QO Breaker Lock in Clip

mattmia2

I am looking for the right breaker lock in clip for the right breaker in this interior. I want to use this panelboard as a transfer switch so both breakers will be back fed so both will require lock in clips. I'm not sure if this extra structure is only the rejection feature that allows tandem breakers to only fit in these slot or if there is some other accessory that could attach here too but I think what I need is a lock in clip that is compatible with a tandem breaker slot. Anyone know Square D parts well enough to point me to the right part? The clip holding in the left breaker will not work here because of the extra structure next to the rail.







Schneider doesn't seem to be answering my question about what is the right clip for this application. I'm curious if there are other accessories that attach to that structure besides a tandem breaker.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I don't know exactly what you need but see the attached. Look in "accessories" Pg 73 ish I think what you need may be there.

mattmia2

It doesn't look like any of those clips will work. The PK2MB white plastic block won't work because of the structure for the hook on tandem breakers and the metal brackets don't appear to line up with the interior screws, they look like they are for interiors with 2 rows of breakers (I don't know what type S1 and S2 mean). I hope I'm wrong but I looked over what I could find in the catalog a lot before asking.

109A_5

Hello @mattmia2,
From your picture, I'm thinking the panel you have is not intended to have the 2nd breaker added to the left side of the existing one with the mutually exclusive mechanical interlock attachment. Or the existing breaker with the mutually exclusive mechanical interlock attachment needs to be moved to the right hand slot so the interlock works properly with a 2nd breaker to its left for transfer switch type service.

109A_5

Hello @mattmia2,

If the bus bars are there, it looks to me like the additional breaker goes to the left of the existing breaker, with the same white retainer block (PK2MD) and a screw.





Page 74 of the @EBEBRATT-Ed provided catalog PDF. document.

mattmia2

109A_5 said:

Hello @mattmia2,

If the bus bars are there, it looks to me like the additional breaker goes to the left of the existing breaker, with the same white retainer block (PK2MD) and a screw.





Page 74 of the @EBEBRATT-Ed provided catalog PDF. document.

it is a 2 space 4 ckt panel, though the interior has 8 spaces, the bus is only 4.

mattmia2

I finally heard back from Schneider. They say that there is no lock in clip for the right breaker in that panel.

ChrisJ

mattmia2 said:

I finally heard back from Schneider. They say that there is no lock in clip for the right breaker in that panel.

Do they make an actual interlock kit specifically for that panel?

mattmia2

ChrisJ said:

mattmia2 said:

I finally heard back from Schneider. They say that there is no lock in clip for the right breaker in that panel.

Do they make an actual interlock kit specifically for that panel?

I don't think so but I have yet to find a decoder of what accessories work with what panel. The interlock kit for that style of panel just has 2 of the white plastic blocks that screw to the side of the interior and the interlock bracket that clips on to the breaker for about twice what it costs to buy the separate parts.

pecmsg

If that panel was not designed as a Transfer switch then do not use it as such. 

Purchase an appropriate Transfer Switch and have it installed by a licensed electrician. 

EBEBRATT-Ed

@mattmia2

Back feed breakers are supposed to be held in by a clip or screw because if they become disconnected from the panel the breaker will be live (I am sure you know this), even though the breaker will be held in place by the panel cover.

There is a company on the internet that MFGs interlocks for older panels that the MFG does not have them available. If I find it I will post.

mattmia2

EBEBRATT-Ed said:

@mattmia2

Back feed breakers are supposed to be held in by a clip or screw because if they become disconnected from the panel the breaker will be live (I am sure you know this), even though the breaker will be held in place by the panel cover.

There is a company on the internet that MFGs interlocks for older panels that the MFG does not have them available. If I find it I will post.

Since it is the breaker that will be fed from the portable generator from an inlet about a foot away I am more concerned with technical compliance with the code than safety. If you haven't shut down or disconnected the generator and are digging in this panelboard there are probably bigger safety issues with what you are doing.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@mattmia2 Google this company "Interlock Kit"

Maybe they can help you out. They make generator interlock kits.


I had a Bryant "BR" sub panel I installed on a job and bought it with a 100 amp main breaker that was installed as a "back feed breaker" with a screw to hold the breaker in place. And I bough the interlock kit to mount on the panel cover.

I also bought a "back feed breaker kit" (it's just another screw) and bought a two pole 30 amp breaker to install as the generator input.

The 100 amp breaker had a hole in it to accept the screw. Unfortunately the 30 amp has no such hole in the breaker even though both breakers are just standard 2 pole breakers and are exactly the same physical size. I think I later found that 60s and up have the hole and 50s and under don't.