Tenants are backfeeding using generators...

[2525252525]

Herewith some guidelines and requirement to connect a generator safely and legally to your premises

Connecting any unauthorised power source directly into any point of electrical wiring without a changeover switch is illegal and dangerous because of so-called “back feeding” which, by definition, means supplying power back into the grid when the grid is down. This must be avoided at all cost as the voltage fed back into the lines poses an electrocution hazard for utility workers and others who may not know that the line is charged.

Connection of any alternative power supply must comply with SANS 10142-1 Annexure S Emergency power installation configuration.

Never use a plug-to-plug cable to connect the generator to a socket outlet. Many generators are supplied with plug-to-plug cables, but their use is strictly forbidden as it provides no earth leakage protection.
Should the utility power be restored while the main circuit breaker is not switched off, the generator may be damaged or the entire system may be burnt, causing fire hazard.
While the main supply is not available, the generator will send power back into the main cable. This may overload the generator and shock electricians working on repairs on other power lines

Use a registered person in accordance with the Electrical Machinery Regulations to do the electrical installation. The registered person can be an installation electrician (IE) or master installation electrician (MIE) registered as a contractor with the Department of Labour. The registered person must issue a Certificate of Compliance upon completion of the installation.

This is perfect, thanks, I'm going to staple an electrician who can issue COC's business card to it, else they can remove these things from the premises.

 

[Geoff.D]

Surely the prepaid meter is before the main switch? Flipping the main breaker should isolate the house circuits from the prepaid meter

Yes IF you flip the mains breaker. But who does that? pretty much no one will remember or do that every time.
No the only way to use a generator properly is in total isolation mode or properly connected into the DB board through the correct controls.

See the post by nemesys:

Should the utility power be restored while the main circuit breaker is not switched off, the generator may be damaged or the entire system may be burnt, causing fire hazard.

 

[Azure 12]

I'm sure if you let them sort it out themselves it will be fine ...

 

[Geoff.D]

I'm sure if you let them sort it out themselves it will be fine ...

fortunately, most of those cables are comms cables (copper and overhead fibre). But if you look closely, you will see a few power cables too.

 

[Geoff.D]

Yeah, I get that. But that would've been caused by the unsynchronized power sources as opposed to generator overload.

generator overload is another issue. Mostly, the generator has overload protection which will trip if the current draw is over the limits.

 

[wingnut771]

generator overload is another issue. Mostly, the generator has overload protection which will trip if the current draw is over the limits.

Yeah, I'm surprised a generator can feed back into the grid and doesn't instantly cut out?

 

[Kosmik]

A simple automatic switch is all they need plus the caravan socket.

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I'm going to use one for my portable genie but I already have a seperation because I feed a UPS that powers devices, never into the live wall.

 

[Kosmik]

Yeah, I'm surprised a generator can feed back into the grid and doesn't instantly cut out?

There's the concept of grid tie in which is not really available here but my understanding is that your source of power is able to supplement mains, so there's not like a massive "suck" from the main lines. But its certainly enough to electrocute some poor dude on a pole or in the vicinity of the house which is why where this is done, there's normally a grid tie in box.

 

[Geoff.D]

This is perfect, thanks, I'm going to staple an electrician who can issue COC's business card to it, else they can remove these things from the premises.

We know what you mean but I think the electrician won't want to be stapled to anything.

 

[B-1]

Most of the generators are also not earthed like they should be when connected to a DB.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Why are these uncivilised devices even allowed in complexes? Battery backup or GTFO...

 

[Kosmik]

Why are these uncivilised devices even allowed in complexes? Battery backup or GTFO...

Define complex though. Depends on unit size BUT if I was in a complex, I'd consider a special levy to try get something going complex wide.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Put a stop to it now! Electricians like me will be electrocuted and can be deadly!

Report them to CoCT immediately!

Some of our Devs have got a generator and they do something like this when electricity goes off. Switch off Dboard, start generator and switch the plug for generator. And then they do the reverse when lights come on.

Is this back feeding?

 

[kolaval]

You can report them to your local authorities.

To the ones going on strike?

 

[Kosmik]

Some of our Devs have got a generator and they do something like this when electricity goes off. Switch off Dboard, start generator and switch the plug for generator. And then they do the reverse when lights come on.

Is this back feeding?

Wall plug? Yes, if a central plug running as extensions , no. Rather have the devs on a UPS and run a cable to the UPS.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Define complex though. Depends on unit size BUT if I was in a complex, I'd consider a special levy to try get something going complex wide.

There's always options, the problem is the trustees are old farts who couldn't be bothered to do a bit of research.

At a friend's complex, they converted all the carports to solar panels, and charge a discounted rate for power. Something like R1/kWh. Each unit is then free to install their own inverter and batteries for backup...

 

[Kosmik]

There's always options, the problem is the trustees are old farts who couldn't be bothered to do a bit of research.

At a friend's complex, they converted all the carports to solar panels, and charge a discounted rate for power. Something like R1/kWh. Each unit is then free to install their own inverter and batteries for backup...

If every carport had panels then surely thats enough power agregated for a complex? Thats a lot of generation assuming one carport has six to eight panels.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Wall plug? Yes, if a central plug running as extensions , no. Rather have the devs on a UPS and run a cable to the UPS.

Yeah, there are 2 plugs it seems and they switch between the two or something like that. I don't know why people do this instead of getting a qualified electrician.

 

[Nemesys]

Some of our Devs have got a generator and they do something like this when electricity goes off. Switch off Dboard, start generator and switch the plug for generator. And then they do the reverse when lights come on.

Is this back feeding?

With proper installation when you used the changeover switch to change from mains to generator the mains are completely disconnected, and the generator is connected to the board instead. Electricity cannot be fed back into the grid because the grid is isolated from your board.
However if you feed the power generated by the generator into a three-pin wall outlet the power will feed back into the grid. That is back feeding.

 

[Geoff.D]

Some of our Devs have got a generator and they do something like this when electricity goes off. Switch off Dboard, start generator and switch the plug for generator. And then they do the reverse when lights come on.

Is this back feeding?

ANY feed, back into a distribution system via a standard wall socket, is "back feeding" and illegal.
Even those "caravan plugs" will be considered to be back feeding IF not done properly via a change-over switch. It is not about preventing damage to the wall socket -- it is about the whole idea being dangerous, a fire hazard, against the OHSA and the regulations.