RV genset to power a house
After spending the last 2 days with out electricity and having to use our 3500 watt Kipor with a ton of extension cords, I am wondering if the Kipor could be used to power the house. I was told by a ...
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When the power goes out here in the semi-rural area where we live(happens 2 or 3 times a year), I just run extension cords into the house and take turns plugging in things as needed. I converted my furnace from a hardwired setup to a plug-and-outlet setup so I can just plug it into the genny. Usually you just need to plug in a fridge or freezer for only 3 or 4 times a day for 1/2 hour or so each time. The furnace can be run for about a 1/2 hour or so and get the house warm enough for 1/2 day. So if you plan right (and somebody is home) you don't really need a giant generator. We have run for up to 3 days on our RV Champion 3500/400 generator.
I am planning to install a setup like enblethen described, a box inside the house that leads to a MALE plug on the outside of the house so there would be no "suicide" cord. The plug would be a 30-amp twistlock type. The problem with extension cords is finding a way to bring it into the house without having to leave a door or window ajar to clear the cord.
Also, I would never rely on remembering to turn off the main breaker to avoid backfeeding. When power is out you are scrambling to get a genny set up, running and connected. A prime time to forget something important.
As an aside, unless the wires only to your house were broken, I would imagine the second you backfed power into the grid, the genny would see a huge load from other houses still connected to the grid and almost immediately stall.
Steve
I am planning to install a setup like enblethen described, a box inside the house that leads to a MALE plug on the outside of the house so there would be no "suicide" cord. The plug would be a 30-amp twistlock type. The problem with extension cords is finding a way to bring it into the house without having to leave a door or window ajar to clear the cord.
Also, I would never rely on remembering to turn off the main breaker to avoid backfeeding. When power is out you are scrambling to get a genny set up, running and connected. A prime time to forget something important.
As an aside, unless the wires only to your house were broken, I would imagine the second you backfed power into the grid, the genny would see a huge load from other houses still connected to the grid and almost immediately stall.
Steve
