Editing Backfeeding (section)

== Types of backfeeding ==

=== Intentional backfeeding ===
Development and economization of consumer power generation equipment such as [[wind turbine]]s and [[photovoltaic systems]] has led to an increase in the number of consumers that may produce more electrical power than they consume during peak generating conditions. If supported by the consumer's [[electric utility]] provider, the excess power generated may be fed back into the electrical grid. This process makes the typical consumer a temporary producer while the flow of electrical power remains reversed. When backfeeding is performed this way, electric utility providers will install a specially engineered [[electrical meter]] that is capable of [[net metering]]. 

=== Unintentional backfeeding ===
A common source of unintentional backfeeding is an electrical generator (typically a [[portable generator]]) that is improperly connected to a building electrical system. A properly installed electrical generator incorporates the use of a [[transfer switch]] or [[generator interlock kit]] to ensure the incoming electrical service line is disconnected when the generator is providing power to the building. In the absence (or improper usage) of a transfer switch, unintentional backfeeding may occur when the power provided by the electrical generator is able to flow over the electrical service line. Because an electrical [[transformer]] is capable of operating in both directions, electrical power generated from equipment on the consumer's premises can backfeed through the transformer and energize the distribution line to which the transformer is connected.<ref>{{cite web |last1=J.W. |title=What is Backfeeding |url=https://www.electricianslibrary.com/what-is-backfeeding/ |website=Electrician's Library|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726134522/https://www.electricianslibrary.com/what-is-backfeeding/ |archive-date=2020-07-26 }}</ref>

=== Intrinsic backfeeding ===
Backfeeding also exists in other instances where a location that is typically a generator becomes a consumer. This is commonly seen when an electrical generation plant is shut down or operating at such a reduced capacity that its [[Losses in electrical systems#Parasitic_loss|parasitic load]] becomes greater than its generated power.<ref>{{cite web |last1=J.W. |title=What is Backfeeding |url=https://www.electricianslibrary.com/what-is-backfeeding/ |website=Electrician's Library|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726134522/https://www.electricianslibrary.com/what-is-backfeeding/ |archive-date=2020-07-26 }}</ref> The parasitic power load is the result of the usage of: pumps, facility lighting, HVAC equipment, and other control equipment that must remain active regardless of actual electrical power production. Electrical utilities often take steps to decrease their overall parasitic load to minimize this type of backfeeding and improve efficiency.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vesel |first1=Richard |title=Utilities Can Improve Power Plant Efficiency, Become Emission-Compliant in Short Term |url=https://www.power-grid.com/2012/11/01/utilities-can-improve-power-plant-efficiency-become-emission-compliant-in-short-term/#gref |website=Power Grid International}}</ref>