You can run something like a house off a generator with one if the main breaker is off; in an emergency and the operation reasonably well planned out (don’t overload wall lines you plugged into, etc.) it might be a net benefit. On the reg is asking for death cause there’s safe ways to do it that sane people would plan for on the reg

[–] biscuitswalrus@aussie.zone 12 points 3 months ago (12 children)

That would surely only power a single circuit (due to isolation) and if you have to be selective, a critical circuit like your fridge isn't really likely to have a wall port on the same circuit near where you'd happily have your fume emitting generator..

I'm no electrician but I've generally installed automatic transfer switches (ATS) for mine site server cabinets that then power UPS racks and the transfer switch automatically or manually can switch from mains to generator if mains power goes out (which at a mine is all the time). I feel like a similar and safe system must exist for homes. Or something no different to switching solar to grid and back.

But again, not an electrician.

[–] glizzyguzzler@lemmy.blahaj.zone 8 points 3 months ago (3 children)

If you disconnect the mains then the power will be backfed through one of the circuit breakers and back out to others. If the breaker you plugged naughty plug into is off, it’s isolated. Otherwise, it’ll power whatever circuit breakers are on on the breaker panel.

If you don’t disconnect from the mains you’ll kill a person working to fix the electrical lines for your neighborhood.

Yes, safe and automatic things exist to switch automatically - or even hook up a generator in a pinch manually but safely (no naughty plug needed).

Defo don’t backfeed your abode unless you’re gonna die due to some major emergency!

[–] biscuitswalrus@aussie.zone 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Oh okay, I see.. Or rather, I see I don't understand lol

[–] glizzyguzzler@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 3 months ago

That’s fine, electricity is weird! I stay away from naughty plug because if you do everything just right you’ll live another day, if you do anything wrong you’ll kill yourself or someone else. Saying no to naughty plug should be sufficient for you too ;)

[–] desktop_user@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 3 months ago

Wires don't have a direction

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