Generator Back Feeding Just Don’t Do It Why You Should Never Backfeed Your House with a Generator (And How to Do It the Right Way)
We’re here today at one of our job sites to talk about something incredibly important — and potentially life-saving — when it comes to using a generator during a power outage: why you should never backfeed your home and what to do instead.
What Is Backfeeding?
Backfeeding is when someone tries to power their home during an outage by plugging a generator into an outlet — like a dryer receptacle — with the intention of sending electricity backward through the house’s wiring.
This is absolutely the wrong way to do it.
Why Backfeeding Is Dangerous
When you backfeed power through a dryer plug or similar method, you risk energizing the utility lines outside your home. Here’s what can happen:
- If you forget to shut off your main breaker, the electricity from your generator can travel back through the transformer and into the power grid.
- This backward flow can energize utility lines that workers believe are dead.
- If personnel are out fixing the outage, your backfed power could electrocute them.
And make no mistake — if this happens, it can be traced back to you, and you could face serious legal and financial consequences.
The Proper Way to Power Your Home with a Generator
The right way to hook up a generator is with a generator panel — also known as a transfer switch setup. You can see an example behind me in the video, and I’ll walk you through the components here.
Step 1: Install a Generator Outlet
Start with a dedicated generator outlet installed on the outside of your home. In this setup:
- It’s a four-wire, single-phase outlet rated for 30 amps.
- It provides both 120 and 240 volts, along with a ground.
- During an outage, you would plug your generator into this outlet using a specially made cord.
These outlets are a reliable solution. This particular one is made by Generac — we recommend them and will drop a link in the description of the video for more info.
Step 2: Use a Generator Panel with a Transfer Switch
Inside the home, the generator panel is located beside your main panel.
Here’s what it includes:
- Up to 18 circuits for essential loads (fridge, furnace, lights, etc.).
- A built-in transfer switch at the top, rated for 30 amps.
- A physical selector that toggles between utility power and generator power.
Here’s how it works:
- The switch physically disconnects the utility power before allowing generator power to flow.
- You cannot run both at the same time — it’s either utility or generator. This ensures there is no possibility of backfeeding the grid.
This system is safe, code-compliant, and essential for anyone serious about using a generator for backup power.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to use a generator for your home:
- Never backfeed through an outlet — it’s dangerous and illegal.
- Invest in a proper generator panel and transfer switch system.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions and hire a licensed electrician to install your setup.
Your safety — and the safety of utility workers — depends on it.
