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Can I Share My Electricity With My Neighbor?

Sharing electricity with a neighbor seems like an interesting idea, but is it simple as it sounds? In most cases, it’s not! As electricity bills are getting higher, one way to reduce your electric bill is to share electricity with your neighbor.

But is it actually possible? Besides the fact that this can be dangerous, it is prohibited by law in most states. However, this is not always the case. In this article, we’ll discuss how to share electricity with your neighbor and what to look for. So, let’s start!

Can I Share My Electricity With My Neighbor? It is possible to share electricity with a neighbor by using an outdoor extension cord and connecting it to your power supply. However, before doing this, National Electrical Codes need to be checked to ensure that everything is safe. Some states prohibit sharing electricity.

Technically it is possible to share electricity with the neighbor. However, it’s not a practice. Sharing electricity is mostly recommended during emergency situations. Before you start sharing your electricity, be sure to check that everything is legal and that safety measures have been taken. In the next chapter, we’ll talk more about that.

Safety Requirements When Sharing Electricity

Safety measures must be followed for electricity to be shared between two houses. The National Electrical Codes (NEC) prescribes strict requirements for sharing electricity between homes. This is because electrical wires are placed above ground level. Without these measures, you pose a great danger to yourself and others. Electricity can very easily cause a fire and do a lot of damage.

Note! National Electrical Code (NEC) is an adoptable standard that is used for electrical wiring and safe installation in the United States.

Is It Illegal To Share Electricity From One House To Another?

In most states, it is illegal to share electricity between two homes. However, this usually depends on how far houses are separated and where you live. Sharing electricity between two houses is done by using an extension cord that is connected from one house and transferred to another house.

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However, using an extension cord is not a permanent solution. Also, this method can only be used if houses are very close. Therefore, be sure to check your local regulations before you do this. The penalties for doing this can be quite high, and you don’t want to risk getting caught. Never try to run an extension cord across the street to the neighbor’s house.

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Why Would Someone Share Electricity With A Neighbor?

Electricity sharing

Although this is not a common practice, sharing electricity can have its own advantages. If you live in a place where this is allowed by law, then you can use it in the following situations:

1. Lower Your Energy Bill

Sharing electricity between two homes can reduce your energy bill in the long run. That way you’ll pay less money each month. However, this depends on your neighbor’s needs.

If you know that you have a neighbor with similar or lower electrical needs than you, it is definitely a profitable move. On the other hand, if your neighbor spends a lot of electricity, you should consider whether it is a smart move.

2. In Emergency Cases

If your neighbor finds himself in an emergency situation where he needs electricity, then this option is preferable. However, this only applies for a short period of time.

Also, make sure that the neighbor’s house is right next to yours because the extension cord is not allowed to go across the road.

Can Your Neighbor Steal Your Electricity?

Yes, your neighbor can steal electricity from your home in a few different ways. This can be done by tapping into your power lines. However, most people are not technically trained to do this, nor do they have the necessary equipment. Stealing electricity is illegal, and the penalty for that is very high in most states.

Related Article: How Much Power (Watts) Does An AC Use?

How To Tell If Neighbor Is Stealing Your Electricity?

Ways to tell if someone is stealing electricity from your house

There are a few ways how you can tell if someone is connected to your power source and stealing the electricity. Although it would be best to contact the police if you are suspicious. Here are the most common ways:

Increased Electricity Bill

In most cases, the electricity bill should be approximately the same, depending on the season. If you notice a sudden increase in electricity, this could be the first sign that something is wrong.

However, before you decide to accuse your neighbor of this, check if there is an extension cord around your house that leads to the neighbor’s house.

Check Your Electrical Meter

Another way to check if your neighbor is stealing your electricity is to turn off the electricity in your home. You can do this by going to the main electrical box and turning off the main breaker. Now go to your electric meter and check if it’s turning. If your meter is turning, then someone else is using “stealing” electricity from your home.

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Check The Fuses

A power surge can occur when too much electricity is used at the same time. This can be a sign of a blown fuse. If your household’s electrical consumption is high, you will notice that some appliances turn on and off. If this is the case in your house, then someone is probably stealing your electricity.

Look For Cables Or Wires That Hangs From Your House

Look around the house and pay attention to any electrical cables that are hanging from your house. If you notice some hanging wires or cables, it may be a sign that someone else is using electricity from your home. Don’t touch them because it can be dangerous. The best is to call a professional electrician to see what that is.

For those who have a garage door opener you might be interested to know How Much Power (kWh) Does a Garage Door Opener Use?

FAQ: People Also Ask

What Color Wires Go to What?

Homes usually have black, blue, white, green, and red wire. Green (or green with yellow) wire is protective ground. White is neutral. Single phase wire is black, while red is the second active.

Can Neighbor Pass A Power Cable Over My Property?

No, a third party is not allowed to pass or install a cable or wire over someone’s land without an owner’s permission. However, some exceptions are possible in some countries that allow this, but they are rare.

What To Do If Someone Is Stealing Electricity From Your Home?

The first thing to do if you notice that someone is stealing electricity from your home is to contact the police and your electric provider. Do not take matters into your own hands, and let the local authorities do the job.

Final Thoughts

Electricity can be shared with the neighbor as long as all safety measures are met. However, when using an extension cord, you must not drag it across the road because it can be dangerous. Be sure to check with law authorities that it is allowed to share electricity in your city/state.

If not, don’t do it. I hope that through this article, we have introduced you to the basic parts that you must know about sharing electricity with your neighbor. Also, don’t forget to watch whether one of your neighbors might be stealing your electricity.

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