getting a meter box installed to see how much power things use and that can help you limit how much you turn on at once (depending on the size generator you get), otherwise someone may be able to help you measure it at least once and you can note it for future reference. I've run things like electric water heaters and even the clothes dryer off a 6000 watt generator and that worked, but I only ran those 1 at-a-time (and those 2 items I always run alone since they used 4800-5500 watts of the 6000 capacity). Since I imagine many saying "I want a generator big enough to run anything, but not the $5000+ model when I hope to never need to run it" a 6-7000 watt size is enough to handle the big items like that, yet stay as cheap as possible too.The only disadvantage as some have commented is it seems a rip-off for $50 when it's just a stamped out metal plate and 3 screws, yet I've seen others who want over $100 for similar ones (or prices like $400 for a panel with such pre-installed when I can get this and a big panel for ~$250). So be glad it's not that bad (and it'll keep the inspectors off your back since it is politically correct, OEM approved, etc). Also this is obviously manual control, so if you want the full auto-start generator, auto transfer of power, etc this won't work.Feel free to ask anything under comments if you have concerns.

It is irresponsible to connect a generator to a house in such a way that power can flow out to the grid, endangering utility line personnel working to restore service during a fault. This simple kit ensures that the breaker in a load center panel fed by a portable generator (double-pole in top-right position 2/4) cannot be switched on unless the main breaker fed by the utility has been switched off (and vice versa). It is little more than a plate that slides up and down (and a bracket with warning label visible when the panel cover is off) so may seem expensive, but it is UL listed by the manufacturer (something home-made would not satisfy the NEC), is far less expensive than a transfer switch, and is affordable enough to discourage folks from taking dangerous shortcuts. Installation is straightforward thanks to the included metal template and takes only a few minutes to complete. It looks professional and is completely effective. Be sure to enlist the services of a licensed electrician and inspector as needed.Note that breakers switch only the hots and neither the neutral nor ground, so a 400 amp service employing two 200 amp load center panels would require one interlock kit per panel with each breaker fed by its own inlet box, since a single inlet box split to feed both panels would establish permanent secondary paths in violation of the NEC. A splitter cable that connects a single generator to both inlet boxes should be connected only when both interlocks are in the generator position. Again, be sure to enlist the services of a licensed electrician and inspector as needed.

Easy install. I am an industrial electrician. This is something the average homeowner would want to have an electrician install. Not a bargain for what you get, but meets code, and is much easier and less expensive than a transfer switch.

Worked good for an older electrical panel. One of the 3 pieces in the picture is actually a hole drilling template that was super useful to make sure we got the holes in the right place. The instructions are a little confusing as they cover all the different models that the kit applies too, but if you match up the pictures, it's pretty self explanatory.

These were a great way for us to meet our local electrical codes concerning backup generator connections. Easy to install and a very affordable price.

Square D doesn’t make it clear what panels they not longer offer interlock kits for.

You should be VERY FAMILIAR with HOME WIRING and feel VERY COMFORTABLE working in your home's main POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX, if you are thinking about, DOING THE INSTALLATION YOURSELF. You will need to POWER DOWN your home to install, this device. Even with this precaution, its possible to personally get across 240 VOLTS, which could be FETAL !!!!!!!!!! In addition if you where to get a heavy metal tool across your 240 VOLT SERVICE, you could have serious HOUSE FIRE THREAT in seconds.If you have ANY DOUBTS WHATS SO EVER about the INSTALLING THIS DEVICE, you should be hiring an ELECTRICIAN to complete the installation of this device. That being said, this installation will still be a much cheaper solutions to having a SAFE way to hook up EMERGENCY POWER !

Well documented, well packaged and quick delivery.Yes it may seem a little pricy for what it is, but it is easy to install and conform to code.

Great item.

Fits good in the panel, easy to install, works as designed

Did not fit my square D panel. I had To do a little bit of cutting to make it fit. But at the end it works find.

pour installer, j'ai du modifier légèrement le kit.en passant sur la meule les côtés de la plaque donc que ça ne frotte pas sur panneau.