backfeeding a breaker panel with generator

[Koz1]

My Power company has said numerous times I can hook up a generator
just turn the main off.
Thats what I do, even the line crews in my area have said the same thing.
The only time i have heard using a lock out is when working on equipment at work.

 

[ragtoplvr]

Lets take one more step.

Suppose you did leave the main on. There will be many houses without generators hooked up waiting for power. You will feed into what is essentially a dead short. The voltage on the mains will never get anywhere close to the 7500 volts. Line buckets are insulated. When appropriate they put a shorting bar across the lines. They treat everything as if it is hot.

the number of consecutive things that have to go wrong or not be done is large. There is more of a chance of winning the lottery, than there is of hurting someone.

Last, NEVER EVER pull your meter, that can be VERY dangerous.

Rod.

 

[tom slick]

I wouldn't pull the meter, in fact they are installed with a keyed lock here. Just shut off the main.

 

[djb]

Manual interlock kits are fairly common. They are "listed" and code-compliant in many areas.

They are simply pieces of stamped metal that prevent the main breaker and generator breaker both being switched on at the same time.

If a code-listed one is available for your specific load center model, it will available only from the original manufacturer. They typically cost $50-$100. That might seem like quite a bit for a few cents worth of steel, but is far less than the alternatives. If you think about the testing and liability, you can understand why they charge that much.

 

[Donald]

Many power companies have a locking clip on the power meter and do not want consumers pulling it. When the meter is pulled you now have hot connectors for someone to touch by accident.

 

[exranger06]

I can't believe the people suggesting pulling the meter. Utility companies put a lock on meters to prevent this very thing. Bad things happen when you allow just anyone to pull meters. Bypassing meters (stealing power), exposed terminals in the socket so anyone, including little kids who don't know better, to reach in and touch them, etc. If the utility finds a cut lock, they can and should fine you.

 

[javacontour]

I backfeed. Years ago, squirrels tripped the fuse on the transformer that fed my neighbor's and my home. Set up my generator following the guide above. When the linemen came out, they asked me to shut down my generator while they worked. No big deal. Power was on 10 minutes later.

 

[SubLGT]

Originally Posted By: Donald
...A plain manual transfer switch that will do 6 or more circuits is about $250.


here is a nice kit for under $300:

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?306CRK

 

[JimPghPA]

I bought a 200 Amp main, 100 Amp generator, transfer switch on e-bay for $114. With it I can transfer the whole house to the generator.

 

[Joe_Power]

Originally Posted By: ragtoplvr
Lets take one more step.

Suppose you did leave the main on. There will be many houses without generators hooked up waiting for power. You will feed into what is essentially a dead short. The voltage on the mains will never get anywhere close to the 7500 volts. Line buckets are insulated. When appropriate they put a shorting bar across the lines. They treat everything as if it is hot.

the number of consecutive things that have to go wrong or not be done is large. There is more of a chance of winning the lottery, than there is of hurting someone.

Last, NEVER EVER pull your meter, that can be VERY dangerous.

Rod.


Don't listen to ragtoplvr, or any other idiot that has no idea what hes talking about..
Read this...

Lineman killed by generator backfeed

If you don't know, ASK. Ask someone who is an expert in the field. Don't ask someone who THINKS they know. That what gets people KILLED.

 

[Andrew1972]

It may be illegal to backfeed and if something goes amiss an out for insurance and you are liable for mess. You can blow up the transformer if main is on and power returns. You are more likely to blow up your generator.

 

[JTK]

Stick with an extension cord or three unless you're setup with a proper portable gen tie-in and a transfer switch.

I have the ability to back-feed through a welder outlet in the garage, but I wouldn't do it (and never have) unless it was going to be a crazy long outage.