$275 Chineese Generators

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Posted: 6/4/2007 7:07:48 AM EDT

Are the sub $300 generators any good or not. You know they are chineese made. I am really thinking about getting some batteries and inverters for things and would just want to have a small genny to run part of the time to power battery chargers and whatnot. I do need a deivce to turn chemical energy into ele energy, but I dont' need one that is all big. The smaller the better in fact so I don't have to use so much fuel.

I thought I heard someone talk about a big ass thread about these genny's somewhere, but I can't find it here.

Posted: 6/4/2007 7:58:28 AM EDT

[#1]

link?

Posted: 6/4/2007 8:06:20 AM EDT

[#2]

You get what you pay for. The Chinese have poor quality control, if any.

Posted: 6/4/2007 9:35:54 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
You get what you pay for. The Chinese have poor quality control, if any.

The same thing was said about the Japanese 40 years ago.

I'm just say'n... Paradigms shift eventually.

With that said I have no experience with Chinese generators.

Posted: 6/4/2007 9:45:23 AM EDT

[#4]

I have one I got at Costco. The engine is supposed to be a Honda clone. It certainly looks like it from the outside. I've never had occasion to actually use it but it starts right up and easily supplies its full rated power into two heaters I use for testing.

Posted: 6/4/2007 9:56:49 AM EDT

[#5]

I just nabbed a Honda EM 2500 Honda off Craig's list for $400, look around.

Posted: 6/4/2007 10:20:02 AM EDT

[#6]

From past thread on PRC generators, I think they have an uneven record at best. Some people has had good luck with them, some not so good. The weak part seems to be the actual generator head, quality is variable and is prone to failure.

Posted: 6/4/2007 10:52:01 AM EDT

[#7]

All you ever wanted to know about Chinese gensets and more.....

www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15131645/page/356.cfm

Posted: 6/4/2007 11:03:50 AM EDT

[#8]

Interestingly enough, the Chinese quiet gens are starting to make a big dent in the RV market traditionally dominated by Honda, Yamaha, Kipor, and Onan. This is considered the toughest gen market since these guys use their gens over a week at a time typically and often more than once a year.

Where a couple years ago the forum discussions centered on quality as the pro or con, now they typically push the sound level since the quality gap is narrowing. The Chinese models are a little louder than the Honda or Yamaha but much quieter than the typical Home Depot contractor models.

Most prevalent in the market is Champion, Max-tool, and Power-source/Power-pro. Champion gets the edge of the three for customer service, however parts are available for the others.

I personally have experience with MaxTool and Powerpro and found them surprisingly quiet compared to my older model Coleman 1850. None of these are inverter types so not reallly suitable for say computer use. I typically run my delicate elctronics on 12vdc and let the gen charge the batteries while it powers my fans, lights, and fridge.

I can't attest to run life since I only use these for emergencies and have no where near the use on them say an RV user does. For the once every five to ten years the power goes out here for more than a day, they more than do the job.

Tj

Posted: 6/5/2007 5:37:49 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Interestingly enough, the Chinese quiet gens are starting to make a big dent in the RV market traditionally dominated by Honda, Yamaha, Kipor, and Onan. This is considered the toughest gen market since these guys use their gens over a week at a time typically and often more than once a year.

Where a couple years ago the forum discussions centered on quality as the pro or con, now they typically push the sound level since the quality gap is narrowing. The Chinese models are a little louder than the Honda or Yamaha but much quieter than the typical Home Depot contractor models.

Most prevalent in the market is Champion, Max-tool, and Power-source/Power-pro. Champion gets the edge of the three for customer service, however parts are available for the others.

I personally have experience with MaxTool and Powerpro and found them surprisingly quiet compared to my older model Coleman 1850. None of these are inverter types so not reallly suitable for say computer use. I typically run my delicate elctronics on 12vdc and let the gen charge the batteries while it powers my fans, lights, and fridge.

I can't attest to run life since I only use these for emergencies and have no where near the use on them say an RV user does. For the once every five to ten years the power goes out here for more than a day, they more than do the job.

Tj

What do you mean when you say that "none of these are inverter types?" Are you just saying that they don't have the best wave form???

Posted: 6/5/2007 5:52:08 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Interestingly enough, the Chinese quiet gens are starting to make a big dent in the RV market traditionally dominated by Honda, Yamaha, Kipor, and Onan. This is considered the toughest gen market since these guys use their gens over a week at a time typically and often more than once a year.

