You can use a portable generator to supply electricity to your appliances if an emergency exists during a power outage. But if used improperly, they can kill you and the people, such as linemen, who are trying to restore power to your home.
Connecting a generator to the main electrical supply of your house requires the services of a qualified and certified electrician. And before installing the generator to your household, notify CAEC.
Seven Step Plan to Prevent Generator Accidents
1. A qualified, licensed electrician must install a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch to connect the generator to a building's electrical system. This is required by the National Electrical Code. The connection must meet local ordinances. A minimum of 10-gauge wiring must be used.
2. Make sure that the unit is connected to an appropriate electrical ground, in accordance with the National Electric Code. Follow instructions supplied with the generator.
3. Operate the generator in a clean, dry, well ventilated area. Make sure your hands are dry when operating.
4. Inspect extension cords before use and replace with new if requires. Use proper size (wire gauge) cord set for the application. Follow instructions supplied with your unit. Always use electrically grounded cord sets.
5. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool before adding fuel. Make sure there's a fire extinguisher in the immediate area that is certified to handle gasoline or fuel fires.
6. Keep objects away from the unit during operation. Do not operate the unit in a confined area such as a garage, basement, storage shed, etc., which lack a steady exchange of air. Never operate a unit in a location occupied by humans or animals. Keep children, pets and others away from where it's operating.
7. Never attempt to "speed up" the engine to obtain more performance. Both the output voltage and frequency will be thrown out of standard by this practice, endangering you and the attachments.
Determining Wattage Requirements
Never exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading can cause serious damage to the generator or appliances. Before operating a generator, list all of the appliances that are going to operate at the same time. Then determine the starting wattage requirements and the running wattage requirements. The starting load lasts only for a few seconds, but is very important when figuring your total wattage to be used. Your generator must be rated to handle the total wattage.
Wattage requirements vary with different brands of appliances. Be sure to check the name plate on the appliances you plan to use. Always start your largest electric motor first, and then plug in other items one at a time.
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