backup generator question

[DaveE]

We live out in the country a bit and occasionally lose power for short times, even in nice weather. Because we can get some harsh winters here in Central PA we bought a generator to use in case of an extended outage. My question is this; can I simply hook up the 220 output of my generator to the electrical box in my garage, through an appropriately sized two pole circuit breaker, and when the power goes out then I could just turn off my main 100A breaker connecting me to the electric company, turn on my generator CB, then run my generator? When I see my neighbors have power, or the electric company notifies me, then I could turn off my generator, turn off the breaker, and turn on my main breaker again. Is there a reason this won't work?

 

[mrb]

We live out in the country a bit and occasionally lose power for short times, even in nice weather. Because we can get some harsh winters here in Central PA we bought a generator to use in case of an extended outage. My question is this; can I simply hook up the 220 output of my generator to the electrical box in my garage, through an appropriately sized two pole circuit breaker, and when the power goes out then I could just turn off my main 100A breaker connecting me to the electric company, turn on my generator CB, then run my generator? When I see my neighbors have power, or the electric company notifies me, then I could turn off my generator, turn off the breaker, and turn on my main breaker again. Is there a reason this won't work?

you can do that BUT you have to have a mechanical interlock between the two breakers (and wire the generator properly) what brand panel is it? Is the panel in your garage the main? If not, you cant backfeed your main panel by connecting the generator to a subpanel.

 

[DaveE]

The garage panel is an Eaton Cutler Hammer panel, and no, it isn't my main panel. THAT panel is in the house. Backfeeding the main panel is a code issue I guess?

 

[Falcon67]

And a safety issue.

 

[mrb]

The garage panel is an Eaton Cutler Hammer panel, and no, it isn't my main panel. THAT panel is in the house. Backfeeding the main panel is a code issue I guess?

code and major safety issue. To do what you want, you have to put a breaker and interlock kit in your main breaker panel, and install a generator inlet wired to this breaker you install.

 

[Teken]

Automatic transfer switch is your friend and to those around you . . . There will be a time when you're not around in time to flip that breaker off etc.

Spend the extra cash for the switch for added safety and assurance everyone is covered from you, your family, and the guy working on the line.

 

[Stuart in MN]

The main issue with backfeeding is you can't guarantee that the main breaker has been turned off. Without some sort of failsafe device, there's the possibility you could energize the power lines outside and injure or kill utility workers.

You don't necessarily need an automatic transfer switch, a manual transfer switch is fine for use with a portable generator that you have to hook up and start anyway. There are also interlock kits that can be retrofitted to some major brand circuit breaker panels, they're basically a sliding metal device that only allows you to close the generator circuit breaker when the main circuit breaker after the main circuit breaker is opened.

The search function here isn't the greatest, but this subject has been covered here many times in the past - do some searching and you should be able to find some good information.

 

[Teken]

The main issue with backfeeding is you can't guarantee that the main breaker has been turned off. Without some sort of failsafe device, there's the possibility you could energize the power lines outside and injure or kill utility workers.

You don't necessarily need an automatic transfer switch, a manual transfer switch is fine for use with a portable generator that you have to hook up and start anyway. There are also interlock kits that can be retrofitted to some major brand circuit breaker panels, they're basically a sliding metal device that only allows you to close the generator circuit breaker when the main circuit breaker after the main circuit breaker is opened.

The search function here isn't the greatest, but this subject has been covered here many times in the past - do some searching and you should be able to find some good information.

I recall that thread it was fantastic. It was that metal plate thing which has cut outs to cover the main panel etc.

 

[DaveE]

Thanks for the comments. I honestly never considered the possibility of putting utility workers in danger. I'll do a search.

 

[ishiboo]

Thanks for the comments. I honestly never considered the possibility of putting utility workers in danger. I'll do a search.

Harbor Freight has the 200A Cutler Hammer manual switch for $400. It's a good amount of work to install but then the two sources are safely isolated.

 

[mrb]

Harbor Freight has the 200A Cutler Hammer manual switch for $400. It's a good amount of work to install but then the two sources are safely isolated.

cheaper and easier to install a breaker and interlock kit if there is room....

 

[Norcal]

Code will require a auto-transfer switch to carry the ENTIRE load that is on the panel, so it's best to have a panel w/ just essential loads if going to have a ATS, rather then a manual switch.

 

[mrb]

Code will require a auto-transfer switch to carry the ENTIRE load that is on the panel, so it's best to have a panel w/ just essential loads if going to have a ATS, rather then a manual switch.

whats the point of an ATS with a portable generator? Furthermore, if you have a stationary generator on an ATS, the generator has to be able to supply the entire connected load, not just have a large enough ATS