How doo you wire a 4 wire 240 volt plug for a generator to a 3 wire 240 volt house circuit.

Thank you... Guy

YOU DO NOT!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

You use a transfer switch or main breaker interlock.

How doo you wire a 4 wire 240 volt plug for a generator to a 3 wire 240 volt house circut.

Thank you...Guy

ggalante, where did you get this idea from?

If it's from your neighbors, then steer clear--they are on the wrong page!

If it's a 4 wire 220, it has 2 hot legs, one neutral leg and one groud (much like an electric oven) it has 2 hots because its 220, it has a neutral because it has some components that operate on 110 (so it pulls 110 off one on the hot legs and sends it back via the neutral), usually the timer or a light on an appliance.
A 3 wire (say for an central air unit) only has 2 hots and a groud, it doesn't have a neutral because there is nothing operating at 110volts in it...

So, yes, you don't do it

While this is true Jock, that is the far lesser of the reasons.

The real reason is that: 1) making a "suicide cord"is just about one of the STUPIDEST things you could ever do (I would hope for obvious reasons), and 2) by doing this there is no "transfer" action.
There IS the real chance the utility will be back fed and that someone will be hurt or killed.

I don't care so much about the person who makes a cord like this, Darwin will take care of them in the end, it's their unsuspecting families and the utility workers who will suffer.

I see the OP was on at 9:44pm last night, yet did not reply.

I hope he got the message.

I see the OP was on at 9:44pm last night, yet did not reply.

I hope he got the message.

He'll get it, once he or she is in handcuffs. :eek: :rolleyes:

While this is true Jock, that is the far lesser of the reasons.

The real reason is that: 1) making a "suicide cord"is just about one of the STUPIDEST things you could ever do (I would hope for obvious reasons), and 2) by doing this there is no "transfer" action.
There IS the real chance the utility will be back fed and that someone will be hurt or killed.

I don't care so much about the person who makes a cord like this, Darwin will take care of them in the end, it's their unsuspecting families and the utility workers who will suffer.


Thank you all. I will look at getting a transfer switch.

Guy :)

Thank you all. I will look at getting a transfer switch.

Guy :) Now this is the kind of DIY we are looking for!! Someone who is willing to listen, and act on what we know as professionals!!

;) ;) ;)

What about if the MAIN breaker is pulled - don't have power lines down - can't get back to transmission lines

what about if the MAIN breaker is pulled - don't have power lines down - can't get back to transmission linesTry and justify it all you want. It's still not right or safe. Even three years later.