Originally Posted by raslaje

I had a “know it all” neighbor who showed me his home wiring handiwork. All the black wires were connected to ground because as he explained to me “black is ground”. Apparently he was consistent with his color code as everything worked fine. But it convinces me that it would be unsafe to let every homeowner come up with his own technique to isolate his generator from his utility's power.
I think you and Billybob have made some reasonable statements. I have a lot of respect for the linemen who not only have a dangerous job but need to do it in rain, in darkness, among tree branches and sometimes speeding drivers.
And I appreciate your postings coming from someone with actual experience.