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I don't see how the pigtail idea would be illegal if the main is off. Some say backfeed is wrong but it is very common. It should be up to the homeowner to decide how to feed it.

oran214 wrote:I don't see how the pigtail idea would be illegal if the main is off. Some say backfeed is wrong but it is very common. It should be up to the homeowner to decide how to feed it.

You might not think that when your dumb neighbor ends up electrocuting the power company guy who is trying to restore power. That'll really slow down work in your area.

I know that the whole house types are expensive, but I live in an area (not on the coast anymore) that if my dogs look at the wrong pole we lose power. I did buy one of the whole house set ups that runs on natural gas, and automatically disconnects from the grid prior to starting. The whole set up cost me about 8000.00 but in 4 years it has probably saved me close to that in lost food, comfort and sleep.

I also had an extension cord run to the neighbors house for their refrigerator.

Here is another option for wireing a generator into the house circuit, this one uses a MECHANICAL lockout and will meet utilities saftey requirements. The difference with this method is you can then select and activate the circuits you want powered by the generator (within its capacity). I think this method is also somewhat cheaper. Here is the link: http://www.interlockkit.com/intro2.htm

Would someone explain this "backfeed" issue in more detail ? It seems to me that if one turns off the master breakers, then there is no connection backward out to the power feed . Do these main breakers leak in some fashon-- surely not. Is the problem really just owner stupidity and the problem is caused by not turning off the main breakers ?

Owner stupidity is one reason, not thinking is another. Being excited at seening lights come on in your neighbors house causes many people to forget details.

Hookups without a lockout or transfer switch could cause deadly accidents. Kinda like wandering around for a few hours/days in a cocked position. Bad things can happen.

Backfeed is the process of feeding the generators output through breakers installed in the area where normally individual circuit breakers would be in the panel. If the main breaker is not shut off, or is turned back on while the generator is still connected major problems are caused including the possibility of causing the injury or death of a utility worker. The mechanical lockout is a simple device that physically prevents the main breaker and backfeed breakers from being on at the same time. (Cost runs about $150)

A lot of good info in this thread. Could have used it during Ike. I ran a 5500 watt gasoline generator during Ike for 8 days , using 2 extension cords. Waited in line every morning to buy 8 gallons of gas. Containers were unavailable to buy. After the storm, I hard wired the portable generator to 4 rooms of the house, with dedicated outlets, and installed a window unit in the master bedroom. Fun project. Then, later, I threw caution to the wind and bought a whole house automatic (20 kw) on natural gas. It is wonderful. If a component goes out at a bad time, I have the gasoline portable as a backup.

Someone said they ran the dryer on a 5500 watt portable. The info on my portable indicated that it is too small to run the dryer, even with everything else turned off. So, we haven't tried it.

TX CHL 1997
CO CHP 2005

I should have mentioned that it's a gas dryer.

Well, the way the Weather Channel is trying to scare as many people as possible, I am sure many more generators will be sold in South Texas today.

gregthehand wrote:I buy mine (yes I own a few) at government auctions. I've picked up diesel generator sets with 8 hours on them for less that $380.

Interesting greg. What's their capacity? Online or in person? And where? I'd like to learn more.

I also bought a 3000-3500 genny before Rita and just use extension cords to power the 'frigerator, freezer, fans and radio during the day and the 'frigerator, a small a/c and lights at night. It worked well during Ike also. I make sure my main breaker is off in case of a surge from the power company while they are trying to restore power.