RV to power home temp

wvabeer wrote:

Gundog wrote:


Please don't. Use a transfer switch designed for this application do not trust your main breaker as a disconnect to the utility. I am a retired journeyman lineman and this can kill utility workers. I can't tell you how many failed main breakers I have seen.

Would it be legal if I installed a 200 amp disconnect between the meter and main panel? Back feeding would be so much easier.

It would (likely) be legal to install the master disconnect. It would not be legal or safe to backfeed without without a proper transfer switch even with such a disconnect.

The basic requirement is simple: you need an approved system that makes it impossible to connect the two power sources together by design, not something that relies only on following some connection procedure properly. There are approved setups based on mechanically interlocked circuit breakers, some of which may be installed in some existing electric panels (certain panel makes and models). Unlike Gundog, I am not aware of many failures of circuit breakers to disconnect when shut off, excepting a couple well-known problematic designs that should be replaced if found...most notably the Federal Pacific Stab-loc ones that have a very high failure rate and have caused many fires. I have heard of problems caused by people backfeeding and not disconnecting the main properly, be it because of ignorance or forgetfulness or whatever.

Backfeeding also practically always involves some sort of suicide cord or other dangerous connector arrangement that can have expised live pins.

Use an approved transfer switch (or plug stuff into extrnsion cords etc. completely separate from the house system). It is the only acceptable and safe method.