Connecting Generator to house

[lostgeorge75]

Now that we have a generator I've been looking into the interlock kits. Seems you use a standard 30A breaker and power flows backward through it just fine.

I would hate to know I forgot to flip off the main breaker and hurt or killed a lineman.

 

[Red Dawn]

Glad to add to the knowledge. If considering one, just make sure you know the make of your panel, as the kits are panel-specific.

I looked up the site it's easy to follow.. Here's the link

http://www.interlockkit.com/

 

[rbstern]

I looked up the site it's easy to follow.. Here's the link

http://www.interlockkit.com/

Note that "interlock" isn't a brand name. The kits they sell at that site are nice, but there are less expensive alternatives, depending on your panel:

http://www.homedepot.com/s/interlock%20kit?NCNI-5

 

[Camper292000]

I talked to a lineman on our street one day about idiots backfeeding the line. I expected him to be mad about the risk of it but he kinda smiled and said something about we'll blow that generator away when we come back on.

I ended up making a male-male 220 cord to backfeed my welder outlet. I wrote out a PROCEDURE to follow but basically make sure the house main is off if you are using the male-male cord.
Also be aware if you unplug either end you could have a hot male end there so if you unplug one end, unplug the other.

My house has an outside main disconnect so that shoots down the automatic panel idea.

 

[ReloaderBen]

Not only that, many times they just ground the line while they are working it. Having you gen set go to ground wont be good for it. Hopefully, it will just trip the breakers on it.

 

[Darkdiesel]

Safest, quickest way would be a manual transfer switch and a sub panel. Any other method of back feeding the panel is unsafe (from a professional standpoint).

The depot sells a kit for around $200, I think.

Nothing wrong with back feeding the panel from the dryer or range outlet. The only issue I can see with the patch cord would be someone else in your house trying to hook up the genny while your away and forgetting a step in the process.

 

[41mag]

I talked to a lineman on our street one day about idiots backfeeding the line. I expected him to be mad about the risk of it but he kinda smiled and said something about we'll blow that generator away when we come back on.

I ended up making a male-male 220 cord to backfeed my welder outlet. I wrote out a PROCEDURE to follow but basically make sure the house main is off if you are using the male-male cord.
Also be aware if you unplug either end you could have a hot male end there so if you unplug one end, unplug the other.

My house has an outside main disconnect so that shoots down the automatic panel idea.

I did the same thing except for the dryer plug....and I also use two of the 110 plugs on different circuits, shut off the main, plug it in, it runs the whole house. Just can't run more than the gen is rated at. I spent about $150 on plugs and wire to make mine. That good heavy gauge wire is expensive, plugs are too!

 

[Sowega86]

Be safe and hire a Georgia licensed electrician experienced with these connections.

 

[57tr6]

Thanks for the good info.

 

[Cigarman66]

Was wondering also....while my wife and Dogs were sitting in the dark for three nights freezing staring at me! At least I couldn't see the "look" ..if only the dark could have made me deaf!