“If installed and operated correctly, use of standby or portable electric generators poses little danger,” says Deb Borton, Communications Manager of Consumers Energy “But improper installation or use could be dangerous to you and threaten the lives of your family, friends, neighbors and electric utility crews trying to restore service.”
Of the more than 10 million portable
electric generators sold, it’s estimated only a small percentage are hooked up
correctly. Consumers Energy urges consumers to understand the proper safety
steps that must be taken.
“Consult and discuss your purchase options
with a reliable vendor, your electric supplier and contractors,” advises Borton.
“A qualified vendor or electric professional will know existing safety codes
and the utility’s safety requirements, and can help you select the best
equipment for your needs and situation.”
Properly connecting the generator into the
system is a critical step for safe and effective use. A licensed professional
should install a permanent, standby electric generator and can help with proper
equipment for safely using a portable generator.
Have a qualified electrician install a
transfer switch. The transfer switch breaks the path of electricity between the
power lines and your main electrical panel. This is the best way to protect
you, your neighbors and repair crews from back feed. Back feed occurs when an
improperly connected generator begins feeding electricity “back” through the
power lines. This can seriously injure anyone near lines, especially crews
working to restore power.
“Safety for the operators and users of a
generating system in the home and utility crews cannot be over-emphasized,”
says Borton. “A qualified electrician should be consulted to ensure proper
installation and electrical grounding requirements, circuit overload
protections and local codes are met.”
Some homeowners choose smaller, portable
generators to power essential electrical equipment during outages. Consumers
Energy offers these tips for the safe operation and use of portable generators:
· Read and follow all manufacturer
operating instructions to properly ground the generator. Be sure you understand
them before hooking up the generator.
· Maintain adequate ventilation.
Generators emit carbon monoxide. Never operate a generator in your home,
garage, or other enclosed building. Place it in a dry, outside location.
· Never plug a portable electric
generator into a wall outlet or connect directly to a home’s wiring. This can
energize utility power lines and injure you or others working nearby.
Electrical back feed also can damage the generator and home electrical equipment.
· Turn off generator and allow cooling
before refueling. Gasoline and its vapors may ignite if they come in contact
with hot components or an electrical spark. Store fuel in a
properly designed container in a secure location.
· Protect your appliances. Turn off or
disconnect all appliances and lights before you begin operating the portable
generator. Once the generator is running, turn your appliances and lights on
one at a time to avoid overloading the unit.
· Use proper extension cords. Use only
safety-tested, shop-type electrical cords designed and rated for heavier,
outdoor use to connect appliances. Many generators are equipped with twist-lock
connects to reduce the chance of accidental disconnections due to vibrations.
· Shut down generator properly. Before
shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment
being powered by the generator.
· Remember maintenance between uses. It’s
important to drain the gasoline from the generator while it is being stored.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the fuel and oil filters, spark plug, oil
level and fuel quality and start the generator on a regular basis before an
emergency situation happens.
Consumers Energy suggests that these safety
guidelines and basic operating instructions be posted in the home and with the
generator.
Consumers Energy is a local, member-owned energy
solutions cooperative specializing in energy delivery and energy
management. The cooperative serves over
5,000 members and customers in six counties throughout Central Iowa;