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Electrical Wire and Cable


Home Generators and Back Feeding Electrical Power

How to Connect a Generator to a Home – There are illegal methods of connecting a generator to a home to provide temporary power that can be very dangerous, the proper way to connect generator power to the home electrical system is by providing a separation between the utility company power supply and the generator.


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NEVER Back Feed A Home with Generator Power!
Electrical Question: I have a Briggs & Stratton portable generator model pro8000 01934.
I want to back feed the house and the GFCI trips.
It has the neutral bonded to the frame,and I want to float it and I can’t get any good wire schematics from Briggs,just 2 hours wasted on the phone with people who are clueless.
Where would I find the Neutral to disconnect?
Once I do, I will terminate with a connector for stand alone when needed.

This electrical wiring question came from: Dennis, a Electrician from Phillips, WI.

Additional Comments: nice!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Dennis.

Why Back Feeding Generator Power to a Home is Very Dangerous

Dennis, I’m sorry but I do not recommend back feeding a home with power from a generator due to the electrical dangers involved not only in the home electrical system but also the danger of back feeding the electrical utility system and creating lethal voltage for linemen who may be working on the power lines.
Additionally, I do not recommend disconnecting the built in GFCI protection that is installed in the generator unit by the manufacturer.

How to Connect a Generator to a Home

There are illegal methods of connecting a generator to a home to provide temporary power that can be very dangerous and these methods should never be used.
The proper way to connect generator power to the home electrical system is by providing a separation between the utility company power supply and the generator power so that the two sources of power can never be supplying power at the same time.

In Cases Where You Need Emergency Power from a Generator

More about Generators for the Home

Generator Section

The Importance of a Generator Transfer Switch

Generator Articles

Generator Questions and Answers

GFCI Outlet Wiring

Home Generators
electric-generator
Home Generators
This series covers a wide variety of topics all about home generators including sizing, selecting, connecting and safely operating this all important addition to your home.

electrical wire
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Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Back Feeding a Home, Electrical Wiring, Generators and Home Electrical Wiring:
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