can you backfeed electric power threw drier plug useing 220 from generator?

Answer 1

It can be done and can be made to work, but is a dangerous practice which should be avoided. If you are going to install a backup power system do it properly and safely. Otherwise you're looking for trouble.

I have information about backfeeding panels, carbon monoxide poisoning, transfer panels, and other information about portable generators on my web page. Read through and you should understand the issue much better.

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Answer 2

This is a very bad idea. There are at least two significant problems. The first is that you wouldn't have a fail-safe way to ensure that the electric utility power and your generator are not both connected to your house at the same time. This is in violation with the National Electric Code, and could result in a fire. There is some question whether your homeowners insurance would pay a claim for damage caused by this illegal connection.

The second problem is that you would be sending current in the reverse direction through the circuit breaker for your clothes dryer. Quite frankly, I don't know what would happen. Circuit breakers have an input (sometimes marked "LINE") and an output (sometimes marked "LOAD"). Your reverse connection would connect the generator to the LOAD terminals. The electricity would flow out the LINE terminals to the bus in your breaker panel to the other circuit breakers.

You need a transfer switch to connect your generator to the house wiring. Do an Internet search on "transfer switch". The link below is one source of information.

Answer 3

Not a good plan.

Others have mentioned the danger problem of backfeeding and injuring someone who thinks the line is dead.

You also have the problem that when the power comes back on, if you're not properly disconnected the generator will be connected to the mains through the dryer breaker. You may think they're both at 120, so no problem, but that's 120 AC - if it's out of phase it's likely to damage the generator.

Then there's the problem of controlling what you want to power with the generator. You are not likely to have a generator that can handle all of your normal loads. So, you want a connection that only hooks the generator to the loads that really need emergency power, some lights, the furnace, the refrigerator - nothing more.

If you can afford a generator big enough to be trying to run the whole house off of it, then you can afford a proper transfer switch.

Answer 4

Yes you can, but it is absolutley the most dangerous way to power your house. PLEASE disconnect your Main Service breaker so you do not backfeed the neighbourhood and electrocute a linesman who expects the power to be off.

Answer 5

Yes you should be able to do this but be sure you shut off the main power to the panel before you make this connection

Answer 6

ed is 100% correct.