Siemens ECSBPK03 Generator Standby Power Mechanical Interlock

The interlock works exactly as-intended.There is zero modification required. The parts should not be modified, so that the UL approval remains intact.'This was used on my Siemens P4080B1200ACU panel, along with a Siemens Q230 Type QP breaker and a Siemens ECMBR2 Hold Down Kit.Note that the ECMBR2 hold down kit requires a 60A or larger breaker, so that the electrical screw cover will snap in-place. The smaller amperage breakers do not have snaps that grab the black cover tang. IMO, operation w/o that cover is acceptable for my usage.My panel is installed w/ the 200A main breaker on the top. In that orientation this interlock works great. The sliding bar for that 200A breaker has a small catch to hold up the bar during cover installation and removal. My guess is that if the main were on the bottom, then gravity would cause the sliding bar for the generator breaker to obstruct the cover, requiring manual holding during cover installation / removal, because it doesn't have that small catch.The interlock requires both breakers to be turned off and the slide bars above the breakers to install or remove the panel cover.The interlock is installed when the generator breaker is at locations 1 + 3. The interlock (and the hold down kit) obstruct breaker positions 2 + 4. This interlock consumes FOUR breaker positions: 1; 2; 3 and 4.The interlock kit has snap tangs that grab onto the generator breaker. Removal of the interlock kit after snapping onto the generator breaker looks VERY difficult, so DO THAT STEP LAST.The cost for the interlock is a little high, but this is exactly the correct part and it provides a great solution. This interlock ensures complete safety when wiring / using a manually-switched home generator.

This is one of those products that you're like "man, who has been keeping this a secret???" I've been through a couple of iterations with transfer switches--- this is simply the best, simplest, cheapest, and most flexible ever. A couple of notes:You have to supply the "incoming" breaker, and it MUST be placed in the top left two positions (when you are looking at the panel). I googled to make sure i was getting the right unit--- double check that, as many breaker boxes are built differently.I had to remove some of the metal between the top main line breaker and the incoming generator switch; using a dremel I cut out about a 2" slit of metal. I was nervous about doing this, as the instructions don't mention this, but I'm 10000% certain you have to do this for the unit to work properly for my style of panel cover. Once I cut it out, it worked flawlessly.I installed this as part of a home addition, so the electrical codes inspector came by--- twice--- after install. I was nervous it wasn't to code, but he said it was perfectly fine. Sweet! Saved me hundreds of dollars and allows me to selectively power anything in my home.

It works. I had to take tin snips to the actual panel, to allow the little levers to move up and down. Not a big deal, as the device has a solid plate to keep fingers out. Like others have mentioned, to use the breakers on the other side of the standby breaker, I had to grind the standby breaker plate nearly to the rivets. If you do not, you will not be able to turn those breakers on. They are essentially locked out. But I am able to use my entire panel. Overall, I am happy with the device, and it seems, all these types of devices requires some sort of panel modification, to make them work properly. This one was pretty simple installation too.

First, it installs and functions exactly as expected. I didn't need to modify anything at all. I just installed it and secured it with the included screw.I have a Siemens G4040B1200 load center.However, it sure is expensive for a simple contraption made of cheap steel.

Installed my own generator and wiring. I was fine with my procedures, but I wanted more of a guarantee that someone else would not make a mistake. So I installed this. The sliding pieces are a bit sloppy, but they DO prevent closing both the mains and the generator breaker simultaneously, and that is what is important. Pricey for what it is, yes, but to me worth not doing the extra work to make my own. And amortized over the life of the load center, cost is less than a penny a day. I guess it's worth $3/yr for the peace of mind.

If you have to hook up to a portable generator this is a must for Siemen's panel. The parts worked great, you can tell that this is made just for this panel box. For me it was very easy to install and again it works great. If one is unsure of doing the work oneself then please have a qualified electrician do the work. Now when I hook up to a generator I know i will not be doing any back feeding and endangering any lineman's life.

When you consider the cost of a transfer switch and a sub panel box these offer a considerable savings. Of course you do have to remember to either not use or turn off the breakers to anything you don't want the generator to supply current to. You will loose the space for two breakers by using this disconnect plus the double pole breaker that feeds electricity from the generator, if you are cramped for room you maybe able to use tandem breakers. This device has a sliding bar that makes it impossible for both the main breaker and the breaker for the generator to be on at the same time. One of them must be turned off before the other one can be turned on.