Generator Interlock Kit Installation in South Carolina

A generator interlock kit is a metal plate that mounts on your panel cover. It slides between your main breaker and a generator breaker, so only one can be on at a time.

That matters because power from your generator can't flow back out to the street. Backfeed like that can hurt line workers and damage your equipment. With the interlock in place, it simply can't happen.

The kit works with a power inlet box mounted outside. Your generator plugs into the inlet, and the inlet feeds the generator breaker in your panel.

Cords work in a pinch, but they get old fast. Here's why most homeowners switch:

• Cords can't reach hardwired things like your well pump, furnace fan, or lights.
• Cords run through doors and windows, so the house stays open to the heat or cold.
• Undersized cords overheat when you load them up.
• Every outage means dragging cords room to room.

With a generator interlock kit, one cord does the job. Then you choose your circuits right at the panel.

• Panel check. First, we confirm your panel has a listed interlock kit and room for the breaker.
• Interlock kit. Then we mount the kit made for your panel brand.
• Generator breaker. We size it to your generator and inlet.
• Inlet box. We mount it outside, sized to your generator's cord, usually 30 or 50 amp.
• Permit and inspection. We pull the permit and also meet the inspector.
• Walkthrough. Finally, we show you how to switch over, step by step.

Most installs are done in one day. However, if your panel is too old for a kit, we'll tell you up front. In that case, a meter and panel upgrade comes first.

• Set the generator outside, well away from doors and windows.
• Plug the cord into the generator, then into the inlet box.
• Start the generator and let it warm up.
• Turn the main breaker off, then slide the interlock plate.
• Turn on the generator breaker, then the circuits you need, one at a time.

When the power comes back, reverse the steps. Also, never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that carbon monoxide from generators kills people every year.

Can I install it myself?

No. It's work inside your panel, and it needs a permit and an inspection. So a licensed electrician should do it.

Will my generator run the whole house?

Usually not all at once. Most portable generators run the fridge, freezer, lights, fans, internet, and a few outlets. Some can also run a well pump or a gas furnace. We'll help you pick what matters most.

What if my panel doesn't take an interlock?

Then a panel swap comes first. We'll tell you before any work starts.