Generator Safety

This was written by a qualified electrician. Please read in detail.  Improper use and installation of a generator can KILL!

P    Proper and Improper Installations

• A.    Improper Installations:

•  

• 1.       One that uses a cord that runs from your generator to your dryer outlet.

• 2.       One that uses a cord to connect to a 20 or 30 amp outlet installed by a so-called electrician.

• 3.       One that uses a cord to connect to your generator, then into a circuit breaker into your house panel.

§        These types of installations are less expensive but most dangerous to your generator and also to our utility linemen & women. Use a Transfer Switch.

§        If you do not follow "a proper sequence" when you're using your generator for backup utility, you run the risk of the line utility being restored and feeding power back into your generator and destroying it. Likewise, you can send electrical power back in to the utility power lines and kill utility workers who are unaware that the lines are energized,  thanks to your generator and its improper installation.

§        Many electricians will make these types of installations for a quick buck. However, they know it is not safe and they can be liable should you or someone else get injured or killed.

2.                        B.     Proper Installation

1. 1.     Use an Underwriters Laboratory  (UL) approved extension cord to supply power to your appliance (i.e. refrigerator or freezer).

2.  

3. 2.     Or use either a manual or automatic transfer switch.

    §       These types of switches are more expensive than just having a plug                 

                   installed under your house panel, but they are worth it.

§         How they work:  A transfer switch is like a mini house panel. It will have  

         breakers (between 4 and 12 usually) that can be switched from utility power to 

         generator power in the event of a power outage. You can plug in your Power

         Cord ( usually supplied with your transfer switch) from your generator to your

         transfer switch. (They have an outlet specifically designed for this purpose).

•                §       Start your generator: Turn on the circuits that you want your generator to supply 

                           with electricity. (If you have a manual transfer switch, it can operate your

                           refrigerator, freezer, living room TV, well pump, etc.).

                

                  These transfer switches are designed to allow power to a circuit from only one power 

                  source at a time, either the utility power line or the generator. A transfer switch keeps

                  your generator power from entering the utility lines and creating a hazard for utility

                  line workers. Another advantage of using a transfer switch is that your generator will

                  not be damaged when utility power is restored.

                          Licensed electricians are never supposed to make improper installations, but

                          sometimes, they do. Safety-conscious electricians will only make a proper installation 

                          by using a transfer switch. This type of installation is the safest for all involved.

      C.   Where to Operate your generator

1.       Never operate the generator inside your home or garage or next to an open window.

        §      The carbon monoxide created by your generator can silently kill you or your whole 

               family in a matter of minutes. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas  

               that can cause sudden illness and death.

        §      If you're concerned about someone stealing your generator when you leave it outside

               running, chain it up to your car outside of your garage or to a tree. Put a chain around

               your cars frame and then through the frame of the generator.

        §      If you're concerned about the noise, don't be. Everyone has the right to buy and

               operate a generator. Just because your neighbor didn't opt to prepare for an outage

               doesn't mean you should be in the dark. Some areas may have a noise ordinance.

               Nothing loud say after 10pm. In that case you may have to turn it off until daybreak. At

               least your food should not spoil in that amount of time.

        §       If the cord supplied is not long enough to reach your transfer switch from outside the

               garage, purchase one long enough so that CO fumes will not become a health hazard

               to you and your family. For the money involved it is well worth your life!

I truly hope that this information will save lives, maybe even yours. If I have accomplished this, the time spend here was well worth it!

Written by an anonymous electrician and right to the point.

Safety comes first.