09/03/2019
Is back-feeding a portable generator into your house panel safe?
Only if done correctly!
Follow basic generator safety:
1) place the generator outside not in the garage
2) ensure the generator is in good working condition
3) over-current protection is preferred
4) do not operate the generator during severe weather, wait for the brunt of the storm to pass
Follow proper electrical safety requirements:
1) use appropriately sized wire
12-gauge wire: 20 amps
10-gauge wire: 30 amps
8-gauge wire: 40 amps
6-gauge wire: 55 amps
2) turn off all power before connecting your generator
DO NOT SEND POWER BACK TO THE GRID FROM YOUR GENERATOR!
With safety taken care of how do you get this setup?
Obviously, you can reach out to Pruitt Electric for help: https://pruittelectric.com/
You'll need some equipment. Unfortunately, these will be hard to find at the moment as most home improvement centers are sold out but you can get ready for the next storm.
power inlet: https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Controls-Outdoor-Power-Inlet/dp/B000BQT47S?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffab-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000BQT47S
2 pole 30 amp breaker (brand will depend on your panel): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-Homeline-30-Amp-2-Pole-Circuit-Breaker-HOM230CP/202353325
cord: https://www.harborfreight.com/25-ft-x-10-gauge-generator-duty-twist-lock-extension-cord-62308.html
transfer switch (model will depend on your panel): https://www.interlockkit.com/
With a typical 30 amp generator you'll use 10 gauge wire to connect the 30 amp breaker in your main electrical panel to the power inlet. The wire should be piped back to your main electrical panel, typically outside.
The transfer switch (basically just a sliding piece of metal) prevents your main breaker and the 30 amp generator breaker from being turned on at the same time, which will go boom or send power back up the utility wires possibly killing someone on the other side.
With the all the home's breakers off, including the main, you can crank your generator and plug the cord into the power inlet box. Turn on only the essential breakers and avoid the 2 pole (double) breakers. The 2 pole breakers run larger equipment in your home like air conditioners, range, dryer, water heater, etc. They are not essential in an emergency situation.
At Pruitt Electric we install whole house automatic standby generators and portable hookups as described here. There's no slots available to install a hookup prior to Dorian but you can always get prepared for the next hurricane which is inevitable. Call our office: (843) 238-0113
STAY SAFE!