Where a couple years ago the forum discussions centered on quality as the pro or con, now they typically push the sound level since the quality gap is narrowing. The Chinese models are a little louder than the Honda or Yamaha but much quieter than the typical Home Depot contractor models.

Most prevalent in the market is Champion, Max-tool, and Power-source/Power-pro. Champion gets the edge of the three for customer service, however parts are available for the others.

I personally have experience with MaxTool and Powerpro and found them surprisingly quiet compared to my older model Coleman 1850. None of these are inverter types so not reallly suitable for say computer use. I typically run my delicate elctronics on 12vdc and let the gen charge the batteries while it powers my fans, lights, and fridge.

I can't attest to run life since I only use these for emergencies and have no where near the use on them say an RV user does. For the once every five to ten years the power goes out here for more than a day, they more than do the job.

Tj

What do you mean when you say that "none of these are inverter types?" Are you just saying that they don't have the best wave form???

Yes basically. The Chinese gens or for that matter contractor models do not have a very clean sine wave so not really suitable for delicate electronics. They work great for lights, tools, water heaters, refridgerators, and even the small TV but not recommended for computers etc.

This is why the Honda and Yamaha are so popular to many survivalists. Though expensive, they can run the delicate electronics direct.

As for me, well I have been into this lifestyle for decades and long before generators were affordable and/or as popular. Most of my early preps were with no power at all using alternatives to AC on everything.

Its also very good to keep in mind the real limitation of any generator isn't the size of the generator but how much fuel you can store for a given event. In general, the smaller the gen, the less fuel it uses over time. It doesn't take much to run a gen just long enough to keep a fridge cool for example. This availability of fuel issue is another reason you will see smaller gens typically on survival sites than say an RV site.

Its best to have an overall power strategy for long-term events which I typically recommend a minimum of one week. For some of us, its as easy as flip a switch while others its conserve fuel, use DC where possible, and utilize alternative charging methods.

Tj

Posted: 6/5/2007 8:56:24 PM EDT

[#11]

I just bought a Champion generator last Friday from Home Depot. Ran it about 2 hours today and it ran fine. Mine has what looks like a small car muffler on it. when running, it was more quiet than my lawn mower, but still loud enough where you would'nt want to stand all day next to it without hearing protection. Still a decent generator for the money.

Posted: 6/5/2007 9:21:19 PM EDT

[#12]

This topic is right on time. How are the Troy-built variety gens? I just received a Lowe's 10% discount coupon in the mail since we just moved into the new home, & have been pondering brands. Honda & Yam always seem to be on top quality-wise, but I haven't priced them yet, either.

Posted: 6/5/2007 10:12:04 PM EDT

[#13]

I am schemeing on getting one or two big inverters and some golf cart batteries to run stuff mostly w/ the genny for charging batteires and stuff. I wound't want to power my ele w/ one.

Yes this topic is timely, there is a hurricane sale tax brake in FL till the 12th.

Posted: 6/5/2007 10:13:57 PM EDT

[#14]

When you say Honda genny, do you mean one w/ a honda motor or one that is Honda Motor and generator unit? Where would be one of these top of the line but very small size honda barnd generators be to look at in person or on the internet?

Posted: 6/5/2007 10:58:25 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
When you say Honda genny, do you mean one w/ a honda motor or one that is Honda Motor and generator unit? Where would be one of these top of the line but very small size honda brand generators be to look at in person or on the internet?

I believe he was referring to the Honda gensets with the inverter/electronics package that allows them to run very quiet, with low fuel consumption.

I have seen them at RV stores. Not sure if they would fire one up for you. Theyare very nice, but expen$ive!

Honda inverter genset

Posted: 6/5/2007 11:01:54 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
Its also very good to keep in mind the real limitation of any generator isn't the size of the generator but how much fuel you can store for a given event. In general, the smaller the gen, the less fuel it uses over time. It doesn't take much to run a gen just long enough to keep a fridge cool for example.

Words to live by, folks!

The "80 percent rule" definitely applies to SHTF power: Maintaining 80 percent of your normal standard of living requires only a relatively modest amount of generator power and fuel. However, getting that last 20 percent is a b*tch!

SUGGESTED STRATEGY:

1. Pick the smallest generator that will operate your basic appliances,
2. Plan on running it for just a few hours at a time - no more than several times a day - for the power-hungry items (such as refrigerators, freezers, water well pumps, air conditioners, etc.), and
3. Use battery power for operating everything else (i.e., lights, entertainment electronics, computers, communications equipment, etc.) during the other 16-20 hours of the day when the generator isn't running.

