Ok I'm not going to ask a question about running a line to the dry outlet or any out let in the house. It's all out their on the net.

I have a ARMY MEP-002A Diesel 5KW 60Hz Generator made by the Libby Corp in 1989

Question One - Generator

Can run a line from the generator into the main breaker box and power the areas I want by turning on the breakers I need, with the main breaker closed? Will I still have back feed? And is it illegal to use the interlockkit as a manual transfer switch? http://www.interlockkit.com/

Question Two - Main Breaker Box

I have about 1 to 2 volts on the neutral side which I don't think is right. But I also have the ground connected along with the neutral which seams to be wrong also. Both neutral and ground should have their own connection bar which is not connected together? I just notice this or I should say took notice this week when I look to connect my generator in to my house. I changed my main box for fuses to breaker back in 1989 and had a license electrical contractor do the change over.

Thanks,

Larry S Saint Cyr - Brockton, Massachusetts

Larry,

Question 1: No! If it were me, I would put in a sub-panel for all the circuits I want powered by the generator. I would then install either a manual transfer switch or an automatic transfer switch between the main panel and the sub-panel.

With either switch, you must make absolutely sure that the contact are far enough apart that the break before they make with the second set;.

The goal is to make sure that no possible electricity back channels out on to the electrical grid. If it does, it is subject to the same amplifications from the outside transformers. This current can kill a power company lineman.

Question 2 - I personally would hunt the voltage down.

Thank great information..

Now take a look what national grid had to say about this..
https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/storm/safety_generators-1.asp

Basically, the same information I gave you.

I don't like relying on the breaker. Use a transfer switch, it's safer.

Well donf,
I have a bigger problem then I thought. It's not 1 to 2 volts on the neutral it's bigger than that. I have about 115 v on the neutral side with the breaker on and about 15 volts when it off. I found one run that need to be replaced.

Could the breaker be bad as well?

Thanks Donf for all your time on this subject.
Larry

I suspect that you have a short or a loose neutral.

A manual transfer switch is the only way to go. Automatic transfer switches require a bit more circuitry and are designed for automatic-start generators. And considering the size of the generator, a 4 or 6 circuit switch is probably all you would want to use. There are a few mfg. of these type, and will probably cost in the $300 area. They work well, are fool proof and provide the isolation protection you need for a proper install. They are available at most of the big box stores.