Generators - Backfeeding - 120V

Canada_CT230 · Oct 16, 2011

Lets start off with the fact that I know BF is illegal. If done with care and a half brain you can do it safely.

Here is my procedure and problem.

1. My generator is 4000W/3000W @ 120V (20A). I have no 220V output.
2. Trees always take out my hydro line and my house is always completely separated from the utility company by downed lines. I am ALWAYS home when using the generator and ALWAYS home when hydro comes to put the lines up. I ALWAYS shut down the generator when hydro arrrives on scene (even when using cords).
3. I have a pad lock lug on my main 200 AMP breaker.
4. I turn ALL breakers off and lock out the 200A breaker. I then hook up the generator, start and turn the individual circuits on one at a time.
5. I get 1/2 my panel powered and get some lights, etc working.

My question is... How can I get 120V on the other half of my panel?

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

I do not need nor want to run any 220V appliances. Those breakers remain off.

The only things that I need to run are the fridge, freezer (small), LCD TV/lights and sump pump. The generator runs all this fine but I hate running 6 million cords in/out of the house.

Currently I have many rooms that are on the other half of the panel and I get no power. I would like to have an outlet or light in those rooms.

Ideas?

Egon · Oct 16, 2011

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.

Note: I am not an electrician but I do have two double ended male prong cords that are maybe one foot long hanging in the basement.

George2615 · Oct 16, 2011

Best way would be to sell your 4000W 120V Generator and get one that does 220V. Then you could disconnect your main breaker coming from the street and back feed power from the new Generator through a 220V breaker in your panel. The breaker you feed through would need to be 30 or 40A depending on what the new generator can put out. You need 2 - 120V feeds with different phases and you can't get that from your current unit. For running a fridge and freezer you'll need about a 6-8K generator to handle the surge when the compressor kicks in. Anything smaller and you'll see quite a voltage drop. I run a 10KW welder / generator at my place when power goes out. It does my entire house including the 220V things such as my well pump, air compressor, A/C, and dryer.
If you don't need to run 220V equipment and your current generator would handle the load you could back feed the other 120V side from another outlet on the generator.

Canada_CT230 · Oct 16, 2011

I don't nor want 220V.

I alternate the fridge/freezer. The gen runs the fridge, sump and lights/tv just fine.

But I would like some lights upstairs.

davedj1 · Oct 16, 2011

another option may be to move a breaker or two (the ones for upstairs) to the side of the panel you are powering.

retiredmgn · Oct 16, 2011

Some study is in order here. If you observe your panel, 220 volt breakers are 'side by each'. The voltage in a panel is staggered. There is 120 volts on each leg and each 'place' to plug in a breaker will supply 120 volts. 220 volt breakers connect both 120 volt legs to create 220 volts.
What you are describing is you have energized one 'leg' of your panel. Some of your breakers are on this engerized leg, some are not.
While this stuff is not rocket science it should be noted homeowner insurance will not cover home owner mistakes with wiring - hence licensed electricians.
This from a guy who wired up his generator at 5am and forgot to connect the neutral to the bus bar. Burned up several plug in strips (I mean like black scorching of the floor) in the 30 seconds it took to connect the dots... why are the light bulbs burning so brightly???
I'm in the process of 'doing it right'.

quicksandfarmer · Oct 16, 2011

Egon said:
Yes you can. That will also give you 220.

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

Running two generators the way you are proposing is dangerous. It is very common to have 120 V circuits on opposite phases share a neutral. This relies on the assumption that the circuits are out of phase to avoid overloading the neutral. The way you are talking about could overload the neutral, which has no breaker, so you would first become aware that the neutral was overloaded when the insulation melted and the wire caught fire. Not what you want happening in the middle of an ice storm.

Egon · Oct 16, 2011

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

/QUOTE]

Who said anything about two generators. ??

For the OP running 110 to both sides of the panel will power all circuits as well as give 220.:thumbsup:

Note: I still arn't an elecrician.

beeforty · Oct 16, 2011

I would recommend a larger gen that has 220. You may not want 220 but a bigger generator will give you better service. Also what I did was put a 30 amp breaker feeding a sub panel. In the subpanel I have my fridge, freezer, heat system and enough lights up and downstairs to get around. In between the main and subpanel is a DPDT (double pole double throw) switch that fits in a 4" sq box. My gen feeds one side, the power company feed the other. NO BACK FEEDING possible:thumbsup: When the power comes back on there are enough gadgets to notify me with beeps and flashing lights to go out and shut off the generator and flip the switch back to the power co. Unfortunately my well is too far away so I have a separate genearotr for that.