Posted: 6/5/2007 11:09:16 PM EDT

[#17]

What he said.

Posted: 6/5/2007 11:16:36 PM EDT

[#18]

I picked up one of the Champion 6500's...

I ran that for 12-16 hours a day for 9 days powering my house during our Ice storm last year. Not a glitch! I bought that thing 2 years ago for $320.00 at the local Automotive store because I wanted something to power a ARFcom camp out for the weekend. I did not expect it to be as good as it turned out, and Im glad I got it. I take real good care of it, but I will be looking into a Honda for the main needs for SHTF around here as we lose power for at least a week every winter. I will use this one as the beater, but honestly It is not let me down and was the best $$$ I spent. Heck my kids got to keep playing the X-box when it was in the single digits and the neighbors were all without power. ( Glad I live out in the sticks)

Posted: 6/6/2007 9:30:40 AM EDT

[#19]

Look at it this way , you can save money and buy that chinese model. Or you can save a troop who will get hit by the mortar round you bought for the chinese. China will not be our trade partner forever, investing in their economy only fuels their military.

Posted: 6/6/2007 11:24:17 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
Look at it this way , you can save money and buy that chinese model. Or you can save a troop who will get hit by the mortar round you bought for the chinese. China will not be our trade partner forever, investing in their economy only fuels their military.

Thanks for the laugh.

Though I wholeheatily agree with your sentiment, its kind of impossible these days to buy a mechanical or electrinic product that does not include Chinese components. Our iron and steel industry/electronic component industry in this nation is all but kaput. Even Honda and Yamaha generators both Japanese companies use Chinese components.

It's a hell of a mess we are in and I wish it was as simple as buy American.

Eitherway, its a political topic and not suitable for this forum.

Thanks,

Tj

Posted: 6/6/2007 2:03:39 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Words to live by, folks!

The "80 percent rule" definitely applies to SHTF power: Maintaining 80 percent of your normal standard of living requires only a relatively modest amount of generator power and fuel. However, getting that last 20 percent is a b*tch!

SUGGESTED STRATEGY:

1. Pick the smallest generator that will operate your basic appliances,
2. Plan on running it for just a few hours at a time - no more than several times a day - for the power-hungry items (such as refrigerators, freezers, water well pumps, air conditioners, etc.), and
3. Use battery power for operating everything else (i.e., lights, entertainment electronics, computers, communications equipment, etc.) during the other 16-20 hours of the day when the generator isn't running.

That was a good post. I am getting my decision narrowed down. I am going to use the batteries/inverters most of the time and run a genny intermittently to run certain things and recahrge batteries. Now it is just down to whether or not I am going to get a small one like this:
HondaEN2500

or Like this: HondaRV Generators

HOw many watts does a guy need to charge golf cart batteries and run a fridge for exapple?

Posted: 6/6/2007 2:56:53 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Words to live by, folks!

The "80 percent rule" definitely applies to SHTF power: Maintaining 80 percent of your normal standard of living requires only a relatively modest amount of generator power and fuel. However, getting that last 20 percent is a b*tch!

SUGGESTED STRATEGY:

1. Pick the smallest generator that will operate your basic appliances,
2. Plan on running it for just a few hours at a time - no more than several times a day - for the power-hungry items (such as refrigerators, freezers, water well pumps, air conditioners, etc.), and
3. Use battery power for operating everything else (i.e., lights, entertainment electronics, computers, communications equipment, etc.) during the other 16-20 hours of the day when the generator isn't running.

That was a good post. I am getting my decision narrowed down. I am going to use the batteries/inverters most of the time and run a genny intermittently to run certain things and recahrge batteries. Now it is just down to whether or not I am going to get a small one like this:
HondaEN2500

or Like this: HondaRV Generators

HOw many watts does a guy need to charge golf cart batteries and run a fridge for exapple?

I think you will find the EN is a contractor model not an inverter and the sound level is much higher than the EUs. Personaly I'd rather have two Chinese 3,500 watts for the money which is a 1,000 watts more per unit and actually quieter than the EN.

If you shop around, you can find the EU2000 for about $150 more than the linked price for the EN. Besides inverter technology, much quieter, the EU2000 also allows you to upgrade later to a second unit in series.

Tj

Posted: 6/6/2007 4:28:56 PM EDT

[#23]

REMINDER: Don't neglect the battery charging part!!!

