Sure, you can charge it with regular J1772 EVSE and plug in the 120V/240V power output into a power inlet backed by transfer switch/interlock kit when you want to use it for backup power just a backup generator. Permitting is covered by the "local code requirements" I mentioned.
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New backup battery? [Ford F150 lightning bi directional feature]
- Thread starter charlesj
- Start date
Sure, you can charge it with regular J1772 EVSE and plug in the 120V/240V power output into a power inlet backed by transfer switch/interlock kit when you want to use it for backup power just a backup generator. Permitting is covered by the "local code requirements" I mentioned.
You will need Ford's special charge station and home management system. From the insidevs article linked above;
"With Ford Intelligent Backup Power, enabled by the available 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and home management system Ford can help install, F-150 Lightning automatically kicks in to power your house.*
Sounds expensive.
We can only speculate, but what isnt speculation is that many homes would have "challenges" in adding an 80amp circuit for continuous use to their panel, without some additional work, panel changes etc.
You don't need that if you just want to use it like a backup generator. Ford is not only supporting automated V2H but also on-demand power for camping or job sites.
Of course but we are discussing its use as a backup a la a power wall otherwise the discussion doesn't belong in this forum.
Well, there have been plenty PW vs backup generator threads in the forum.
I guess I misinterpreted what you are saying then. Using this as a portable generator substitute is one thing. As a backup generator are you suggesting back feeding the house through a receptacle from the 30A 240V receptacle in the truck? I would be surprised if that could be made code compliant even with a transfer switch.
Why do yo think it won't be code compliant with a transfer switch? It's often used for portable generators as backup power for houses.
Here is example generator usage rules from Sonoma county (Generator Safety - Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information)
Connect your generator correctly
- Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
- Never try to power house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “back feeding.” It can lead to the electrocution of utility workers or neighbors served by the same utility transformer.
- The only safe way to connect a generator to house wiring is to have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch.
skepticcyclist
Member
You have to purchase the "Charge Station Pro" to allow you to feed your house with power from the truck. The premium version comes with this station. Other models you can purchase it separately
Or, drill it into your head that one must turn off main breaker at meter first before energizing wall outlet with the generator.
I have done this many times in the past; no more need though with PW.
With a transfer switch (which is the only correct way to power a home with a backup generator) you do not need to drill into your head to turn off the main. It is part of the process to energize off of backup...
No, relying on humans to get the procedure right is not a sufficiently safe way to disconnect from the grid. Power company electrical workers do not want to rely on you. Do not do this in the future.
Cheers, Wayne
That's not the only way it can power a house. It also has a 240V/120V locking outlet.
The same outlet is commonly found on larger portable generators like the one below and it's often used to provide backup power for a house.
Are we talking about a Ford pickup truck that hasn't been released yet, or a Honda gas generator?
Because if it's the former; Ford had said you're only going to be able to push energy back into your house from the truck if you have their more expensive trim and special charge connector. And logic states that the person who owns this fancy truck with a desire to also have resiliency is going to have to spend extra $$$ to get this installed correctly. They'll want to charge their truck on normal days when everything at the PoCo is normal. And they'll use the same plug to backfeed when the PoCo goes offline. Since it's the same plug being used for two separate purposes, the special Ford charging station and proper installation is required for both features to be had and still comply with code.
If it's the latter; then yes, you can buy a Honda generator and backfeed your house. Although where I live, you'd need a permit and implement safety features to protect line workers. Some random bloke cannot just buy a fancy Honda generator, plug it into a NEMA outlet in their mudroom then run their fridge.
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