Does anybody know if a manufacturer makes a mechanical interlock that would go in a small residential panel. I'm looking to interlock 2 breakers so they both can't be in the same positon at the same time. thanks
I thought there would be a sliding bar interlock of some type but there doesn't appear to be one in their current catalog.
http://www.eatonelectrical.com/NASA...s&cid=1016116177073&Sec=products Go to Online Catalogue, then in the drop down menu, go to "Miscelleneous"
The Cat# is CHML
[This message has been edited by distributor x (edited 03-13-2006).]
Cuttler-Hammer has one for their type CH panels. The cat. # is CH8BSM
For some reason I looked at that CHML and it didn't appear to be able to interloc 2 breakers. However after looking at it again I see how it operates.
However, again, being a former application engineer I have become somewhat suspicious of the way questions are asked. Nobody has varified why the breakers are going to be interlocked in the first place. It could be a simple application.
But, if you think about it the most common application would be for backfeeding a breaker for emergancy power to a panel. I would like to rule that application out as I doubt if the CHML is listed for that application.
i dont know if you catch this or not but the person is asking the BR series not the CH series breaker and i did look up and yes they have interlock on BR series.
the part number is BRML and it listed about 65 bucks [ the price might varies a bit depending on where ya get it ]
Merci, Marc
Marc,
I did see that part but backed off on replying with the P/N because nit having ever seen one installed, the picture in the catalog wasn't very good. I have a 2001 C-H cat. on CD ROM ot refer to. But after looking at the much better picture of the CHML I took a another look at the BRML and I now understood how it worked.
If you will not, like a lot of with C-H accessories it fits around the raised flange area which surrounds the toggle and is pressed in place with no fasteners. If you will notice there are some metal ears that stick our that grab the side of the flange and holds the accessory in place.
As I state before I don't believe it's intended for use as an interlock to backfeed a panel through a branch breaker.
You know how you can smell a rat when someone askes a questions in a way to get an answer that they want to hear?
In the year that I have worked with both Westinghouse (now the BR)and C-H breakers and accessories I have never sold ony if these interlocks let alone have I seen one and I still have a few BR accessory samples around.
Dave
Dave i do understand what you mean with the interlock device and i was not too thrilled with this also because if the cover is being removed for mantaice reason you actally defeat this important safety feture [ item ] that what i am worry about this one.
i just rather have true interlocked breaker than add on peice of crap what i been dealing with industrial breaker they have this feture in there [ sorta like a cam with walking beam type ].
unforetally i did check few other manufacter with simuir set up it gave me willies because most do stick on on the box cover and what if someone dont relized this is a genny feed breaker and have both main and genny breaker on the same time wow it will have nice fireworks there.
[ i did see that beforehand ]
Merci , Marc
"interlock 2 breakers so they both can't be in the same positon at the same time."
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The question, tells you, trouble in on the way.
[This message has been edited by LK (edited 03-16-2006).]
Before you get your panties in a bunch, maybe I should rephrase my question. There is a UL listed generatore interlock kit that bolts onto most panel covers. The site is interlockkit.com Now GE also has a bolt on cover kit for its PowerMark gold plus panels THQLLX1. SQ D also has these setups, but I was looking for a kit to go in a older panel. This isn't someting I just dreamed up, UL has approved them. Yes the homeowner could take the cover off and make some bad mistakes, but they could also rip the meter out and bug into their wiring right there. As a electrician all I can do is install things the way they are intendended, and if someone else wants to play around with it afterwoods there's not much we can do about it.
Why are you asking, "does anybody know if a manufacturer makes a mechanical interlock" if you have the manufacture information?
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One of the problems with that device, is it may not meet utility requirements, some utilities require the disconnect to be outside, and in some cases, require the neutral to be disconnected, also if the residential service is connected to a 208 networked system, there may be different rules.
No matter what you use, it is best to contact the local utility, and check, before installing any transfer equipment.
frankft
It's a thing about being Idiot proof. In today’s day and age everything must be made more fool proof because the average person is getting dumber. Isn't that the way thinks seem to be going? It used to be our fault that when we stick our finder in a fan or spilled scalding hot coffee on ourselves it was due to our stupidity and we accepted that responsibility. But today? Not so. We boast about how smart we are but play stupid at other times.
So, mechanical interlock? It depends upon the liability one want to expose him or herself to. The are attorneys all over the place who are chomping at the bit to get their 1/3rd of the settlement.
We all know what can work be is it approved and listed for the application that it was intended for.
But giving a loaded gun who doesn't have a clue about gun safety is not a wise idea.
Dave
Marc,
Did you see the picture of the plate on the web site, it looks like someone cut it out with tin snips, the GE plate looks more like a quality built product, these plates are nothing new, they were making them, back in the 60's, the problem may be with the utility approval, or the local AHJ, always best to check with them before installing any transfer equipment.