Community Forums

Mezmorized · 04-25-2019, 08:45 AM

Hi guys, we are in a flood zone where I live, but we are not in danger on our property. However, if they cut local power due to flooding, I am curious if there would be a way to to tie the MH generator to the house. I know, electrician, but I just want to know if there is a lot involved to doing it? Or is there a lot of parts and pieces to get to make it work. Remember, this is just under an emergency situation, not a regular thing.

Thanks!

Arch Hoagland · 04-25-2019, 08:50 AM

My plan for an extended power outage is to run a couple heavy duty extension cords in to hook up the freezer and our refrigerator along with running a couple lights.

Sbrownstein · 04-25-2019, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mezmorized

Hi guys, we are in a flood zone where I live, but we are not in danger on our property. However, if they cut local power due to flooding, I am curious if there would be a way to to tie the MH generator to the house. I know, electrician, but I just want to know if there is a lot involved to doing it? Or is there a lot of parts and pieces to get to make it work. Remember, this is just under an emergency situation, not a regular thing.

Thanks!

Easy to do in an emergency...hard to do correctly and conform to code. The problem is in assuring that the house is disconnected from the grid and that the generator connection (which would be a male plug) is not energized by the house when not in use.

There are all kinds of shortcuts that are quick and relatively easy but they require you to be aware of safety issues...and hence not to code.

powerboatr · 04-25-2019, 08:53 AM

we have a plan at our place when power is gone for more than a few hours.
we have heavy gauge extension cables and run them to the freezers and fridge in the house.

then we just stay in the bus

if we are gone....well its what it is

Mezmorized · 04-25-2019, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sbrownstein

Easy to do in an emergency...hard to do correctly and conform to code. The problem is in assuring that the house is disconnected from the grid and that the generator connection (which would be a male plug) is not energized by the house when not in use.

There are all kinds of shortcuts that are quick and relatively easy but they require you to be aware of safety issues...and hence not to code.

Oh I definitely hear you on that! And, I am fully aware of the "suicide cord".

Sbrownstein · 04-25-2019, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mezmorized

Oh I definitely hear you on that! And, I am fully aware of the "suicide cord".

Yep...turn off the main breakers and plug a "suicide cord" into an outlet on each side of the panel. Turn off all double breakers...and go from there.

Not to code...but works quite well as long as you keep you wits about you. Don't forget them main or powerline workers might be in danger.

BCam · 04-25-2019, 09:42 AM

First, the disclaimer that I'm not an electrician, but I don't think this is too complicated or expensive. There's quite a bit online about how to do this. Since this is an emergency-only situation I wouldn't think you'd need to go the automatic transfer switch route:

https://www.google.com/search?q=gene...hrome&ie=UTF-8

cvbdsl · 04-25-2019, 02:47 PM

Just went through this last weekend - lost the power south of Ottawa for several hours and my sump pump runs every two minutes for the last month.

Started the MH generator first try(hasn't been run since fall) and ran an extension cord from the MH bedroom through my basement window and to the sump pump. Only took about 10 minutes but the water in the sump was pretty high.

Later ran a second cord to watch TV

.

My plan is to switch to propane (from oil) this summer and will also have a Generac whole house generator installed on the propane with the large torpedo tank. Will cost but will have peace of mind if gone.

Good luck on the flooding, we've been watching the local news and it doesn't look great for eastern Ontario and Quebec this weekend.

Chris