Generator Question

[Jimbo_79]

Some of you might remember the thread I started a while back over yonder about backfeeding a generator through a dryer outlet. I don't want to rehash that but I'll say that I'm not doing that! I have yet to have the generator wired into the house and my plan is to put it outside the garage as was stated to me more than once and in more than one way, lol!

My question is, would it be cheaper to build my own generator enclosure or buy one? Also, how can I anchor it to the house or ground so it doesn't grow legs and walk away? In the one instance we had to use it this season I opened the garage, wheeled it outside and just ran extension cords to run a few things in the house. That chit will get old fast, especially if it's snowing like crazy outside, lol!

[Chicken Shoot]

Build your own. Pour a concrete slab complete with lags and and noone taking it on ya. Now, as far as plugging it into the dryer outlet .... that's what I do. Ain't nothing wrong with that as long as you shut the main breaker off that takes the house off the grid. For the amount of times I've had to use mine running the cord to the dryer outlet isn't too bad.

[masterswimmer]

When you backfeed it is very important to remember this sequence:

1 ~ turn off your main breaker
2 ~ turn off ALL breakers on your electric panel
3 ~ start the generator
4 ~ plug the genny into the appropriate outlet
5 ~ turn on one circuit at a time

Shutting down the genny in the proper sequence is equally as important.

[Jimbo_79]

I kinda got jumped on for doing the backfeeding thing, lol! I've thought about making a cord to do that as a backup to the backup but it would be a long run from the edge of the garage to the basement. Probably 50 feet or more. I'd rather just do the transfer switch or interlock so I'm not running all over the place putting cords here, moving generator there. Yeah, I can get lazy sometimes, lol! Especially when it's cold outside!

[Lord Timelord]

Build a cheap wooden structure that resembles a dog house with a single angled roof. Make the roof on hinges so you can prop it up to start the generator and fuel it. make the end have a lockable door so you can wheel the generator into the box then lock it inside. When you run the generator prop open the roof with enough gap to allow the generator to breathe and cool correctly.

My friend built something like this and just propped it up on some concrete patio blocks behind his garage. He installed the outside box to hookup the generator on the back of his garage. Power goes out, all he does is walk outside, starts generator after hooking up cord, props hinged roof open, then walks inside and throws his transfer switch to power his house.

[Schmendrick]

Guy named barrelmelter had a thread on this. I havent heard from him since he posted it and wanted to know more. http://nyfirearms.com/forums/prepare...tor-shack.html

[Cgrutt]

Back feeding can work but its risky. Wouldn't recommend it or want to be the lineman fixing the downed lines when you forget to shut down the breaker. People can get killed that way. No joke. Your also running a plug with exposed connectors from your generator. Someone in your own house could get killed if they mess with the plug. Just saying....

[Jimbo_79]

Back feeding can work but its risky. Wouldn't recommend it or want to be the lineman fixing the downed lines when you forget to shut down the breaker. People can get killed that way. No joke. Your also running a plug with exposed connectors from your generator. Someone in your own house could get killed if they mess with the plug. Just saying....

This is why I don't want to backfeed! The last thing I want to do is kill someone! I don't want to go down this road again. I heeded the advice given over yonder which is why I still haven't got the generator wired into the house via an interlock or transfer switch yet.

[Cgrutt]

Just general remark not directed at anybody specifically...

[Jimbo_79]

Just general remark not directed at anybody specifically...

I know CG! Sorry if it came off a little annoyed...well...I am but not at this thread or any of the responses. See the update I just posted about my shipping boo boo from last week.