Generator Safety | Lynches River Electric Cooperative

**His life is on your line.** If you don’t have a transfer switch, power provided by the generator can “backfeed” along power lines, which can electrocute a lineman working on those lines.

If you plan to use a portable generator, here are some important safety precautions:

Read all instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Never run your generator indoors or in your garage. Generators should only be run in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly if there is not adequate ventilation.
Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy duty, properly grounded extension cords.
Make sure that extension cords are not frayed or worn.
Limit the electrical load placed on the generator to no more than the recommended wattage.
Do not connect your power generator directly to your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel.
Use the generator only when necessary.
Turn the generator off at night while you sleep and when you are away from home.
If you have any questions about how to properly use a portable electric generator, contact the manufacturer or a licensed electrician for assistance.

Proper Generator Connection Vital

Connecting a generator to the main electrical supply for your house requires the services of a licensed electrician. Notify Lynches River Electric Cooperative before connecting the generator to your household circuit.

Ultimately, if you are a licensed electrician, the only acceptable way of connecting a generator to your home’s electric system is through a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch.

This switch disconnects your electric system from Lynches River’s power lines and will:

Eliminate the possibility of allowing your generator to send electricity onto the cooperative’s line, which is extremely dangerous and potentially deadly for our linemen who are working on a line that is supposed to be de-energized.
Eliminate the possibility of allowing restored power from Lynches River to destroy an improperly connected generator when electric service is restored.

A portable generator can be a powerful tool during a power outage or natural disaster, but it can also be dangerous – even deadly – if not properly installed and operated.