Manhatten blackout

[stumuz1]

Thanks for that Adam.

So this is the reason the electrician installed a changeover switch when I bought the 5kw diesel genny all those years ago?

[adam2]

Thanks for that Adam.

So this is the reason the electrician installed a changeover switch when I bought the 5kw diesel genny all those years ago?

Yes.
A proper changeover switch is usually the best way of connecting a generator to an installation normally supplied from public mains.

A safe alternative for small and basic installations is to power selected appliances and portable lamps from the generator via extension leads.

Yet another safe alternative is to install dedicated "generator only" circuits that are permanently connected to the generator.
I did this years ago in a large house.
Each room had a light or two lights that were unlit normally and lit only when the generator was running.
This has the merit that the loading is restricted by lamps of low power and limited in number.

Other alternatives exist, taking care that mains and generator supplies can NEVER be interconnected. This must be "designed in" without reliance on the human factor.
And also taking care that dangerous voltage can NEVER be present on male plugs, this again must be "designed in" without reliance on the human factor.

[stumuz1]

Great knowledge as usual!

[raspberry-blower]

Power cut affecting London and parts of the South East:

Twitter

[adam2]

Power cut affecting London and parts of the South East:

Twitter

Indeed, but already discussed here http://www.powerswitch.org.uk/forum/vie ... hp?t=27208
You may wish to repost in that thread.