Generator Safety

Customers who use portable generators to deal with power outages must be sure to use them safely. Otherwise the results could be far worse than the loss of electricity: injury or death to yourself, a utility line worker or someone else.

Improperly installed generators can cause deadly exhaust fumes to accumulate in a home. They can also backfeed electricity into utility lines, seriously injuring or electrocuting a line worker. Improper installation can also damage your generator or appliances. Be sure to follow these safety guidelines:

• Read the owner's manual before starting your generator.
• Operate the generator outdoors to avoid deadly fumes accumulating in the house. Never run a generator in a shed, barn, garage or other structure.
• When using a portable generator, plug appliances directly into the generator, or have the generator properly attached to your home's wiring by a qualified electrician, who will install a special transfer switch as required by the National Electrical Code. The switch will ensure that electricity from the generator won't backfeed into electric lines or endanger the line workers and others.
• Never connect a portable generator to your home's main electrical panel; never plug it into an electrical outlet of your home.

A dealer in generators or an electrician should be able to help you select the size of generator and transfer switch (manual or automatic) suitable for your needs.

Note: In some cases, a state permit and inspection of generator installations is required.