Generator hook-up

What is legal, is to add another breaker for the generator feed and arrange a mechanical interlock between that breaker and the main so that only one can be on at a time. Its even more effctive if the generator is 120 volts only and the two "load" lugs of the generator breaker are tied together to feed both sides of the house 240 with the same phase. That way you have that short if the panel was supplied with 240 volts as an electrical interlock and you prevent the 240 volt loads from working, but allow 120 volt loads that are often more important. You don't want to run the hot water heater or electric stove on the generator, it may not have the power to supply then, but you do want to run lights, the furnace, the refrigerator, and the freezer which are always 120 volt loads.

Breaker handle interlocks are sold by breaker panel makers.

Gerald J.

If you get caught with the set up you are talking about you will get reemed a new one, probably by the lineman (My dad has BTDT). After all it is his life you would be potentially putting at risk.

jt

If you backfeed a receptacle thats 240 volts having BOTH phases you will energize both phases and legs of the panel, of course. The Generator would have to have a 240 volt output with a common Neutral to feed both legs of 120 plus any 240 volt appliances but dont forget the amps required to start motor loads like a fridge is much higher then required to keep it running i.e the generator has to have sufficient capacity to start such loads.

John T

MAY GOD BLESS THE USA

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