I'm not licensed electrician, but that should work for a 30a setup. My electrician setup a 50a manual switch, with the inlet directly below the main box. He had to relocate one of my breakers to make room for the new 50a & interlock.

sawemoffshort07 said:

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To piggyback on this, I am wanting to add a generator connect to my panel. From my understanding, I will need the below. Am I missing anything?

Receptacle:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLJRR4K/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_300?psc=1&uh_it=d64819390f96c149db720f333d5e52fa_CT&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQkVHWDA5OThVS1FPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDg5NTg3M0tLQjNKQzNCRlRHViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjA0MDkyMVdEUlBKMkkyUEpNViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNkX29uc2l0ZV9kZXNrdG9wJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Conduit (any outdoor rated that fits this wire) and wire to breaker:
https://www.amazon.com/SOOW-10-Bulk-Cable-Resistant/dp/B07H9F1KJW/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=30+amp+romex&qid=1614023825&sr=8-9

New breaker:
https://www.amazon.com/Cutler-Hammer-BAB2030-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B00KXJTSQ0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1HSV5GYKQFHTW&dchild=1&keywords=eaton+2+pole+30+amp+breaker&qid=1614023999&sprefix=eaton+2+pole+%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-4

Interlock:
https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schneider-Electric-HOMCGK2C-Generator/dp/B00CONE4MG/ref=sr_1_10?crid=10P7RBAMMDXHV&dchild=1&keywords=breaker+panel+interlock+kit&qid=1614024062&sprefix=breaker+panel+inter%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-10

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I don't know if SO cord is suitable for a permanent installation inside a wall, code wise. Any NEC experts?

Other than that, I think you've got it. I am looking at doing the same thing, but installing 50A rated.

Is the SO cord from the gen to the receptacle or from the receptacle to the panelboard. NEC 400.8 prohibits you from installing SOOW in a raceway (conduit) as this is intended for a permanent install. Would go with #10 THHN/THWN from the board to the receptacle.

Any reason why you wouldnt go with a 50A rated install incase you got a gen capable of running 12kW? Just curious.

I also just noticed you linked a 3 conductor SO cord, but the plug is 4 prong. Need to get 4 conductor cable.

So my panel is full at the moment. Could I re-wire with tandem breakers to make room for an interlock system?

Thoughts on making room with all the gfci and those test things? Can you put the gfci on a tandem?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-Homeline-2-20-Amp-Single-Pole-Tandem-Circuit-Breaker-HOMT2020CP/202353308

Also not totally sure how I get the generator power to the box that's recessed in the wall inside garage with brick on back.

Tx95Ag and TopFlightReject,

That was more of a making sure I had the right thinking and the right parts, not necessarily these exact ones. I would likely do a 50A if doing it since its a nominal price increase for a fairly substantial increase in power. As I look into this more, I will definitely reach back out to confirm exact parts. The wiring is assuredly the part I have most question with from an Amp standpoint and where it is routed. This is on a rear brick wall, so the install will be via conduit from the panel to the connection.

Also, I have researched but wanted to ask those that know, I have a 4ton (48,000btu) 16 SEER Ruud AC unit. Could I operate it with a 12k generator? From my research, it seems the answer is no.

They have tri fuel conversion kits, transfer switches and all the cool accessories you may need to make a portable generator efficient and easy to use to power your home.

https://genconnexdirect.net/honda_generator_propane_kits.htm#xl_EU2000i:32KIT

A 12kW generator should run your AC and air handler just fine. It's going to be the starting amps or LRA of the compressor that might be a problem. It's about 5-6 times the running amps of the compressor. Depending on the generator it might not have enough ass to ride through that much of a short time load on the system. Your best bet might be one or two of the portable AC units if you need the AC. The circuitry will be fine as I bet your AC is fed by a 50A 2pole breaker. It's going to be the mover that's going to drop out.

I've seen evidence of 17kW portables starting a 5ton high efficiency unit that'll dim some lights. Lol.

Before going into a proposed part list, it seems I have already hit my first snag. I have an Eaton BR125 Panel and the main breaker is not set centered above the two columns, rather it is taking up the top two slots on the left side. I do have two available slots just across, being the top two left slots. Is there an interlock available for this setup, or do I need to have the main breaker moved?

Edit: I think this is it https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-Generator-Interlock-100A-125A-BRMIKBR/dp/B00JV3ESD2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=BRMIKBR&qid=1614107103&sr=8-1#customerReviews