During an outage, many individuals sometimes use a backup generator for electricity. While this standby power option is a handy one, an improperly-installed generator can be both destructive and dangerous.
The two most important steps to follow when using a generator are to: install it with a proper regulator so that it doesn't overpower or damage your appliances; and to isolate it so it can't feed electricity back into powerlines causing serious harm or death to a line crew working to get the power back on.
First of all, purchase a generator appropriate for how you'll be using it. (Keep in mind that you should never use a gas-powered generation inside your house or garage due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.) The generator's output is rated in Watts, so to determine the size you'll need, start by totaling the wattage of the lights and appliances you'd like to power. Check the labels or owner's manuals for each appliance's rating. Then, add about 20 percent as a reserve to handle the increased start-up power requirements.
To isolate your generator, plug the appliances you want to power directly into the generator with the appropriate-sized cords, and install a double-throw switch that disconnects your home from the Co-op's system.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how to use your generator.
Following key safety tips in English and Spanish will help prevent unnecessary and life-threatening accidents.
| English | Spanish |
| If you're without electricity and want to use a portable generator, make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area. Don't connect the generator to your home’s electrical panel or fuse boxes. It may cause electricity to feed back into the power lines, which can endanger linemen and damage electric service facilities. | Si no tiene electricidad y desea usar un generador portátil, úselo en un área bien ventilada. No conecte el generador al panel eléctrico o a la caja de fusibles de su casa. Esto puede hacer que la electricidad fluya hacia los cables de alta tensión, lo cual puede poner en peligro a los trabajadores y dañar las instalaciones de la cooperativa de electricidad. |
| If your power is out following a storm and you must cook food with Sterno or charcoal, remember to do so outside in a well-ventilated area. Cooking indoors with Sterno or charcoal will produce deadly carbon-monoxide fumes. | Si no tiene electricidad después de una tormenta y debe cocinar alimentos con combustible Sterno® o carbón, recuerde hacerlo afuera en un área bien ventilada. Cocinar dentro de la casa con Sterno® o carbón produce vapors mortales de monóxido de carbono. |
| Following a storm, debris can cover power lines that have fallen and even standing near downed lines can be dangerous. | Recuerde, después de una tormenta puede haber escombros sobre los cables de alta tensión caídos y hasta pararse cerca de tales cables puede ser peligroso. |
