Electrical connections/ experts I need help with a plug

[So]

Originally posted by: Rubycon
I've always wondered about the backfeed issue. In a perfect scenario it would definitely get ugly if 240VAC from the genny passed up to the distribution transformers and was raised to 7.5kV or higher. Since many homes are sharing the pole pig wouldn't the primaries just feed into neighboring homes? This would create an overload on the genny OR if it were powerful enough trip the main CB at the service entrance.

Of course it's cardinal rule to ALWAYS disconnect from the grid before firing up that genny!

I'd imagine that the generator would stall pretty quickly trying to kick that much load around, but if a lineman was working on the line, he might die first.

 

[Colt45]

It's split phase (120-0-120.. like the trafo coming into your house)

X, Y = 2 phases (hot) (black, red)
W = neutral (white)
G = ground = green.

i think..

This is a L14-20 plug?

 

[Colt45]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: bctbct

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: bctbct
Would turning off the main not prevent feedback? I guess I assume that if no power could come in that no power could go out?

Yes it would.

Through the line nuetral?

Nope! The main breaker only cuts off the two hot wires, not the neutral bus bar.

Please don't do it.

I don't know all the reasons--I'm no expert--but it just intuitively sounds wrong.

neutral is spiked to ground. Even if the ground wire was cut on the generator, one wire to ground doesn't make a circuit.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: bctbct
I am probably going to lose power in the ice storm soon. I have a 10 gauge 3 wire cord I am trying to connect to a 4 prong twist lock connector

this one

Since I only have 3 wires do I need to add a jumper? The other end will be connected to a 3 prong dryer plug.

I am thinking I need to connect the green to the long prong, the white and black to the same shape/size prongs. What do I do for the forth though? I assume that forth prong is a nuetral, should it be jumpered to one of the hots?

Looking at the plug on amazon

9 oclock is a prong that is slightly longer than the others
12 and 6 oclock are both the same shape/length
3 oclock is a narrow prong (nuetral??)

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

6" rob roy will fix all your weather problems