Backfeeding

So you know the exact moment the power finally comes back and stabilizes without risking your expensive gear.

But we need to pivot here because while we are talking about power, our source issued a terrifying warning about portable generators and a phenomenon called backfeeding.

Backfeeding is unequivocally one of the most deadly mistakes a homeowner can make during a prolonged blackout.

It kills people every year.

How does it happen?

The failure modes are physical and dangerous.

Backfeeding, arc faults, phase mismatches, those can destroy equipment or kill people, which is why the strict isolation requirements have no network equivalent.

A dropped packet is an inconvenience.

A phase mismatch at a closed transition switch is an explosion.

That lethal current is sent exactly where utility linemen are working with their bare hands in the storm, assuming the lines are dead, to restore your power.

Backfeeding can and has electrocuted utility workers.

That is just awful.

If you want a generator to power your home's integrated circuits, you must legally hire a licensed electrician to install a mechanical transfer switch that physically disconnects your house from the grid while the generator is running.