January 2007

Don't Generate Problems

Use home generators properly

The greatest chance we’ll experience a prolonged power outage due to ice storms or other winter weather is over the next couple of months.

Now that small generators are widely available, many homeowners turn to these miniature power plants to minimize inconvenience during outages. But a recent rash of home generator related deaths show they’re not just a plug ‘n play device.

CO Poisoning

Most of the recent generator accidents involve carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is an odorless, colorless gas contained in the exhaust of the small gasoline engine that runs the generator. If not properly located, a generator can introduce unsafe levels of CO in your home.

Feel like you've got the flu but then feel better when you go outside? Check for a source of CO poisoning, including an improperly located stand-by generator.

The first symptoms of CO may mimic the common flu. As CO levels increase, victims simply drift off to sleep, never to awaken.

The most common scenario is when homeowners run their generators inside an enclosed carport during power outages. The CO finds its way inside the home and poisons the unaware occupants.

Opening garage windows and doors is not enough. The only safe way to run a generator is to place it completely outside the structure where the exhaust cannot enter the building or air intakes. A CO detector inside the home provides an added measure of protection.

Backfeed

Make sure you know how to properly connect the generator to the electrical device you want to power. Someone’s life may depend on it.

You can’t just connect the generator directly to your home’s wiring system. That’s both illegal and dangerous.

Normally, power flows from our lines through the transformer at your home and into service wires that connect to your meter. The transformer reduces the voltage to a level that’s correct for the electrical devices you use.

But transformers work just as well in reverse. That means your generator can introduce high-voltage electricity back on our power lines. That can prove deadly for anyone, including utility workers, unfortunate enough to come in contact with them.

At a minimum, your generator can be burned up when the power comes back on if it’s directly connected to your home’s wiring.

There are only two ways to do it right: Use an approved double-throw generator switch or plug appliances directly into the generator using a properly sized extension cord.

Walton EMC Generator Guide

Lowe's Generator Use and Safety Video

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