Generators - Backfeeding - 120V

[hosspuller]

Can I run a second power line from the generator to another outlet that is on the other side of the panel?
/QUOTE]

Yes you can. That will also give you 220.

QUOTE]

You can ... but you will not get 220 volts. Just 120 volts to appliances needing 220... burning their motors out from low voltage (if your genset can supply the power)

 

[JB4310]

Can I run a second power line from the generator to another outlet that is on the other side of the panel?
/QUOTE]

Yes you can. That will also give you 220.

QUOTE]

You can ... but you will not get 220 volts. Just 120 volts to appliances needing 220... burning their motors out from low voltage (if your genset can supply the power)

No it wont be 220, it would be 2 separate 110/120's

He's not gonna burn anything out, he said he turns the breakers off, and doesn't need 220, (have to leave the 220 breakers off) just wants power to the other side of the panel.

I don't know of any reason he couldn't do 2 male/male jumpers? to get 120 to both sides of the panel.

I think it should accomplish what he's after, regardless of any and all safety warnings.

EDIT: I did just think of one potential problem. Some circuits share neutrals, (2 circuits share 1 neutral) my house has several sets of these. It's able to be done because the two circuits are on opposite phases so the neutral can handle it due to the alternating current (something like that) so if you had those type of shared neutral circuits, you could overheat the white wire.

So if you had two 20 amp circuits that shared a neutral you could only draw 20 amps total between the 2 of them, so you did not overload the white neutral wire.

I'm definitely over my head here so if I'm wrong someone correct me.

JB

 

[schmism]

Only if your two generators happen to be exactly 180 degrees out of phase, which is so unlikely as to be essentially impossible..

+1

THe only way you can have 2 generators supply the same supply, is if the frequency of both gen heds is matched.

Honda (with the little EU2000i) units do this with the special cross over cable that lets the electronic inverters match up the frequency of the output correctly.

In short, you have no way to ensure the phasing matches so dont do it.

backfeeding 220v from a 220v outlet on a single genset will work.

 

[handirifle]

OK I am not an electrician either, but I have read, either on this forum, or another one, somewhere, that even if you turn off your main breakers, there is a chance of power backfeeding into the system, through the ground.

Like I said, this isn't my opinion, but one I have read before. IF this is true, all of the above comments are meaningless, cause it's illegal. Can it backfeed through the ground? I think the isse came up because someone mentioned that in the event something shorted to ground in your house, and the power guys were working on the ground circuit, that could get hurt.

If not, I'd really like to know what the safe way to hook up a generator is, besides running everything off an extension cord.

 

[rtimgray]

On the diagram showing how to connect a transfer switch legally in our state (KY), it shows the utility power coming in to one set of lugs, auxiliary power coming in to the other set of lugs, and the set of hots coming from the switch going to the panel. These are all separate and can only be connected by changing the position of the switch, thus avoiding the chance of backfeeding the utility power.

However, all of the neutrals from the utility, auxiliary, and panelboard are all on the same lugset, as well as the ground from the panelboard. So it doesn't appear (to me) that there is an opportunity for the utility to be backfed from the ground or neutral (our neutrals and grounds are bonded in the panels - I don't know if this is different in different areas).

I tried to upload the diagram showing this (a .tif) but I get a "invalid file" error.

 

[JB4310]

I asked some electric utility workers about the back feeding from the ground and they said it wouldn't happen, since just about every pole is grounded.

And as mentioned, all the legit transfer switch don't disconnect the ground/neutral. I have seen some double pole type switches that do, but never in these home generator set ups.

JB.

 

[Canada_CT230]

Forget about 220V...I don't want or need that.

Not using 2 generators either.

Just want the 2 separate 120V to be powered.

A bigger generator would be awesome but can't afford that right now and I have zero expandability in my panel.

 

[Egon]

Yes you can. That will also give you 220.
/QUOTE]

Still trying to get my foot out of my mouth!

Note: Definetly proved I'm not an electrician!!

 

[JB4310]

Forget about 220V...I don't want or need that.

Not using 2 generators either.

Just want the 2 separate 120V to be powered.

A bigger generator would be awesome but can't afford that right now and I have zero expandability in my panel.

Just be careful with those suicide cords. Don't leave them anywhere anyone can have access to them, especially kids. Someone thinking they are just an extension cord could be electrocuted.

I have made them and will use them if necessary, but I just make a short jumper, paint it bright red/orange to alert attention to the fact that it is something different, and keep it in a secure place.

JB.

 

[Canada_CT230]

We are on 17 acres...the nearest neighbor is retired and we have no kids. Unless my dog grows a thumb, she won't be using my very short double ended cord.

I don't believe there is a possibility to backfeed power down the lines with the breaker off. I have seen these new interupts that are just a piece of steel screwed to the cover of your CB panel and it prevents the main breaker from being turned on and allows the BF circuit to then be turned on. If that system is legal...what is the electrical difference to what I am doing?

Generator InterLock Kit