Portable electric generators offer great benefits when outages affect your home. Below are guidelines for safely connecting and operating portable generators. Additional information is available about selecting and purchasing generators.
Home Wiring
Danger
Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others.
Reason
A generator that is directly connected to your home’s wiring can ‘backfeed’ onto the power lines connected to your home.
Utility transformers can then “step-up” or increase this backfeed to thousands of volts—enough to kill a utility lineman making outage repairs a long way from your house.
You could also cause expensive damage to utility equipment and your generator.
Prevention
The only safe way to connect a portable electric generator to your existing wiring is to have a licensed electrical contractor install a transfer switch.
The transfer switch transfers power from the utility power lines to the power coming from your generator.
Outlets
Danger
Never plug a portable electric generator into a regular household outlet.
Reason
Plugging a generator into a regular household outlet can energize “dead” power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers.
Prevention
Connect individual appliances that have their outdoor-rated power cords directly to the receptacle outlet of the generator.
Or connect these cord-connected appliances to the generator with the appropriate outdoor-rated power cord having a sufficient wire gauge to handle the electrical load.
Overloading
Danger
Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator.
Reason
Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics.
Prevention
Prioritize your needs. A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment.
Where to Use Generator
Danger
Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
Reason
Just like your automobile, a portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide.
Prevention
Be sure to place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house.
Only operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home.
Should be protected from direct exposure to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport.
Power Cords
Danger
Don’t use extension cords with exposed wires or worn sheilding.
Don’t run cords under rugs where heat might build up or cord damage may go unnoticed.
Reason
Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage.
Prevention
Plug individual appliances into the generator using heady-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Make sure the cords from the generator don’t present a tripping hazard.
Fueling Generator
Danger
Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
Reason
They should not be stored in a garage if a fuel-burning appliance is in the garage.
The vapor from gasoline can travel invisibly along the ground and be ignited by pilot lights or electric arcs caused by turning on the lights.
Prevention
Gasoline (and other flammable liquids) should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
Avoid spilling fuel on hot components.
Put out all flames or cigarettes when handling gasoline.
Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator.
Never attempt to refuel a portable generator while it’s running.
Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down your generator.
Shocks/Burns
Danger
Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation.
Reason
To prevent electrical shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded.
Prevention
Consult your manufacturer’s manual for correct grounding procedures.
Keep children away from portable electric generators at all times.