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So I read the interesting Rex Cauldwell article in the new FH (Dec/Jan) about wiring a portable generator to a service panel. He says you can’t “backfeed” current through a breaker or outlet under any circumstances because of danger to utility workers.
Who’s in danger if you shut off the main breaker before activating the generator? Granted, I’m sure plenty of idiots didn’t bother to flip the breaker, thus initiating the rule, but other than the practice being against code, couldn’t you still feed generator current right to the panel?
With the interfaces that are sold (Generac, etc.), you’re only able to activate about six circuits with the generator. Seems like if the whole panel were live, provided you managed your power use carefully, you could at least have lights available throughout the house.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Replies
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In agricultural applications, the generator and the service wires both enter into a double throw, double pole switch and feed the main panel from there.
By flipping the switch, you can feed the main pannel from either the generator or the utility co's. wires but you can't feed the generator to the utility wires.
I don't know if this is allowed in residences.
*I guarantee you that many people with a gas-fired generator will clamp onto the main terminals in the event of a power outage and will not flip the main breaker and will kill someone downstream and will sleep forever having neglected the carbon monoxide factor. It's been done, it will be done again. Do not assume common sense on others behalf.
*Not only against code but illegal here. Several utility workers were injured by generators after Hugo so the county made it a law. Homeowners can be fined or jailed. Some had even pulled the meter box and fed power to the house there.Rick Tuk
*You can back feed a breaker but ONLY if it has both a mechanical interlock with the main breaker and a breaker hold down.The only panels that I have found that allow these additions are Murray 100 amp panels with the main breaker located over the righ side row of breakers.
*Huh?what's that mean. Talk to me like I'm four.
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Yes you can backfeed your panel and as pointed out can and will kill someone. A full amperage double throw safety switch that allows the generator to power your entire service starts at $200 - $300 and requires a shut down of the utility for install. The Gentran setups are an easy install but offer few circuits and still are rather expensive. The same thing can be accomplished with a heavy duty 30A double pole double throw toggle switch. Feed this from a 2P 30A breaker from your service panel on one side, and a 30A twist-lock receptacle for the generator on the other side of the switch. A small 12 circuit panel will need to be installed and all emergency circuits installed into this, but it is still alot less expensive than other methods. This will work for generators up to about 5kw.
When power fails, fire up the generator and transfer the switch. Everything in your EM panel is energized and there is no way to feed back onto your service cables. Remember to isolate the ground and neutrals in the sub panel and pay attention to balance your loads equally on each phase.
*I have to thank an E-mail for reminding me about the society we live in. I claim no expertise in wiring, always consult a qualified electrician and be sure everything meets the National Electric Code.
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So I read the interesting Rex Cauldwell article in the new FH (Dec/Jan) about wiring a portable generator to a service panel. He says you can't "backfeed" current through a breaker or outlet under any circumstances because of danger to utility workers.
Who's in danger if you shut off the main breaker before activating the generator? Granted, I'm sure plenty of idiots didn't bother to flip the breaker, thus initiating the rule, but other than the practice being against code, couldn't you still feed generator current right to the panel?
With the interfaces that are sold (Generac, etc.), you're only able to activate about six circuits with the generator. Seems like if the whole panel were live, provided you managed your power use carefully, you could at least have lights available throughout the house.
Thanks for your thoughts.