I had always planned to connect my portable generator to my house circuits by back-feeding through a 220v 50 amp outlet in the event that the power went out for an extended period. My thinking was that if I opened the main panel circuit breaker I would prevent back-feeding out to the utility pole lines and endangering power company personnel working to fix their problems.
Now I have been told that opening my main breaker will not stop me from back-feeding to the utility lines. I was told that I must use a load transfer box, significant rewiring of my main panel, and add a separate outlet to connect the generator to the house. The source of this info could not explain to me why an open main breaker would not isolate me from the power system lines. Would one of you electrical professionals please help me out, and explain why my plan is faulty. The last thing I want to do is endanger anyone who is out in the nastiest of weather trying his best to get my TV powered up.
Please be kind to me and my somewhat simple thinking about things electrical. I mentally convert all electrical problems to plumbing equivalents so that I can understand them. This method, and subbing out all electric, has served me well so far
Replies
Opening the main breaker will in fact totally disconnect you from the mains. It is not failsafe, and is probably illegal to do. I would either do it right, or just use extension cords to power up a few things like the refrigerator and freezer etc.
"by back-feeding through a 220v 50 amp outlet in the event that the power went out for an extended period."
Please don't.
This discussion was flogged before and it was said many times to get an electrician and get the proper hookup for this. A box with a 3 way throw. Main, Off, Generator.
oldlou,
Here is recent discussion.
http://forums.prospero.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=22062.1
KK