Many folks buy an inverter without realizing that all those amps they are pulling out of the battery bank will have to be replaced eventually. Without a good battery charger, NO amount of generator run-time may be enough to fully recharge the batteries.

The 12 volt "battery charger" output on almost all generators only puts out around 10 amps, which is woefully inadequate for recharging all but the smallest batteries in a reasonable amount of time.

So, a more powerful battery charger (either an AC-powered stand-alone model, or the kind that is built into some big inverters) is almost a necessity for minimizing generator run-time and fuel consumption.

(TOPIC FOR ANOTHER THREAD: Best stand-alone battery chargers for SHTF applications)

Posted: 6/7/2007 8:35:10 PM EDT

[#24]

SkiBane, thanks for pointing that thing out about the 12volt output of the generator being too slow. Another thing one could say is that if you want to take good care of your batteries and make sure that you are not overcharging them, you would want to use a battery tender, which itself takes a 120 ac input.

The EU2000 looking pretty good. Are there any other makes that are just about as good but are less $? Whatabout a unit that can run electronics directly but that doesnt' have its own 12v output b/c frankly, I would almost rather not have that for the reason mentioned above.

Could a 2000 watt unit run a normal type refrigarator and a big fan, a few lights and good battery charger?

SkiBane, did you actually start a best battery charger thread?

Posted: 6/7/2007 8:45:35 PM EDT

[#25]

I found this table of average wattage comsumpution for differnt stuff: Power Consumption Table

TJ, or whoever, this may be a stupid ? but coud a guy sink up a EU1000 and a EU2000, or do the parrallel units have to be the same size to begin with?

Finally, does not anyone make little units like the Honda RV ones but that run on diesel?

Posted: 6/7/2007 9:12:26 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
I found this table of average wattage comsumpution for differnt stuff: Power Consumption Table

TJ, or whoever, this may be a stupid ? but coud a guy sink up a EU1000 and a EU2000, or do the parrallel units have to be the same size to begin with?

Finally, does not anyone make little units like the Honda RV ones but that run on diesel?

Sorry not personally aware of anyone running disimilar units in parralel.

By your questions though, I might suggest you take a look at the Yamaha EF3000 series. These are exceptionally quiet, inverter, very good fuel consumption, with all kinds of options from boost technology (makes it work like a much larger gen) to tri-fuel gas, propane, and natural gas. Comes with a two year warrantee.

If I hadn't been setup for primarilly not using electricity at all, that would have been my choice and still almost bought one.

I like it just a tad better than the Honda EU3000.

On the topic of battery charging, remember amps are amps and there isn't any Flux capacitaor like in the movie "Back to the Future" which can amplify them at a constant rate. If you plan on using a AC operated battery charger make sure the amps match your gen output. 10 amps for example is what most home chargers charge at.

Personaly I like a battery charging combination plan. Which includes, charging while using your large generator for other chores, solar panels for day, charging batteries when you drive your vehciles, and a separate even a cheap $200 two cycle small charger just for batteries. Keep in mind, a motor will use a minimum amount of fuel no matter what your draw is and larger motors use more fuel.

For about three years I kept a primative camper. I kept those batteries charged by switching out with my truck when I would drive to the store etc. A car altenator puts out from 60 to 120 amps and if you are using the vehicle anyway, its a good use of fuel.

Though solar panels aren't, yet anyway, the answer to all answers typically we are using less power during the daylight hours and they can add a little to the charge. They do an excellent job of keeping your batteries charged until needed if not using a maintenance AC charger.

Tj

Posted: 6/8/2007 4:30:16 AM EDT

[#27]

My wife and I just purchased a cabin on 15 acres of land. I've been powering the camp and my power tools with a Honda EU2000I. It's a great genset and very quiet. After doing some reading in the RV forums, Honda, Kipor, and Yamaha seem to be at the top of the game. Many like the Kipor because it is an quiet inverter generator at several hundred dollars less than a comparable Honda. After doing some shopping I found www.wisesales.com who had fantastic prices on Honda generators with free shipping!

Posted: 6/8/2007 4:59:05 AM EDT

[#28]

They're pretty good stuff. I picked mine up at PepBoys about a year ago. Best thing to do when you get it is open it up, make sure all connections are tight. I replaced my AC recepticle with a 20A hospital grade one and added a hour meter that I picked up at a hamfest for $4. It's a 3000 watt unit and it's great...one pull and it starts. I had a friend with one that needed some adjustment on the throttle linkage, but easy enough to adjust/fix. They are relatively quiet as well. Very cheap insurance if the power goes out and you need to run a sump pump or whatever.

