4 ms·
How would they get 14kV, assuming the output from the generator is just 110v? Honest question, I was wondering this before and I assume you know more about it
by Nifty3929 4y ago
How would they get 14kV, assuming the output from the generator is just 110v?
Honest question, I was wondering this before and I assume you know more about it than I do.
- hajile 4y agoTransformers work both ways. From the substation to your nearby transformer, it goes 14.4kV to 240v (ignoring split phases and 3-phase power). When you generate inside your house, it goes the other way and boosts from 240v up to 14.4kV (albeit with fewer total amps than the substation is generating, but enough to kill). The US NEC (national electric code) requires any backup generator to use a transfer switch. The switch has on-off-on positions with one "on" being for main power and the other being for the generator. That "off" position in the middle ensures that you can't physically connect the generator and main power at the same time (preventing this issue entirely). Unfortunately, most people don't know what a transfer switch is or what it does. For people that do know, installation cost is probably an issue as they'll cost a couple thousand dollars to have installed. In my opinion, they should be a requirement on new construction, but I guess people don't want to pay the cost.
- Nifty3929 4y agoThanks so much for the explanation! That the transformer works both ways makes perfect sense, and I'm a little irritated that I didn't think of that in the first place.