24/02/2026
Safety Tip + Knowledge Share :
What “reverse feeding” means (in plain terms) 🔌
It’s when an inverter (or generator) sends power backwards into wiring it shouldn’t—often through:
- a plug-to-plug “suicide lead” 😳
- a back-fed breaker with no proper interlock
- a changeover done incorrectly
- no isolation from Eskom/municipal supply
Why it’s dangerous ⚡☠️
1) You can electrocute a worker or neighbor
If your system feeds back onto the grid during an outage, it can energize lines that are assumed “dead.” That can kill municipal/Eskom technicians. 🚑⚡
2) It can cause a fire in your DB or wiring 🔥
Backfeeding can:
- overload circuits (wires heat up inside walls)
- bypass correct protection
- create loose/overheated connections at plugs or DB terminals
- trip intermittently (worst kind of fault)
3) It can destroy your inverter and appliances 💥
When grid power returns while you’re backfeeding, you can get:
- Out-of-sync power and spikes
- Neutral/earth issues
- Damaged inverter, fridge, TV, router, etc.
4) It’s usually illegal / non-compliant 🚫📄
Any system that can energize the installation must have proper changeover/isolation and protection. If it’s non-compliant:
- Insurers may reject claims
- You can be liable if someone gets hurt
- Big red flags (if you see any of these, stop) 🛑
❌ Plugging the inverter into a wall socket to “power the house”
❌ A lead with two male plugs (“suicide lead”)
❌ No changeover switch / no mechanical interlock
❌ Earth leakage behaving strangely / neutral issues
❌ “It works fine” as the only justification
The safe way ✅
✅ Install a changeover switch or ATS that physically prevents Eskom + inverter feeding at the same time
✅ Correct breaker sizing + cabling
✅ Proper earthing and neutral bonding where required
✅ Labeling + compliance checks
✅ Issued/updated COC by a registered electrician 👷♂️📄
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