Look for the sales and pick one up for sure!

Posted: 6/8/2007 5:31:22 AM EDT

[#29]

I have one and it works great. I paid $269 at Menards. It is a good backup Geny for the cabin and living quarters horse trailer. Surprisingly quiet.

Posted: 6/8/2007 6:11:42 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
They're pretty good stuff. I picked mine up at PepBoys about a year ago. Best thing to do when you get it is open it up, make sure all connections are tight. I replaced my AC recepticle with a 20A hospital grade one and added a hour meter that I picked up at a hamfest for $4. It's a 3000 watt unit and it's great...one pull and it starts. I had a friend with one that needed some adjustment on the throttle linkage, but easy enough to adjust/fix. They are relatively quiet as well. Very cheap insurance if the power goes out and you need to run a sump pump or whatever.

Look for the sales and pick one up for sure!

I believe Pep Boys sells the Power Pro. First time I saw one of those actually LRT had one at a SF camp. Totally shocked me how quiet the thing was. Worth noting, the Power Pro and Max Tool Power Max are actually made by the same company and imported by a company in TX.

The Power Max sold by Max Tool offers a few more features for about the same dollars with free shipping which needs to be weighed against sales tax when comparing prices. For example, their 3500 has a wheel kit delivered to your door pretty close to the cost of the Power Pro 3000. Of course, this time of year they are real busy and even their website loads slow.

When possible I always buy off season for about any gear.

Tj

Posted: 6/8/2007 9:12:50 AM EDT

[#31]

Yes, PepBoys does sell the PowerPro now...they used to sell the ELIM brand which is what I had picked up. From my understanding, either one is a good deal...it's a clone of the Honda engine and as far as I'm concerned is fantastic...it had been sitting in my garage for over a year unused. I added gas and on the FIRST pull it started and purred like a kitten..... :)

Posted: 6/10/2007 7:58:45 AM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
I just bought a Champion generator last Friday from Home Depot. Ran it about 2 hours today and it ran fine. Mine has what looks like a small car muffler on it. when running, it was more quiet than my lawn mower, but still loud enough where you would'nt want to stand all day next to it without hearing protection. Still a decent generator for the money.

I can't find a champion generator no the home depot web site. WTF?

Posted: 6/10/2007 8:22:53 AM EDT

[#33]

Holy Sh*t! Look at this web site. Has anyone heard of them?

Dexan

Posted: 6/10/2007 3:46:37 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
You get what you pay for. The Chinese have poor quality control, if any.

Generalizing gets you no where, I have a Kipor th3500. I rocks and is kitten quiet.

Posted: 6/10/2007 5:10:57 PM EDT

[#35]

They're basically the same general deal as the PepBoys PowerPro, ELIM, etc...different importers have slightly different models...

Posted: 6/10/2007 5:16:10 PM EDT

[#36]

On a related note, our home inspector told us that we could connect a generator to the RV plug-in to feed power back through it into the home. Is there a particular protocol to do this, or is it a straightforward plug-&-play operation?

Posted: 6/10/2007 5:36:21 PM EDT

[#37]

you have to pull the meter or put in three way manual switch , or else you feed power back to the utility lines and fry the power company workers fixing the power lines

Posted: 6/10/2007 5:59:06 PM EDT

[#38]

ost for later

Posted: 6/10/2007 6:32:03 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
They're basically the same general deal as the PepBoys PowerPro, ELIM, etc...different importers have slightly different models...

Yes, the Duro Pro is another from the same TX importer that offers Power Max and Power Pro. If you look other than color, brand name, and some offers wheels etc., they are the same.

I"ve been quite impressed with mine compared to my older model Coleman 1850. Its much quieter, more power 3,500 watts, and way easier to start.

Disclaimer: The new (gray body) Coleman 1850 is much quieter than the older maroon body model but still louder than the Power XX models.

All the RV gen size generators have made tremendous strides in the last two to three years both in reliability and quiet operation.

Tj

Posted: 6/18/2007 10:17:07 AM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
you have to pull the meter or put in three way manual switch , or else you feed power back to the utility lines and fry the power company workers fixing the power lines

How about shutting off the main breaker & then plugging in the generator?

Posted: 6/18/2007 12:30:28 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:

Quoted:
you have to pull the meter or put in three way manual switch , or else you feed power back to the utility lines and fry the power company workers fixing the power lines

How about shutting off the main breaker & then plugging in the generator?

