• HereIAm@lemmy.world
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    4 days ago

    I will just regurgitate what I’ve heard. I think they are used in case power goes out and you have a generator. You need to disconnect from the power grid first, but it should then allow you to power tour house with the generator. It sounds more like a US thing.

    • jubilationtcornpone@sh.itjust.works
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      4 days ago

      Yes, this would technically work. Although, it would only power the hot leg the outlet is connected to which only feeds part of the house.

      It’s very dangerous for a variety of reasons. Especially if you forget to shut off the mains breaker. The transformer can backfeed power down the line at line voltages, creating a shock hazard for lineman or anyone else who might have contact with the line.

      • LH0ezVT@sh.itjust.works
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        4 days ago

        Wouldn’t any repair worker ground anything they work on first, or assume it is live? I am not even a proper electrician, but “short-circuited and grounded, or treat it as live” has been the rule forever.

        • originaltnavn@lemm.ee
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          4 days ago

          Not an electrician, but I would imagine the danger being if the technician checked the wire was off locally, started work and then the home generator starts feeding mid work.