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.
Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring.
Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring
can be deadly to you and others. 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.
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.
Never plug a portable electric generator into a regular
household outlet.
Plugging a generator into a regular household outlet can energize "dead"
power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers. 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.
Don't overload the generator.
Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator.
Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and
electronics. Prioritize your needs. A portable electric generator should be
used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment.
Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
Just like your automobile, a portable generator uses an internal combustion
engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. 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, and protected from direct exposure
to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport.
Use the proper power cords.
Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated
cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load. Overloaded cords can
cause fires or equipment damage. Don't use extension cords with exposed wires
or worn shielding. Make sure the cords from the generator don't present a tripping
hazard. Don't run cords under rugs where heat might build up or cord damage
may go unnoticed.
Read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for
safe operation.
Don't cut corners when it comes to safety. Carefully read and observe all instructions
in your portable electric generator's owner manual.
To prevent electrical shock, make sure your generator is
properly grounded.
Consult your manufacturer's manual for correct grounding procedures.
Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator
while it's running.
Gasoline (and other flammable liquids) should be stored outside of living areas
in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers. 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. 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.
Avoid getting burned.
Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation.
Keep children away from portable electric generators at
all times.
