---
title: "What Is Backfeed? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Backfeed is power flowing the wrong way, from a generator or other source back through house wiring and onto the utility lines."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/backfeed
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Backfeed

Backfeed is power flowing the wrong way, from a generator or other source back through house wiring and onto the utility lines.

Backfeed happens when a generator is wired or plugged into a house without a proper [transfer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transfer-switch). Power can travel back through the meter onto the lines outside. CPSC says to never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as backfeeding.

This is extremely dangerous. It puts utility workers and neighbors on the same utility transformer at risk of electrocution. A line that looks dead can be live. Use a [portable generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-generator) only with cords to appliances, or have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch. See [emergency electrical help](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/emergency-electrical-help).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Transfer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transfer-switch)
-   [Portable generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-generator)
-   [Standby generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/standby-generator)
-   [Power outage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/power-outage)

## Sources

1.  [CPSC Safety Alert: Portable Generator Hazards](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5123_SafetyAlert_PortableGenerators_102021.pdf)
2.  [CPSC Safety Alert: Portable Generator Hazards](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5123_SafetyAlert_PortableGenerators_102021.pdf)

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