• SirDerpy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    30
    ·
    3 months ago

    Technical details and the social contract mandate that your generator is never connected to the main power grid. The generator should be wired to an enclosed AC transfer switch. This switch will connect either the generator or the main grid to your home, but never both.

    Some detail: If the generator is wired to the main grid it can prevent restoration of main grid power. While an AC transfer switch will perform the task, many jurisdictions mandate additional safety precautions (which can be quite expensive).

    • deranger@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      22
      ·
      3 months ago

      It can also kill a lineman working on the power lines outside your house, thinking they’re not energized.

      • SirDerpy@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        10
        ·
        edit-2
        3 months ago

        It could. But, there’s more layers to this swiss cheese model of safety. For example, the lineman’s procedure is to ground out, then isolate, then test. They’d need to skip both ground out and test to be electrocuted by an asshole with a generator.

        • deranger@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          6
          ·
          edit-2
          3 months ago

          Of course, but we should never be advocating for the elimination of Swiss cheese slices. Don’t use the suicide plug, get it wired up correctly with isolation.