Running AC On Portable Generator

[Gideon]

That ain't true.

Backfeeding through the main panel with a suicide cord is illegal in some areas (should be in all areas), and backfeeding without disconnecting from the utility drop is also generally illegal.

But a backfeed with a proper cord or wiring, plus a break- before-make connection should be perfectly legit. And perfectly safe. Farmers have been using huge double-pole/double-throw switches for eons when they backfeed in an emergency.

Gideon

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Noon-Air wrote Backfeeding through the main panel without a transfer switch is dangerous as hell and in most places illegal.

[HorneTD]

Gide> That ain't true.

Those huge double-pole/double-throw switches you mentioned are transfer switches. By definition a "back feed" involves sending current through a circuit from a point on the circuit that is not it's normal source of supply.

-- Tom Horne

Well we aren't no thin blue heroes and yet we aren't no blackguards to. We're just working men and woman most remarkable like you.

[Gideon]

Damn, I am the victim of my own failure to distinguish vernacular vs NEC definitions. Thanks for the correction.

Now, if you can help me find a big-assed DPDT switch that isn't overpriced by a factor of 10. (Yes, I know - low production items always sell at a premium.)

Gideon

[Olaf]

Wouldn't a double pole cutoff be insufficient? I assumed the neutral must also be disconnected from the power company's outside line. Isn't it going to be carrying current when the generator is running?

[Sherman]

Good. Excellent idea. Turning them on one at a time will prevent the problems with start current blowing breakers.

Just make sure that they are all 10.8 minimum EER.

[Stormin Mormon]

First, does your generator put out 220 volts?

Second, what's the amps draw of the AC? 10 seer AC come in different sizes, y'know.