Portable Generator Safety
What you need to know about generator safety
The use of portable home generators has increased for numerous reasons, and they are very beneficial during an extended power outage. However, if they are not installed and operated properly, generators can threaten the safety of your family, the general public, emergency service personnel and utility crews involved in the restoration of your electricity.
No emergency generator, whatever its size, should ever be connected directly to household wiring. When a generator is connected directly to a home’s wiring by being plugged directly into an electrical outlet, the energy produced by that generator can back-flow through the household wiring, the service wire, and even through the transformer serving the home. Utility repair crews working on what should be a de-energized line risk serious injury from this current; and so do neighbors who may touch a downed power line.Children, pets and livestock can all be endangered when a generator is connected to household wiring without proper safeguards.
Adding a standby portable generator to a home or business requires a proper transfer device to disconnect the generator's electric load from the power line grid. To safely connect and operate your generator, you can use the GenerLink, available from First Electric, or you can have a licensed electrician install a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch.
Once installed, operate the generator according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper ventilation, limited load and preventive maintenance are all essential to safe operation.
Download or view the document below for more portable home generator safety tips.
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Portable Generator Safety Tips | 05/12/2010 |  
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