Generators are useful if installed, used properly
Numerous Marion County residents used portable generators to heat their homes and provide lighting during the recent ice storm.
Following simple safety guidelines may save a life.
The law requires customers with a permanently installed or portable generator to not be connected to another power source, such as utility company power lines. The owner of the generator is responsible for assuring the electricity from the unit cannot "backfeed" or flow into utility power lines.
Permanent generator
A transfer switch is recommended when a generator is permanently connected to a customer's electric system. This device prevents the generator from being connected to utility power lines.
Follow these safety tips:
— Only a qualified professional, such as a licensed electrician, should install a permanent standby generator.
— A double-pole, double-throw transfer switch is the recommended device to keep the generator from backfeeding into the utility system. The switch also keeps utility power from re-energizing the house wiring while the generator is running, protecting the generator, wiring, and appliances from damage when the service is restored.
— All additions to the house wiring should be inspected by a city or county inspector.
— When installation is complete, contact the local utility to let them know about the back-up system.
The homeowner and owner of the generator are ultimately responsible for damage and injuries to neighbors and utility workers as a result of an improperly installed generator.
Portable generators
Portable generators are designed to be connected only to selected appliances or lamps. These generators never should be connected directly to a building's wiring system.
— Before starting the generator, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
— Be sure the total electric load does not exceed the manufacturer's instructions.
— Always locate the generator in a well-ventilated area where the exhaust will vent safely.
— Use the lowest wattage light bulbs that provide a safe level of light, reserving power for additional lighting elsewhere or a small appliance. The greater the load on the generator, the more fuel it will use.
— Keep cords out of the way to prevent a tripping hazard, especially in dimly lighted doorways or halls. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
— Extension cords must be properly sized to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires or damage to equipment.
Choosing a generator
Portable generators are available for power outages as well as campsite or jobsite use.
Permanently mounted stand-by generators provide automatic power when the regular power supply is interrupted. Powered by natural gas, they can power selected circuits within a few seconds of a power failure. These are wise investments for areas that may experience frequent power outages.
Depending on their wattage output, generators will run anything from a small lamp to a number of large appliances. To determine the size of generator needed, total the wattage of the maximum number of items that will be running simultaneously.
For items with startup ratings higher than their run ratings, use the higher rating to determine the power requirements.
Inductive load appliances and tools such as refrigerators, washers, and power tools require additional wattage for starting the equipment. The initial load only lasts for a few seconds on startup but is very important when calculating the total wattage.
For example, a 100-watt light bulb, a 200-watt slow cooker, a 1,200-watt refrigerator with a startup wattage of 2,900 watts, and a 750-watt TV would require 3,950 watts.
