Inexpensive Residential Generator Hookup

This video shows how I hooked my residential generator up to my house for $50. I am not an electrician, but this method works for me as long as the correct procedure is followed.

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[MrGruger4570]

Do you need a mag switch of sorts for when main power comes back on while running the portable?

[fireman7753]

@MrGruger4570 My main breaker stays off until power is returned to the neighborhood. Then I shut every thing down and disconnect the generator before turning the main back on.

[fireman7753]

Let me post some facts about this set up.

1.It is not illegal. However, I am assuming liability if I do not follow the correct procedure and someone gets hurt.

2.As shown in the video it does not meet the NEC. After adding the Interlock Kit it it meets all codes.

3.This is a EMERGENCY set up. I do not use this every time the power goes out. It only gets used during long power outages of more than 8 hours.

4.It IS acceptable to backfeed a circuit in your house under the rated amperage.

[msavino47]

I am looking for info on the cord you made can you help?

[fireman7753]

@msavino47 Sent you a message about your question.

[urgoobotz]

Do you have a co2 detector in your garage to keep you alive

[fireman7753]

@urgoobotz The generator is exhausted to the outside, and i do have CO detectors.

[mxy999]

Yeah, it's not dangerous if this, if that, if the other thing... IF everything is done properly and everything works properly. ONE little thing goes wrong, and someone dies. Forget to turn off the main, and a linesman gets electrocuted. Your exhaust contraption breaks, and someone dies from CO2 poisoning. Then there's your "suicide cord" setup to backfeed through the dryer. All it's going to take is one little moment of complacency.

[jinjimbob]

I do hope that you really NOT a fireman. This video recommends two very irresponsible actions. Running a generator inside AND back feeding the panel? WOW!

I hope that you are NOT a fireman.

[bigdogintexas]

Excellent - the interlock kit is the additional built in safety needed to ensure a backfeed to the grid / grid feed back to generator prevention step (i.e. main breaker on service panel) can NOT be overlooked. A dangling male end plug is still scary...I would suggest $7 in parts for an additional female plug to keep the male plug inserted into until needed to complete the home circuit. And lets all remember, regardless of methods used they all BACKFEED, so lets get off that horse, OK?

[jeffweissman]

@soydelrancho

I agree, and I am a Master Electrician

This is a hillbilly trailer trash dangerous installation

Why would you post an illegal dangerous video showing your disregard for codes and common sense?

I only hope that no one follows this advise and get in trouble or kills someone, because you'll be liable for the harm.

[huckstered]

This is definately what not to do. I have 220 running from my garage and I could backfeed

too but current could feed to the elec. pole with main off-so I don't, you are liable for injuries for this hookup.

[soydelrancho]

This not only illegal but extremely dangerous! 50% chance that you will back feed power to the utility company and kill some down the line. You should remove this video before some gets kill doing this type of installation. Not even close to meet code

[artcancro]

@fireman7753 Happy to hear that you added an interlock kit; now please delete the video so no one does something dangerous.

[johncartelli]

@lonemeno battery, I think is maybe to start generator

[johncartelli]

@lonemeno killing the main box when power comes on does not blow anything up whether the power comes back or not...turning on the main breakers when the power comes back when the generator is hooked up blows it sky high.

[gailgrove]

Technically this does not meet code as shown, since you said and interlock kit was later added that would make it legal. It is safe as long as the person doing the connection knows what they are doing, if not it could become dangerous.

[realvanman1]

Ran out of room:

My system is quite similar, except I'm using a belt driven 2kw generator (small industrial engine runs at a quieter 2400 rpm) that's only 120 volt, two wire. I back feed through the 120 volt washer / dryer receptacle. Since there are two circuits there, I can feed both buses on my panel. It will run the lights, tv's, two refrigerators and one freezer. With load management I can run a toaster or the microwave or the gas furnace. Also lets the ignitor on my gas stove work.