Safety Tips
Portable Generator Safety Tips
If you have a portable generator and intend on using it for backup power, here are some important portable generator safety tips:
- Never operate your generator inside. Gasoline powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Use generators only in a well ventilated area.
- Determine the equipment you need to operate with your portable generator. Connect the equipment directly to your generator using properly sized and grounded extension cords. Never overload your generator.
- PREVENT BACKFEED! NEVER CONNECT YOUR GENERATOR TO YOUR HOMES WIRING. SIMPLY TURNING OFF YOUR MAIN SWITCH OR BREAKER IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. BACKFEED OCCURS WHEN AN IMPROPERLY CONNECTED GENERATOR BEGINS FEEDING POWER BACK INTO LCUB'S POWER LINES. THIS COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL LCUB WORKERS OR NEIGHBORS.
- TO PREVENT BACKFEED, LCUB recommends one of the following methods:
1) Directly connect equipment or appliances to the generator.
2) Use a TRANSFER SWITCH, installed by a licensed electrician.
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