[khfactor]

Hi. I am new to this DIY Electrical Forum and I signed on to learn more about electrical code related, DIY wiring, etc. I am not an electrician but have rudimentary electrical stuff... I am writing this to seek some help...

I am attempting to acquire and install an "Interlock" kit for SIEMENS Load Center G4040MB1200 which uses the 4-pole vertical-throw 200A 120/240v main breaker (model EQ9685). I looked into the SIEMENS SPEEDFAX2000 catalog and it said that there is no such "interlock kit" available that would work with my combination. They have other interlock kits that would work wit horizontal throws, but not with my combo... wah !!

Ok. So I looked further and discover this "M-1" kit being sold by a private individual, I think. Here is the link.... http://natramelec.com/genswitch/m/m1/m1.htm He says that it would work with my set up, but I am little skeptical. Also the M-1 kit pictures look like it is an assembly of a piece of metal plate. Here is the installation instruction... http://natramelec.com/genswitch/m/m1...t_instruct.htm Cost? Whopping $69.00 for a piece of metal plate painted red and a $0.99 metal [COLOR=blue !important]drill bit[/color] that comes with it. It gets mounted on the panel door unlike the Siemens kit...:blink:

In any event, besides the ridiculous cost, the biggest concern I have is UL rating of the SIEMENS Main Panel. Would I be voiding the UL rating by installing this "3rd-party" gizmo on top of the Main Panel which is UL labeled by Siemens? Would the local AHJ flag this if he sees it installed on the panel cover?

What are your experience on the 3rd party manufactured interlock kits? Thanks.

 

[Missouri Bound]

I did not see a UL listing on the interlock device you lined to. That would be an issue with the AHJ. Seimens may insist that only UL listed devices may be used with their panel(s). A couple of telephone calls or emails can answer to both of those issues.

 

[Jim Port]

I seem to remember emailing the company above and asking about a listing for their product. IIRC they said it was not listed.

 

[k_buz]

edit...posted in wrong, but similar thread

 

[tylernt]

Panel manufacturers don't want you to use third-party interlocks because they lose profit, but my understanding is if the third-party interlock is "listed" by a Nationally Recognized Test Lab such as the UL, it's legal per the NEC in spite of what the panel manufacturer says.

 

[McSteve]

Off topic, but I'm curious. What the heck is up with that panel's neutral?

 

[Missouri Bound]

Off topic, but I'm curious. What the heck is up with that panel's neutral?

It kind of looks like two wires twisted together...for a sub, perhaps?

 

[khfactor]

Off topic, but I'm curious. What the heck is up with that panel's neutral?

Are you referencing the pictures I posted? If so, that was the way the electricians wired them up when they built this house in 2001. Anything wrong with it?

 

[Missouri Bound]

Take a wider picture of that panel....are those actually two wires twisted together? Is one coming in from the service and one going out to another panel?

 

[khfactor]

I seem to remember emailing the company above and asking about a listing for their product. IIRC they said it was not listed.

Another question..... Do you know if the Main Breaker EQ9685 can be replaced with the SIEMENS MBK200A, 200A Breaker? The reason why I am asking this is so that I can buy the readily available SIEMENS standard Interlock kit ECSBPK03.

If not, I am thinking of replacing/upgrading the main panelboard. The home depot sells the SIEMENS Load Center PL Series P4040B1200CU for $144.00. The whole PL Series main Load center costs less than what the INTERLOCKKIT sells for $159. If I am going to go the UL approved way by obtaining the Siemens Interleock, I might as well upgrade the Main Panel...

Thoughts??

Thanks

 

[Missouri Bound]

Another question....there's just one dbl pole breaker in that panel....where do the rest of those wires on the left side go?

 

[khfactor]

Here are Pictures of the Siemens G4040MB1200 as requested

 

[AdamBNYC]

Not trying hijack this thread. Just trying to learn here. But considering there are 2x200 amp breakers (1 per phase) does that make this 400 amp service? Also, i dont see the ground bonded to the neutral. Does this mean that technically this is a sub panel and there is probably a main cut off elsewhere?

 

[khfactor]

Not trying hijack this thread. Just trying to learn here. But considering there are 2x200 amp breakers (1 per phase) does that make this 400 amp service? Also, i dont see the ground bonded to the neutral. Does this mean that technically this is a sub panel and there is probably a main cut off elsewhere?

This is NOT a sub-panel. Also my previous pics did not show quite all the details, but they (ground / neutral) are bonded. See the photo below...

 

[Dave632]

Not trying hijack this thread. Just trying to learn here. But considering there are 2x200 amp breakers (1 per phase) does that make this 400 amp service? Also, i dont see the ground bonded to the neutral. Does this mean that technically this is a sub panel and there is probably a main cut off elsewhere?

This is a typical residential service: 240V, Split Phase. 200A breakers on both sides results in 240V @ 200A, not 400A.

 

[Missouri Bound]

Not trying hijack this thread. Just trying to learn here. But considering there are 2x200 amp breakers (1 per phase) does that make this 400 amp service? Also, i dont see the ground bonded to the neutral. Does this mean that technically this is a sub panel and there is probably a main cut off elsewhere?

No, and no.

 

[kbsparky]

And all your grounds are illegally connected into the same terminals as the neutrals ...!

 

[tylernt]

And all your grounds are illegally connected into the same terminals as the neutrals ...!

I was wondering about that!

 

[khfactor]

And all your grounds are illegally connected into the same terminals as the neutrals ...!

If this "WAS" the case, then why is there an "APPROVED" inspection sticker on the door panel by the local Township Inspector at the time the wiring was inspected (when the house was built in 2001)? :confused1:

Please tell me the proper way as I plan on upgrading the panelboard to a new one from Siemens (PL series) that can use the standard-off-the-shelf Interlock kit.
Thanks

 

[rjniles]

Just because an inspector passed it does not mean it is right.

Grounds and neutral needs to be in separate holes on the combination ground/neutral bar in a main panel. Some panels allow 2 wires in a hole but never grounds and neutral together.