Easy way to safely access backup power for home and free (for some PG&E customers)

[Simpso57]

Glad to hear. How long did you have to wait for the install? I signed up several months ago, no word yet.

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[Mach Turtle]

Glad to hear. How long did you have to wait for the install? I signed up several months ago, no word yet.

My wait was only about 6 weeks, though their application confirmation email said it would be several months. I never heard anything else from the office folks; a guy just showed up when I was working in my yard and installed the switch. He said something about taking extra jobs installing these things, perhaps explaining his Saturday visit.

If you haven't heard anything, that's probably good news given my experience and similar experiences of other posters on this thread. Hopefully you'll get that random visit soon.

 

[frautumn]

Glad to hear it's working for you! I still haven't had a chance to try it yet, my outages have been short ones.

especially for the update that allows power to remain on with the truck off

This is news to me -- are you saying that you can plug into the 240 outlet (or any outlet for that matter) and it will draw power even without turning the truck on? Or do you have to turn the truck on and get power flowing, then when you shut down the truck the power keeps flowing? Is there an option for this? When did this update come out?

 

[Mach Turtle]

...
This is news to me -- are you saying that you can plug into the 240 outlet (or any outlet for that matter) and it will draw power even without turning the truck on? Or do you have to turn the truck on and get power flowing, then when you shut down the truck the power keeps flowing? Is there an option for this? When did this update come out?

I've only tried the home power solution this once; others surely know more. I turned on the truck, turned on the outlets from the info screen (Features -> ProPower...) and scrolled down to set the option to keep ProPower on when then truck is off. Without setting that option, one must leave the truck on to draw power.

My buggy is an early 2024 model; I thought I'd read that the option to keep power on when the truck is off came in an OTA. Perhaps if you scroll around the ProPower options screen, you'll find that the option has quietly shown up in your truck?

 

[GDN]

I've only tried the home power solution this once; others surely know more. I turned on the truck, turned on the outlets from the info screen (Features -> ProPower...) and scrolled down to set the option to keep ProPower on when then truck is off. Without setting that option, one must leave the truck on to draw power.

My buggy is an early 2024 model; I thought I'd read that the option to keep power on when the truck is off came in an OTA. Perhaps if you scroll around the ProPower options screen, you'll find that the option has quietly shown up in your truck?

You got that as part of the '24, at least it was in the marketing materials. Ford has promised it to the rest of us ('22 and '23) as a software update, but to date, I've never heard of anyone receiving it from SW. So likely you had it from the git go.

About to give up on Ford delivering any more SW updates to our trucks. Thinking they've moved on to other models or newer models and looking forward not backwards.

 

[YellowGoat]

I also haven't had the "opportunity" to try it yet so it's nice to hear another confirmation that it just works. Interesting you have that option on the '24. Same here with a '23; no menu option and was hoping it was a software update you had got. I've not given up hope yet, but the promises of updates that never seem to come are tiresome.

 

[Mach Turtle]

I sure hope Ford adds this feature soon for everyone. It shouldn't be a very difficult backport, unless there are complex dependencies lurking in the system, and it would seem to make the vehicles significantly more secure when supplying power.

{Resisting the urge to say something sarcastic about karaoke and priorities...}

 

[Literider150]

Looks like the switch has an indicator light when utility power is available.

 

[ThatGuy10]

I am interested in this. So you are using the generink with the 30 amp and cord supplied from them to connect to your ford lightning? And a 8 foot extension due to flip gate in bed. What is the box on the cord where it connects to the meter. Is that how you get around the gfci popping off? It specifically says will not work with gfci protected generators in the paperwork and so I am confused how it is working with yours. If you could expand on type of cord you are using might help me. Cause this is a non-refundable purchase and want it to work cause my electric company will allow me to i stall here in Illinois. Thank you in advance

 

[Mach Turtle]

I am interested in this. So you are using the generink with the 30 amp and cord supplied from them to connect to your ford lightning? And a 8 foot extension due to flip gate in bed. What is the box on the cord where it connects to the meter. Is that how you get around the gfci popping off? It specifically says will not work with gfci protected generators in the paperwork and so I am confused how it is working with yours. If you could expand on type of cord you are using might help me. Cause this is a non-refundable purchase and want it to work cause my electric company will allow me to i stall here in Illinois. Thank you in advance

I'd recommend a close look at what Iroc34a has gone through to try to get this set up in your state. Posts #113 and thereafter in this thread show what Roc has gone through and the unfortunate lack of a good result (so far at least).

Unfortunately, our California utility uses a custom version of a specific switch that probably shouldn't work with the Lightning, but has worked well for several of us anyway. These units are not being made available to anyone outside this utility's service area.

We just use the 25 or 35 foot cords we were given; check post #102 by @dmd3home or more details about that.

And don't feel bad, we're paying for these perks with some of the highest rates in the continental US...

 

[Zaptor]

Question for folks that know this product reasonably well: My utility does not allow this to be installed currently, but can I purchase one and stick it on a shelf in case SHTF, and then just install it myself at that point to power the house? If I have solar, and a two-way (net metering) meter, would this in any way allow me to charge directly from solar in that event (no more grid)?
Thanks for the help and info
-Zap

 

[ThatGuy10]

Well from what I gathered; this cord will not fit the Generlink. Lock is different. So, I sent an email to TESCO about how to go about purchasing their BPTM. Maybe my electric company in Southern Illinois, which has approved the Generlink will allow the TESCO model? We shall see, hopefully a positive response. Ill update as soon as I hear anything.

I am also in southern Illinois. I am near Edwardsville. Do you have Ameren? I am waiting for a call back from them, to see if they approve the generlink and I would figure out what to do with ground at a later time from electrician if it’s approved to install.

 

[ThatGuy10]

Well from what I gathered; this cord will not fit the Generlink. Lock is different. So, I sent an email to TESCO about how to go about purchasing their BPTM. Maybe my electric company in Southern Illinois, which has approved the Generlink will allow the TESCO model? We shall see, hopefully a positive response. Ill update as soon as I hear anything.

 

[Maquis]

Question for folks that know this product reasonably well: My utility does not allow this to be installed currently, but can I purchase one and stick it on a shelf in case SHTF, and then just install it myself at that point to power the house? If I have solar, and a two-way (net metering) meter, would this in any way allow me to charge directly from solar in that event (no more grid)?
Thanks for the help and info
-Zap

Unless you already have islanding capability, adding this will not let you use solar during an outage.

 

[Iroc34a]

I am also in southern Illinois. I am near Edwardsville. Do you have Ameren? I am waiting for a call back from them, to see if they approve the generlink and I would figure out what to do with ground at a later time from electrician if it’s approved to install.

I am in Holiday Shores. And have Southwestern Electric COOP.

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