generator for home backup

I think we are all trolling too much here and posting way more answers than question ask.
So let me remind

original question wrote:
My house is wired to have an outside generator plugged into support electrical power failure. I was wondering if I could plug my motorhome into this outlet and use my motorhome generator ?
It seems that it would needs some rewiring or added wiring or maybe not.

The way I read it the OP has a cord attached to his house transfer switch that can be used for emergency power supply.
We don't know what plug the cord has, while RV usually don't have sockets bigger than 20 amp.
Meaning with some adapters the house can be plug into RV 20 amp power system, but it would take electrician to make bigger plug to take advantage of full generator power.
I always wonder about conversions coming with 22kW generators on board and that might be the answer.

I am like a lot of you, I think he is saying he wants to power his house from the RV Generator. His Generator is not big enough to power his whole house. I have a 15KW wired into my stick build house. Roy

They will also send the information to WA Labor and Industries for their follow up.

3oaks wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

DrewE wrote:


It would be most wise to consult with an electrician on this.

It would really be good to know what the state rules on back feeding the system are, and what the fines are for doing it.

What difference does it make what the fines are?

The house should always be separated (disconnected) from the main utility line feeding the house when using a generator as a backup power source. Not only to prevent back feeding and possibly killing a utility lineman working somewhere on the power lines but also to prevent frying your generator and causing other problems when power is restored to those lines by the electrical utility company.

When the power is out here the repair crew supervisor will check the houses that have lights on, to see what equipment is installed. when they find you do not have the proper equipment and signatures, they will pull your meter. to get it back you will pay the fine.

ggthomson44 wrote:
My house is wired to have an outside generator plugged into support electrical power failure. I was wondering if I could plug my motorhome into this outlet and use my motorhome generator ?
It seems that it would needs some rewiring or added wiring or maybe not.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Gordon

You'll need an outlet cord paralleled in and somewhere convenient to where your genset leaves the circuit breaker.
Also with turning off what's not necessary in the house so, that you won't overload it.

I would have a certified professional electrician come out and do the job for you that way all your bases are covered if something should go wrong.

deleted

There is much more on connecting to a house.
I personally would not use my MH genset for powering the house.
Our place has a 240 volt water pump. Can't be run off most MH gensets.
We have an electric furnace. Too much load for MH gensets.
I would look into a properly sized portable genset with the necessary output.

On the off subject of fines.
It can be far worse then fines. You could be arrested and prosecuted for reckless endangerment, if a death happens to a lineman manslaughter.
Installation must be done in accordance to the NEC, State laws and provisions of the power company. System must have a failsafe mechanism to prevent any possibility of a back-feed.
It is not worth the chance of not doing a properly installed system.

Tom/Barb wrote:

DrewE wrote:


It would be most wise to consult with an electrician on this.

It would really be good to know what the state rules on back feeding the system are, and what the fines are for doing it.

What difference does it make what the fines are?

The house should always be separated (disconnected) from the main utility line feeding the house when using a generator as a backup power source. Not only to prevent back feeding and possibly killing a utility lineman working somewhere on the power lines but also to prevent frying your generator and causing other problems when power is restored to those lines by the electrical utility company.

Not difficult to do but best left to the professionals with knowledge of residential electrical code AND RV 120VAC distribution.

Might not power everything in a home unless the coach generator can produce true 2 phase electrical power. Deep well pump, whole house AC/Heat pump, electric range, dryer are possible appliances that won't work without two phase power.