Generator Safety

• Printable Generator Safety brochure (PDF: 176.2K)

You can use a portable generator to supply electricity to your appliances if an emergency exists during a power outage. But if used improperly, they can kill you and the people who are restoring power to your building. They also can damage the appliances you connect.

Generator sizes vary. Common units can be from 8 to 14 horsepower and capable of handling from 4,000 to 8,400 watts (including starting surge requirements). Prices may range from $800 to $3,000.

Connecting a generator to the main electrical supply for your house requires the services of a qualified, licensed electrician. Installing the connection and switch (as explained at right) can cost $600 to $1,000.

Before connecting the generator to your household circuit, notify your electric cooperative.

If you have a standby power generator that you plan to use incase the power goes out, it’s important to frequently check that your generator is running properly and ready for emergencies.

Your check of the equipment should include the actual connection and running of your generator to assure it is in proper working order. This test will also familiarize yourself with the proper operation under non-emergency conditions.

Transfer standby generators must have a double-throw switch. The safe and proper connection of your generator requires a transfer switch to completely disconnect the generator from the cooperative’s electric system. This switch prevents the fl ow of current into the utility’s lines, which could electrocute line workers who are working to restore power, or could present a hazard to livestock near downed power lines. The switch also protects the generator from potential damage when regular electric service is restored.

The drawing illustrates a transfer switch used below the breaker box at a farmstead or home meter pole. The transfer switch is owned by the consumer and be installed by a licensed electrician.

Before transferring the electric load, the generator must be brought up to speed. Once up to speed and generating the right voltage, the load can be switched to the generator. Run your generator under load for an hour. This polishes any brush connections in the generator, plus it will dry out any moisture that has accumulated since you last used the unit.

Establish a periodic starting schedule to exercise the generator. Some manufacturers suggest operating a tractor-driven generator at least one hour every three months. Engine-driven units should be operated more frequently to check battery charge levels and other starting components.

Also, use the generator every so often with a typical electric load to ensure that it can carry the load. Over the years, you may have added electric loads that weren’t taken into consideration when you bought the generator. Remember, your standby generator is like an insurance policy. It isn’t much good if it’s not kept up-to-date. If you need assistance determining which generator will fi t your home, farm or ranch needs, contact your local electric cooperative.

WARNING

If you connect a portable electric generator to the main electrical supply coming into the house, the electrical generator could feed back into your electric cooperative’s system and electrocute workers who are repairing the electrical lines.

To avoid back-feeding of electricity into utility systems, you must have a qualified, licensed electrician install a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch (see illustration inside) between the generator and utility power in compliance
with all state and local electrical codes. (A minimum of 10-gauge wiring must be used.)

Your generator might not be large enough to handle the load of all the lights, appliances, TV, etc. at one time. To
prevent dangerous overloading, calculate wattage requirements correctly.