Tenants are backfeeding using generators...

[Kosmik]

I was making a funny. Looks like mains and PV aren't connected.

It feels like that setup could be a bit simplified though. Smart switches vs the heavy manuals etc.

I ma be over criticising though, I'm still designing my system in my head, like the idea of the multi levels of interaction though.

 

[AchmatK]

I was making a funny. Looks like mains and PV aren't connected.

This was still during installation.

 

[rh1]

No, they do not have to have automatic changeover installed. The generator is linked to the main DB board. A switchover switch is installed on the main DB. They can manually start the generator and then switch over to the Generators' power. Not all generators are compatible with automatic changeovers and this is also not a requirement. They will need the services of a qualified electrician to do this.

@BlackStatic

This is the changeover switch:

MAC AFRIC 63 A 1-pole & Neutral Change over Switch (230 V) | Adendorff Machinery Mart

Change over switches is the recommended & safest way to connect a backup generator to a building. It allows for a safe way to change from mains power to backup power (generator) in the event of a power failure.

www.adendorff.co.za

 

[rh1]

What is a caravan plug?

Also called a welders plug (at least that is what my electrician called it:

The cable: https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/thr...t-of-batteries-compared.1192556/post-29973804

The connection: https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/advice-needed-solar-system.1181190/post-29785351

 

[Voicy]

@BlackStatic

This is the changeover switch:

MAC AFRIC 63 A 1-pole & Neutral Change over Switch (230 V) | Adendorff Machinery Mart

Change over switches is the recommended & safest way to connect a backup generator to a building. It allows for a safe way to change from mains power to backup power (generator) in the event of a power failure.

www.adendorff.co.za

i'm used to dealing with somewhat more advanced systems, but I've always liked this approach for home use.

Fairly idiotproof and no risk of harm to switch between feeds whether the gen is running or not.

 

[Lupus]

That is one sexy changeover switch.

That's what is installed for my solar if needed, can switch over to inverter, off and mains.

 

[Nemesys]

What is a caravan plug?

It is the plug box mounted on all current models of caravans to enable it to be connected to hook up to the power points installed in the caravan park for that purpose. It should be available at any caravan sales outlett.

 

[Nemesys]

@BlackStatic

This is the changeover switch:

MAC AFRIC 63 A 1-pole & Neutral Change over Switch (230 V) | Adendorff Machinery Mart

Change over switches is the recommended & safest way to connect a backup generator to a building. It allows for a safe way to change from mains power to backup power (generator) in the event of a power failure.

www.adendorff.co.za

The two pilot lights although a nice touch serves little purpose other than telling you which way the switch is switched. What is needed is a pilot light and a fairly load buzzer wired directly to the mains side of the changeover switch to see and hear when the mains power is restored so that you do not run the generator unnecessary. In our area the power can be restored anything between an hour early or 45 minutes late. The buzzer saves you running around to see if the power is back on.

 

[PsyWulf]

The two pilot lights although a nice touch serves little purpose other than telling you which way the switch is switched. What is needed is a pilot light and a fairly load buzzer wired directly to the mains side of the changeover switch to see and hear when the mains power is restored so that you do not run the generator unnecessary. In our area the power can be restored anything between an hour early or 45 minutes late. The buzzer saves you running around to see if the power is back on.

Ours:

 

[ronnie_94]

Thankful I came across this thread, my gf's mom is backfeeding and I tried to explain how dangerous it is and that its illegal if not done correctly.

However she does not want to listen and keeps doing it, I have got to the point where I just refuse to start the generator or touch any plugs in the house when the generator is running.

The dstv adapter has already caught fire as well as the neighbors fibre ONT popped whilst the generator was on and not sure how that wasn't a eye opener.

 

[rvZA]

Thankful I came across this thread, my gf's mom is backfeeding and I tried to explain how dangerous it is and that its illegal if not done correctly.

However she does not want to listen and keeps doing it, I have got to the point where I just refuse to start the generator or touch any plugs in the house when the generator is running.

The dstv adapter has already caught fire as well as the neighbors fibre ONT popped whilst the generator was on and not sure how that wasn't a eye opener.

Tell her to ensure all her life and short-term insurance policies as well as medical aid premiums are up to date.

 

[Arthur]

Tell her to ensure all her life and short-term insurance policies as well as medical aid premiums are up to date.

Even better, tell her that her insurance policies won't cover her losses because of the illegal and unauthorised connection. She is also personally liable for losses suffered by her neighbours caused by her illegal connection, and it's more than likely that her insurance won't cover her or indemnify her from the loss.

 

[Arthur]

... And then tell her neighbour/s who suffered loss to sue her.

 

[ronnie_94]

... And then tell her neighbour/s who suffered loss to sue her.

Funny thing is the neighbors are the owners of the property and were the ones that suggested doing it that way

 

[Arthur]

Funny thing is the neighbors are the owners of the property and were the ones that suggested doing it that way

Ignorance and stupidity abound.

If they're running a gennie, I wonder whether their petrol storage conforms to the legal requirement. Storing fuels in a way that doesn't conform to code vitiates the insurance policy, as most policies clearly state (in the fine print). If the whole place burns down they could well end up having to carry in full their loss as well as their neighbours' loss.

 

[ronnie_94]

Ignorance and stupidity abound.

If they're running a gennie, I wonder whether their petrol storage conforms to the legal requirement. Storing fuels in a way that doesn't conform to code vitiates the insurance policy, as most policies clearly state (in the fine print). If the whole place burns down they could well end up having to carry in full their loss as well as their neighbours' loss.

I suggested that they rather run leads from the genie to what is necessary to have power so that it is safer but there is just no getting through to her.

Just at a point now where it is starting to heavily bother me that things can go horribly wrong as well as the genie does not sound healthy at all when it is running due to someone servicing it that does not seem to know what they are doing.

 

[Lupus]

I suggested that they rather run leads from the genie to what is necessary to have power so that it is safer but there is just no getting through to her.

Just at a point now where it is starting to heavily bother me that things can go horribly wrong as well as the genie does not sound healthy at all when it is running due to someone servicing it that does not seem to know what they are doing.

If she is your tenant, you can kick her out.

 

[ronnie_94]

If she is your tenant, you can kick her out.

Not my tenant, it is a little more tricky unfortunately. Neighbor is the property owner which suggested to do it this way.

I have just tried to warn my gf's mom about the dangers and that it is illegal but she does not seem to want to understand.

 

[Lupus]

Not my tenant, it is a little more tricky unfortunately. Neighbor is the property owner which suggested to do it this way.

I have just tried to warn my gf's mom about the dangers and that it is illegal but she does not seem to want to understand.

Oh sorry I got the wrong end of the stick there. But yeah suicide leads are called that for a reason.

 

[2525252525]

Thankful I came across this thread, my gf's mom is backfeeding and I tried to explain how dangerous it is and that its illegal if not done correctly.

However she does not want to listen and keeps doing it, I have got to the point where I just refuse to start the generator or touch any plugs in the house when the generator is running.

The dstv adapter has already caught fire as well as the neighbors fibre ONT popped whilst the generator was on and not sure how that wasn't a eye opener.

Sounds like she's liable for damages caused, you should inform the neighbors, it'd be the right thing to do. Maybe she'll listen to a magistrate before she ends up killing people.

You're aware she's breaking the law and operating a system which potentially threatens the lives of people, you're 100% required to report this to authorities especially so if she ignores you and continues using it, you'll be held accountable if someone gets hurt and she admits to authority you told her, means you're aware of what's going on. Sorry the situation sucks but it'll turn into a full blown life destroying nightmare for you personally if something goes very wrong.