I just found out you can power your house by backfeeding through an outlet. The idea is to shut off the main power from the grid, then plug a generator into a 220 or 110 outlet, which sends power to the panel. By turning off the breakers you don’t need, you could theoretically run a few things in the house.
I know this isn’t the safest method. So, has anyone actually done this using their truck during a power outage?
I’ve got a setup with a dedicated input, but technically, it’s just a backfeed with an interlock.
West said:
I’ve got a setup with a dedicated input, but technically, it’s just a backfeed with an interlock.
The interlock is crucial! Linemen have lost their lives after storms because someone hooked up a generator without an interlock or forgot to turn off the main breaker. It can send power back to the grid, making lines live when they shouldn’t be. Please, don’t risk it—get an electrician to install a proper interlock.
@Griff
People don’t realize that transformers work both ways. The power you send back gets stepped up to high voltage again. It’s not just a safety risk—it’s deadly.
I use a generator bypass switch and ran my house off my truck for 9 days last year. The 30A output was plenty for what I needed.
Don’t do this. Suicide cords (double male plugs) are called that for a reason. If you want to power your house with a truck, get a proper inlet installed with an interlock or transfer switch.
Aubrey said:
Don’t do this. Suicide cords (double male plugs) are called that for a reason. If you want to power your house with a truck, get a proper inlet installed with an interlock or transfer switch.
I think the name suicide cord is over the top. They’re perfectly fine if you’re careful and follow proper steps.
@Ash
So, what happens when someone isn’t careful? Metal parts exposed to electricity, backfeeding the grid, putting linemen at risk… Sounds like a bad plan. Thinking they’re ‘perfectly fine’ just shows you shouldn’t be giving advice about this.
An interlock alone won’t work for this. It switches your hot lines (L1 and L2) but not the neutral. Since trucks like the Lightning have a ground-neutral bond, you’ll need a transfer switch that switches the neutral too. Otherwise, your truck’s GFCI will trip.
Here’s a discussion about it: link.
@Hart
Why would they bond ground and neutral in the truck when the main panel already does it? The truck isn’t even grounded to the earth.
Joss said:
@Hart
Why would they bond ground and neutral in the truck when the main panel already does it? The truck isn’t even grounded to the earth.
The truck works like a portable generator, and most portable generators have a ground-neutral bond. This is for when you’re using it to power tools directly from the truck. It’s designed for job sites, not houses.
Check this for more info: link.
There are already tons of discussions about setting up a truck as a backup generator safely. No need to risk safety or lawsuits. Check this guide: link.
I power my house this way with a generator and plan to do the same with a Lightning. If you run into GFCI issues, you might have to remove the ground.
Always turn off your main breaker when backfeeding your house! If you don’t, you’re sending power back to the grid and putting others in danger. There’s nothing wrong with this setup if done correctly. But don’t rely on random posts online—get someone who knows what they’re doing to check it out.
I had a critical load panel installed by a pro. When I plugged my truck in, it kept faulting. The electrician removed the ground as a workaround, but I don’t feel great about messing with grounding. Am I overthinking this?
@Harley
Removing the ground isn’t a compliant solution. The problem happens because you have two ground-neutral bonds—one in the truck and one in your panel. Disconnecting one ground will stop the truck’s GFCI from tripping, but it’s not ideal.
Do you plan to use the same setup for both the truck and a regular generator? They’re usually set up differently (generators are often floating neutral).
@Hart
Is it actually dangerous though? That’s my main concern.
Harley said:
@Hart
Is it actually dangerous though? That’s my main concern.
It can be dangerous. If something fails, like the truck’s GFCI, you might not have proper grounding. For long-term use, I’d recommend a transfer switch like this: link. It ensures only one ground-neutral bond.
It’s legal to backfeed only if you have an interlock installed. They’re cheap and worth it. Also, get a licensed electrician to do the job and pull a permit. That way, your insurance won’t give you trouble if something goes wrong.
If you backfeed, the whole panel gets power, not just one side. Do yourself a favor and get a generator inlet installed. It’s simple, safe, and avoids the risk of hurting someone or blowing up equipment.