Power outages are common in cities like Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, especially during storms and harsh winter conditions. Many homeowners rely on generators to keep their homes powered and safe. But not all generator setups are created equal. One of the most dangerous and often misunderstood risks is electrical backfeeding.

Backfeeding is illegal in New York and can be deadly if not properly addressed. If you own a generator or are thinking about installing one, understanding what backfeeding is and how to avoid it is essential for the safety of your home, your family, and the professionals working on the electrical grid.

At Home Power Systems, we help homeowners across Western and Central New York use standby generators safely and effectively. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Electrical Backfeeding?

Backfeeding happens when a generator sends electricity into your home's wiring system and, without proper controls in place, pushes that power backward into the utility lines. Instead of simply powering your home, the current travels in reverse direction, which can energize the external power grid.

This often occurs when someone connects a portable generator directly into a wall outlet or dryer outlet, bypassing the necessary safety devices like a transfer switch. While the generator may appear to power parts of the home, it also sends live electricity through lines that utility workers may assume are shut off.

Why Backfeeding Is Dangerous

Backfeeding can cause serious injuries, equipment damage, and legal consequences. Even if the generator is functioning correctly, improper connections can put lives at risk.

Some of the most common dangers include:

• Electrocution of utility workers trying to restore power during an outage
• Electrical fires due to overloaded circuits or poor wiring
• Damage to your generator, appliances, and home's electrical system
• Violations of the National Electric Code and state laws, resulting in fines or code enforcement actions

Backfeeding is not just unsafe, it is a direct threat to the safety of your neighborhood and the professionals working to restore power.

What Causes Backfeeding?

Backfeeding typically occurs due to incorrect use or installation of a generator. Homeowners often try to restore power quickly without understanding how their electrical system is designed to work.

Common causes include:

• Plugging a portable generator into a wall or dryer outlet without a transfer switch
• Using double-ended extension cords or homemade adapter plugs
• Attempting DIY electrical hookups without proper training
• Failing to disconnect from utility service before running the generator

In many cases, these actions are taken out of urgency or misinformation. That’s why education and proper planning are so important.

How to Prevent Backfeeding

Backfeeding is entirely preventable with the right setup and professional guidance. These steps can help you avoid the risks:

• Install a professionally wired automatic transfer switch
• Never plug a generator directly into a home outlet or appliance connection
• Use a standby generator system that includes built-in safety mechanisms
• Work with licensed electricians or certified generator installers
• Keep your generator well maintained and have it inspected regularly
• Label all generator-related equipment clearly for emergency use

An automatic transfer switch is one of the most reliable safeguards. It disconnects your home from the utility grid as soon as the generator begins operating, eliminating the chance of power flowing back into external lines.

Why Transfer Switches Matter

A transfer switch is a device that isolates your home’s electrical system from the utility grid when generator power is in use. This is not only required by electrical code but also ensures your generator only supplies power to your home, not to your neighbors’ or the surrounding grid.

Automatic transfer switches work instantly and remove the need for manual intervention during a power outage. For homeowners who rely on backup power, this convenience can be both a safety feature and a peace-of-mind benefit.

Home Power Systems includes transfer switch installation with all standby generator setups. Our team ensures that every connection is compliant with New York safety regulations and local code requirements.

Why Backfeeding Is Illegal in New York

In New York State, backfeeding violates electrical code and is considered unsafe under both utility and legal guidelines. Any homeowner caught backfeeding may face penalties, especially if injury or damage occurs as a result.

Code enforcement officers, insurance companies, and utility providers treat backfeeding as a serious infraction. If a utility worker is injured due to backfeed from your home, you could be held legally responsible.

Using a properly installed standby generator system protects everyone involved and keeps your household in compliance with the law.

The Role of Professional Installation

Safe generator installation is about more than just setting up a unit in your backyard. It requires knowledge of electrical load calculations, site conditions, fuel type selection, ventilation, and regulatory requirements.

At Home Power Systems, we handle the entire process:

• Site assessment and equipment sizing
• Permitting and code compliance
• Transfer switch installation
• Safe generator placement and system testing
• Ongoing maintenance and support

Our team has installed thousands of standby systems across Western and Central New York. We’re here to make sure your generator works exactly as it should without creating safety risks for your home or community.

Backfeeding is a serious and avoidable risk in home generator use. Skipping proper installation can endanger lives and damage property.

If you're installing a new system or unsure about your current setup, Home Power Systems provides expert service across Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse.

A safe system is a reliable one. Schedule your consultation today.