Backfeeding a generator?

[wexxs]

Back feeding a generator?

I keep reading this is a No No but some people insist it’s not bad as long as you turn off your main electric supply… any thoughts?

I think back-feeding is the right term, but in case I’m using the incorrect term: it’s the practice to plug in a generator to a walloutlet to provide energy to some areas of your house.

[Charles_Murison]

Hello @wexxs 

I am not an electrician and I am not familiar with your local electrical safety codes so please that that into consideration with this reply.

Usually outlets in a house have a 15 Amp circuit break. This means your generator, if connected to outlet would would be able to supply at most 15 A of power to other areas. Unlikely that generator is connected to outlet.

However if your generator is connected to the main feeds, this breaker is much larger and possibly able to supply power more reliably. When I have seen generators connected to a home system, there almost always an automatic transfer switch that will switch feed from utility to generator under different conditions. 

Connecting a generator directly to mains without some kind of control is asking for trouble and I would not recommend it.

Regards,

Charles