I haven't seen any warnings about electrocution in water soaked Texas homes.

[rickford66]

Power goes off. Pipes freeze and burst. Everything is soaked. Power comes back on. Home owners should have pulled their main breakers until power restored and home inspected by someone competent. In fact many of those breakers or at least some of the circuits will trip when power is restored. Also when people start using portable generators, I hope they are warned about plugging directly into an existing socket. People do this but if done wrong people get killed. Also remember to shut off water at the main in anticipation when full pressure returns. These steps could save the lives of the owners but also anyone entering the home if abandoned. Police and firemen will go house to house at some point.

[jtb653]

1. can you expand on the following?

not sure what you mean.

"I hope they are warned about plugging directly into an existing socket"

thanks.

[ret5hd]

2. Imagine an electric cord with 2 male ends...

instead of one male end one female end.

Some dumbasses plug one end into the "power out" outlet of their portable generator...then plug the other end into an outlet in their house.

Now, there is power (although very limited amperage) in the house...enough for fridge, a light or two. But they are also putting power into the electric line between the pole and the house...threatening injury to any unlucky electric company worker. Unless they are smart enough to pull the disconnect at their meter. And they aren't that smart, or they wouldn't be doing this.

And they have also bypassed the breakers in their breaker panel.

Just a good way to get people hurt or killed.

[gay texan]

4. It gets boosted through the pole transformer

I'm memory serves me correct

[mobeau69]

6. There is no "disconnect" at the meter. They literally pull the meter.

[rickford66]

3. Sure

You pull your main breakers or remove the main fuses and plug the generator into an existing receptacle. Sort of reversing the normal flow of power. This will power all your circuits. If the mains are accidentally restored while the generator is still connected, the power lines entering the home are energized, potentially killing linemen who are working on what they believe to be dead lines. They of course check before working, but this accident could happen after they start work. I know people who have done this.

[jtb653]

7. Thanks to all...

good stuff to know.

[Drahthaardogs]

5. I back bleed all the time

Because I am on a well. Just make sure to trip the main breaker