*** Quoting MIKE ROSS from a message to Alec Cameron ***
MR> I finally got power back after about 2 weeks off. If there's a next 
MR> time, I'll be sending the 240 volts instead by re-channelling the 
MR> shed wires at the main boxinto the 240V buss directly. This will of 
MR> course mean using the ground wire of the underground run as neutral. 
MR> After all a ground exists at the generator and at the house. 
MR> Otherwise I'll have to re-thread triplex through instead. Do you 
MR> think this a bad idea in a temporary emergency situation?
MR>  [ . . . ]  AC> IF you insist on tinkering with the house wiring, 
MR> then have an action  AC> plan written out, like first open all 
MR> switches and remove the main  AC> fuses and give those fuses in care 
MR> to a reliable adult with  AC> instructions like "These *must* stay in 
MR> your pocket until-
MR> It was rather thoughtful and careful tinkering though... Thanks for 
MR> the really great tips!
Verify...several times!!!...that the breaker panel is isolated from the 
generator.  The utility worker that is trying to restore power to your area 
will not take kindly to being placed across -your- generator output!!
Why not make a permanent point to attach your generator to?  They make 
switching gear that is designed for this application.  It is simply a 
three-position break-before-make switch....power company -or- off -or- 
generator.
If you can get military surplus, the Navy calls this an ABT, which is short 
for  Automatic Bus Transfer.  These had 3 positions:  Normal, alternate, and 
emergency.  If you had a loss of power on the normal bus, it would switch to 
Alternate.  If no power available there it would switch to emergency.
Kevin
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