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Old 07-03-2006, 04:45 PM   #1
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What to do to plug 5k portable gas generator into my 50amp connector (shore power)at my house so as to run home frig and a few lights without multiple long extension cords during a power outage. Motorhome not involved in any of this. This is at the 50 amp power source put in expressely to connect my mh to my house elec. Guess this is "reverse enginering" . Can it work?, will it be safe? Any advice would be appreciated. Art
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Old 07-03-2006, 04:45 PM   #2
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What to do to plug 5k portable gas generator into my 50amp connector (shore power)at my house so as to run home frig and a few lights without multiple long extension cords during a power outage. Motorhome not involved in any of this. This is at the 50 amp power source put in expressely to connect my mh to my house elec. Guess this is "reverse enginering" . Can it work?, will it be safe? Any advice would be appreciated. Art
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Old 07-03-2006, 04:50 PM   #3
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Come on RV Wizard and Joe-K. I know if anyone would know it would be you guys. Thanks, Art
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Old 07-03-2006, 05:00 PM   #4
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Can it work?, will it be safe? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It can be done but it's not safe, I wouldn't recommend it.

There's a risk of electrocution to yourself or others while hooking it up. And if not done correctly, the power can be transmitted back through the power company's transformer and electrocute someone who's repairing your line.

The correct way is to have an electrician install a transfer switch such as this one.
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Old 07-03-2006, 05:09 PM   #5
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What you plan to do is illegal without a transfer switch to keep from feeding AC into the public electical distribution system. You don't wnat to knock line workers off the poles. You have to install a transfer switch so when you feed power to your home it is impossible to feed power into the public lines. Works the same as the shore/generator transfer switch in your motorhome.
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Old 07-03-2006, 06:20 PM   #6
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You don't have to buy a transfer switch, just a disconnect switch installed between your main breaker panel and the incoming power lines. I have one and just throw the switch, find my double male plug extension cord and plug into the RV receptacle, the genset and fire it up. I can power all the freezers, refrigerators, TV, furnace, most everything 110VAC. I must watch the amperage in use though, otherwise the genset breakers will trip. Don't do this without a positive disconnect though, or you may be occupying a room with only one lightbulb and no way out.
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Old 07-03-2006, 06:54 PM   #7
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A double male connector is an accident waiting to happen.
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Old 07-04-2006, 12:32 AM   #8
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Legally, you will have to have a transfer switch. A disconnect in theory will work but if someone forgets to turn off the switch someone down the line can be electricuted. Done correctly is will be safe and functional.
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Old 07-06-2006, 07:01 PM   #9
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Mike, it's the state you live in it seems. Indiana only requires a disconnect.
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Old 07-06-2006, 11:32 PM   #10
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Regardless of the state we live in it is a dangerrous practice to send power out with a male plug. A manual whole house disconnect that is used for connecting a genset to a house many times has a twistlock male plug recessed into it which is not live when the switch is set for using city power.

Safety first lets not become part of the rising death statistics involving home generator use.

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Old 07-09-2006, 06:36 PM   #11
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Thanks to all who replied. Art
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