Use Caution When Using Back-Up Generators

During a power outage, you may find yourself in the dark and unable to use your appliances for a period of time. A generator can provide temporary electricity that, depending on type, can power a few appliances or an entire building. While convenient during an outage, generators used improperly can also create safety hazards.

Before investing in a generator, think first about your electrical needs and usage. Know the difference between standby and portable generators:

• Standby generators are wired directly into the home and can be sized to match the electrical demands of the home or building. A permanently installed standby generator must have an approved transfer safety switch to avoid feeding electricity back into the electrical system outdoors, creating what’s known as “backfeed.” Backfeed is dangerous for line workers as well as anyone who may be near downed power lines.
• Portable generators do not permanently attach to the home, and can power only the appliances that are plugged into the generator, so consider essential electrical needs when choosing. To avoid backfeed into the utility electrical system, the portable generator should never be plugged directly into the home.

Consult and discuss your purchase options with a reliable vendor, your electric supplier and contractors,” advises Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Engineering Educator. “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.”

If installed and operated correctly, use of standby or portable electric generators poses little danger. 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.

The risk of generator accidents is highest between November and February due to winter storms.

Don’t wait for a power outage to prepare for safety. Before using a portable generator, read all manufacturer instructions. 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 ‘backfeed.’  Backfeed 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 Solomon.  “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.

Follow 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.
• Place the generator in a dry, open, well-ventilated area away from the home or garage. Using your generator in a space that does not have adequate ventilation increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (CO) from fumes.
• Install CO detectors around the home and test them regularly. CO is odorless and colorless and can be deadly. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you suspect a problem, seek fresh air immediately.
• 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 backfeed also can damage the generator and home electrical equipment.
• Make sure nothing is plugged in to the generator before you turn it on. After starting it, only plug appliances or those connected to heavy-duty extension cords directly into the generator.
• Unplug all appliances before turning off the power of the generator.
• 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.
• Keep children and pets a safe distance from generators.
• 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.

These safety guidelines and basic operating instructions should be posted in the home and with the generator.