Using Electric Generators
Safely
Portable electric
generators can provide temporary power to a few items during a power outage.
However, unsafe use of generators can damage property and injure or kill
people.
Safety begins with
buying a properly-sized generator. Determine which items, such as a water
pump, freezer or lights, would need power in an emergency. Buy a generator
that will produce the amount of power you would need. Consult a licensed
electrician to determine the proper load size.
Here are some guidelines
for using generators safely:
- Do not plug more
appliances into a generator than there are receptacles.
- Do not use a generator
in or near water or in a damp or enclosed area.
- Do not operate
a generator indoors.
- Never plug
the generator into a wall receptacle; a fire or electrocution may result.
Electricity will back-feed from the generator into the building's wiring
and the power lines outside the building. This could start a fire if
wiring or the building's electric service connection has been damaged.
Back-fed power also can energize downed power lines and travel through
transformers. Unsuspecting electric lineworkers and other people who
come into contact with downed power lines could be electrocuted. A generator
plugged into a wall receptacle also could be damaged or cause damage
to the building when power is restored.
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