Generator Safety

Portable generators are a convenient source of power (1) during construction projects and (2) after severe storms that could disrupt power for an extended period.

Portable generators can serve a great emergency need among those who rely on a steady power supply for life support equipment, livestock, or critical business functions. But generators can only meet these needs if they are connected safely and used properly.

The biggest safety issue is "back feed". An improperly connected generator can "back feed" electricity from a home to the transformer. The same transformer that reduces voltage to a safe level for home use — 120/240 volts — increases voltage from a portable generator to 7,200 volts or greater, and sends it to the power lines. This can be fatal for linemen working on power lines which are assumed to be de-energized.

Linemen take great precautions to determine that the power lines are de-energized while they work. But they have little way of knowing where or when a portable home generator may send deadly voltage in their path.

White River has connection requirements that are more stringent than the National Electrical Code. Please consult with a White River representative before wiring your facility for a standby generator. Contact us again after installation is complete so we can make sure the installation is safe for you to operate and cannot back feed onto our utility line.

The following tips may help portable generator owners and operators protect themselves — and linemen — from back feed hazards, and prevent appliance damage.

(1) Plug appliances directly into the generator. Make sure you have noted the wattage capacity of the generator to avoid a dangerous overload. Using too many appliances increases the risk of an electrical fire and may damage home appliances connected to the generator.

(2) Have the generator running at full speed before plugging in appliances. Appliances plugged in prior to starting the generator may be damaged as the generator starts and reaches full power.

(3) Never wire a generator directly to your home’s electric service entrance panel or connect it to a circuit through a receptacle.

A certified electrician should help you obtain proper switches and connections unless you plan only to plug appliances directly into the generator.

The most common portable generators — like those used at home construction sites — allow you to plug individual items, like power tools and small appliances, directly into the generator. It powers only those items, and is not connected to your home’s electrical wiring.

(4) If the generator requires direct wiring, install a double-throw switch or auxiliary generator panel. The switch makes it possible to connect to the main power source OR the portable unit, but will not allow connection to both at the same time.

These devices protect linemen from the dangers of unknown "live" wires, and protect the generator and connected appliances from damage that could occur if the generator is operating when the main power source is restored. If you loan your generator to someone else, they must also have this double throw switch or generator panel.

(5) Store gasoline safely. Home emergency generators are usually powered by gasoline, which must be carefully handled and stored.

(6) Never operate a gasoline powered generator indoors. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, always place the generator outdoors, and vent generator exhaust to the outdoors.

To prevent potentially fatal injuries and appliance damage, generators should be used with great care.