Home Generator Safety

When a generator is permanently connected to a customer's electric system, it energizes the building's wiring. This type of installation requires a device that prevents the generator from being connected to the electrical utility's power lines.
Follow these safety tips:

• Only a qualified professional, such as a licensed electric contractor, should install a permanent standby generator.
• A double-pole, double-throw transfer switch is the recommended device to keep your generator from backfeeding into the electric utility provider's system. The switch also keeps the electrical utility company's power from re-energizing your house wiring while your generator is running, protecting your generator, wiring and appliances from damage when your service is restored.
• Have all additions to your house wiring inspected by your city or county building department.
• When installation is complete, call your electric utility provider to let them know about your back-up system. We will make a note in our records to remind our workers of your generator if they are working on an outage in your area. In some cases, electric utility line workers may ask to check your electric generator transfer switch for safety.
• If you already have a permanently installed standby generator but you don't know if it's installed properly, call your local building inspector or a licensed contractor for help.