Generator backfeeding into utility lines

[Jay4200]

No, it's not safe for electrical utility workers. It relies on someones memory to actually throw the breaker . There is always the possibility that someone will forget or someone will "do the guy a favor" and fire up the generator for him without knowing that he has to throw the main breaker first.

Nice thought, but not the case. A generator won't energize the lines if you close the main breaker closed. It loads down and instantly blows the generator on-board breakers. Done it.

JayC

 

[chopped]

So your saying if the main is disconnected and then the generator is coming on. and then you throw the main connected to the street it will just load up and blow the breaker on the generator?

 

[hr3]

As a side note to backfeeding the house...I'm just curious as to why my motor home is factory built to backfeed the 5K generator back into the coach using the AC source cord with no transfer switch, just a closed circuit. If it's so dangerous to do that, why would Gulf Stream design it that way?

This has nothing to do with the grid, obviously....I just noticed some saying this was bad for the house in general.

This is a typical rv system.. your transfer switch is in there somewhere,,It's totaly automatic as Airstream is very high end,,

 

[grsthegreat]

This is a typical rv system.. your transfer switch is in there somewhere,,It's totaly automatic as Airstream is very high end,,

Also if the airstream is not plugged into the utility to begin with, it cant possibly backfeed. And if it is plugged in it cant run power from the generator. This is NOT a residential structure that is constantly lugged" into the utility.

 

[doc_cottom]

My neighbor tried to backfeed without shutting of his main. The portable generator would only run for 2 seconds and stalled. Once he threw the main it worked fine. We only have 2 houses per transformer on a 1000 foot rightaway, he was at the beginning.

The only wire I can see being energized is a wire broken at the transformer/pole and still attached to the meter if the main is on..Otherwise the feed is infanite to the rest of the neighborhood, and no non-nuclear generator can handle powering everyone else.

Not advocating this, although I have back fed my house only with no issues.

I back-feed my house a few time a year. The detached garage is 100Amp from the house, underground. My house has an exterior main line disconnect switch. Flip that off, and lock it off, makes sure all the big amp items in the house are off, connect the gen-set to the welder's L-3 connector at the shops panel. and I have 20Amps/220V available. One thing I did was write up check lists, laminate them, and attach them to each point as needed.

 

[BobRip]

Or look into using a Generlink.

www.generlink.com

I have 400 amp service. This will not work for me. Good idea otherwise. One problem I have heard is that it will not connect to the generator if the utility is working. There is no way to test your connection. I may be wrong about this.

 

[daybreak1998]

I have 400 amp service. This will not work for me. Good idea otherwise. One problem I have heard is that it will not connect to the generator if the utility is working. There is no way to test your connection. I may be wrong about this.

Howdy,
Generlink is made for 200amp service. It is a collar which extends your meter out about 4 inches. There is a special cord end which plugs into it. see picture below. The generlink unit favors generator power. In other words, when you attach the cord, your meter disconnects from the utility, and your on generator power. That is how you test. 3 little lites along the bottom by the plug tell you if utility power is waiting on the other side. If its not lit, then the power from the utility is not there.

30amp Generlink cord set


For larger service
I too have 400amp service at a central farm distribution point. It was easier and cheaper to have my utility put in a special hook-up. Transconnect unit. Similar to the generlink, a special collar moves the meter out about 4 inches. It then has a special pigtail which connects another box. The other box has all the automatic transfer and disconnect circuitry. I have a full power plug (dual modular anderson 350amp gray with 2/0 pins) The same which is on the pto generator. see below




This really works well for me. I have feeds going out from here to the shop, run-in shed, barn, and large house. Each with there own panels.:thumbsup:

 

[JB4310]

So your saying if the main is disconnected and then the generator is coming on. and then you throw the main connected to the street it will just load up and blow the breaker on the generator?

Most likely, but not guaranteed. There is also a chance that your feed could go through the transformer and go out onto the primary lines at 12,000 to 18,000 volts. In other words the transformer can work in reverse.

JB.

 

[hr3]

daybreak1998

How does the price of your setup com pair to a 400a transfer switch ?? Looks like a nice setup..

 

[daybreak1998]

daybreak1998

How does the price of your setup com pair to a 400a transfer switch ?? Looks like a nice setup..

Howdy,
A LOT easier and cheaper. I looked all over the place and the 400amp transfer switch is made of gold. A lot really depends on your utility. I am in Northern Virginia, and have Rappahannock Electric Coop. Here is there pricing page of switches REC Electrical Services Prices I talked with them and was able to bump up into the next size switch. I also paid a little more than the $1,400 which is the 25kw.

If you look at the break down of what it would cost with;
400amp transfer switch
wiring
electrician labor
utility to pull meter and put back
permit
it really adds up. I am sure it would be more than the $1,400. And since the utility did it, they have a permanent permit