John,
I've used this method to check out the wiring on homes we build for
Habitat for Humanity and it works great. We don't leave it on longer
than needed because we can't be sure someone won't mess with the breaker
panel and get shocked. This type of connection is not legal because it
relies on a biological controller (human) to make sure that the breakers
and connections are handled correctly,something the code does not allow.
A generator transfer switch or plugs and sockets are the only means of
being legal that I can think of.
Peace,
Pat
Thusly spake John T. Blair:
> At 02:14 PM 12/29/2006 -0500, Inch wrote:
>
>> OK, I have NO idea if this would work, but it's just a suggestion.
>>
>> If you have you generator plugged into your panel, wouldn't just flipping
>> the main breaker prevent it from back feeding up the line?
>>
>> My idea would be to shut off devices you don't need, flip the main breaker
>> off, and then feed the generator into the downstream side of the panel.
>> That way, all your outlets are "hot" and you can used what you need without
>> having to run cords or other expensive wiring.
>>
>
>
>> Again, this may be illegal or dangerous. Could someone please provide
>> feedback on it?
>>
>
> On this subject, I think Inch is pretty close. Again, the transfer box
> is the BEST way to go. However, in this area with the Hurricanes and Ice
> storms we loose power quite often in some areas. What I have done for
> my parents and several friends is to set up their generators with an
> 220V extension cord so when they have a power failure, the chop the
> mains. Then they plug their extension cord (male at both ends) into
> the generator and their dryer (220V) sockets. We chop the circuit breakers
> to everything, including the dryers. Then power the generator up.
>
> Once the gen. is online, we reset the dryer circuit thus back feeding the
> electrical panel. Then you can turn on the breakers for what ever you
> need. But it is up to you to manage your power usage, assuming that your
> generator will NOT supply all your needs. So if you turn on the breaker
> for your refrig. you will have to know it. Don't turn on the circuit
> for your hot water heater. Or if you want hot water, be sure to turn
> a lot of other things off.
>
> Again is this legal? I don't know. It should be relatively safe.
> If you want to be absolutly save, then I'd pull the meter. This may
> not be "legal" either, but is the safest. And we are talking about
> emergencies here not just for the hell-of-it.
>
> John
>
--
Pat Horne, Owner, Horne Systems
(512) 797-7501 Voice 5026 FM 2001
Pat@HorneSystemsTx.com Lockhart, TX 78644-4443
-- We support Habitat for Humanity - a hand UP, not a hand OUT --
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