120V Generator to Main Panel

[mabcc10]

I have seen posts from a while ago discussing connecting a 120V generator to a main panel. I'm looking for an electrical theoretical possibility of this working (overloading neutral, etc). Thanks in advance.

 

[slow]

How big of a 120 volt generator are you considering.

 

[mike93lx]

Works fine, just parallel the two busses and remember to shut off anything 240V

 

[slow]

MWBC could overload neutral, If your running a 2000 watt generator, it is unlikely to be an issue, if your running a 10,000 watt 120 volt only generator, it becomes more of a concern. Personally, I have no MWBC circuits in my house, so its not a concern I have.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

How would you overload the neutral on the generator without also overloading the hot conductor?

 

[mike93lx]

MWBC could overload neutral, If your running a 2000 watt generator, it is unlikely to be an issue, if your running a 10,000 watt 120 volt only generator, it becomes more of a concern. Personally, I have no MWBC circuits in my house, so its not a concern I have.

do 10kw, 120v only generators exist? the largest I have ever seen is about 3500W

 

[slow]

Good question, I've seen 7kw 120 volt generators on RVs but never really looked for a 10kw 120 only generator. The common large 120 volt setup would be somebody that already owns a large rv and wants to connect ghat generator to their house in a power failure type situation.


For the mwbc, wouldn't you end up with the neutral current being additive when powering both legs of a house with a jumpered 120volt generator? It would be the house wiring that would be the concern, not the generator neutral