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Generators

generator
A generator can be very useful during a power outage, but remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation.
To protect yourself and your family, or your business, remember to follow these rules.

Always:

  • Have a licensed electrician install stationary or standby emergency generators.
  • Plug appliances directly into an emergency or portable generator. We don’t recommend connection of a generator directly to a breaker panel, fuse box or meter box because of the hazard it can create for utility line workers.
  • Obey all local, state and national electrical and fire codes.
  • Store gasoline in approved fuel containers and out of children’s reach.
  • Keep children away from generators.
  • Have a fully charged, properly rated fire extinguisher (i.e., rated for electrical and gas fires) ready at all times.

And, remember to:

  • Never replenish fuel in a generator while it is running.
  • Call an electrician to repair a generator; never attempt to repair it yourself.
  • Operate your generator outside. Never operate it inside a building or garage.
Important: If you use a generator to provide power until your service is restored, please watch for utility crews and turn the generator off when crews are in your area. The electrical load on the power lines can be hazardous for crews making repairs. The excess electricity created by a generator can feed back onto the electric lines, severely injuring a line technician who might be working on a power line,
believing it to be de-energized.