Typically, some outlets are wired around the "main breaker" - particularly if they were added after the house was built. You can't back-feed the rest of the house through them, because they are connected to the utility power through their own breakers.

On a minor technical note, the danger of back-feeding AC power is overblown under most circumstances: Accidentally connecting your generator to every other house on the same utility distribution line would kill your generator so fast it'd make your head spin!

Posted: 6/18/2007 12:58:41 PM EDT

[#42]

ost

Posted: 6/18/2007 3:50:03 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:
you have to pull the meter or put in three way manual switch , or else you feed power back to the utility lines and fry the power company workers fixing the power lines

How about shutting off the main breaker & then plugging in the generator?

Typically, some outlets are wired around the "main breaker" - particularly if they were added after the house was built. You can't back-feed the rest of the house through them, because they are connected to the utility power through their own breakers.

On a minor technical note, the danger of back-feeding AC power is overblown under most circumstances: Accidentally connecting your generator to every other house on the same utility distribution line would kill your generator so fast it'd make your head spin!

What are you talking about Skibane. If the bus is fed by the mains through a two pole back feed breaker, no individual circuit can have power if the back feed breaker is open, unless a circuit is saddle tapped on the service prior to the breaker. I don't think anyone would do that. Even if they did, those circuits would isolated from the generator output.

Yes you can back feed power to your panel w/ a suicide cord through the dryer or stove outlet/breaker if the utility input is bonded to a backfeed breaker rather than to the bus lugs; but this can be very dangerous. If both power sources are present and you close both breakers at the same time (turn both to "on" position so both circuits are closed) then shit blows up, perhaps including the SOB at the panels. If you do this and a line man is on the pole, you can electrucute him. That is why it is against code to do this.

It is safer to remove the meter, but somethimes the pwr co. doesn't like that b/c you have to cut their little lock, But I suppose they would like that better than you electricuting their man and blowing up the transformer on the pole.

Posted: 6/18/2007 9:42:29 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:
What are you talking about Skibane. If the bus is fed by the mains through a two pole back feed breaker, no individual circuit can have power if the back feed breaker is open

Wrong.

As I previously stated, it is not uncommon for new circuits to be added to an existing home without connecting them to the "Main Breaker". Instead, they are directly connected to utility power through their own, small breakers. In order to shut off power to the entire house, you have to flip the "Main Breaker" AND these other breakers off. This is probably a lot more common wiring practise than most folks realize.

Yes you can back feed power ... If you do this and a line man is on the pole, you can electrucute him. That is why it is against code to do this.

Yep, we're all familiar with the popular internet yarn about electrocuting linemen - Again, as I previously posted, the danger of this actually happening is exagerated, since every other home, business and factory that happens to be on that phase will attempt to draw power from your lil' generator, killing it almost instantaneously.

Q: How much voltage does a 10KW generator produce when you accidentally put a 10,000 KW load on it?

A: Not very much, and not for very long.

Posted: 6/18/2007 10:52:09 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

Quoted:
What are you talking about Skibane. If the bus is fed by the mains through a two pole back feed breaker, no individual circuit can have power if the back feed breaker is open

Wrong.

As I previously stated, it is not uncommon for new circuits to be added to an existing home without connecting them to the "Main Breaker". Instead, they are directly connected to utility power through their own, small breakers. In order to shut off power to the entire house, you have to flip the "Main Breaker" AND these other breakers off. This is probably a lot more common wiring practise than most folks realize.

Yes you can back feed power ... If you do this and a line man is on the pole, you can electrucute him. That is why it is against code to do this.

Yep, we're all familiar with the popular internet yarn about electrocuting linemen - Again, as I previously posted, the danger of this actually happening is exagerated, since every other home, business and factory that happens to be on that phase will attempt to draw power from your lil' generator, killing it almost instantaneously.

Q: How much voltage does a 10KW generator produce when you accidentally put a 10,000 KW load on it?

A: Not very much, and not for very long.

Mr Bane, how do poeple do this? Do they intterupt the servie before it comes into the house, making a junction box and running a circuit out to the garage or whatever? Even if they do this, these circuits & breakers are not going to be on the panel in the house; and if you have the main breaker on the panel in the house open and you are back feeding onto that panel, current can't then get on to those circuits that are pulled off the service prior to the main.

I am not wanting to argue or anything, I just don't understand what you are talking about.