Portable Generators – What You Need to Know
Never operate a portable generator indoors. Exhaust gasses can be deadly.
Always operate generators according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Route extension cords from the generator to prevent tripping in the darkened house, but never run them under a rug or otherwise concealed where cord damage could go unnoticed.
Consult the operator’s manual for both the appliance and the generator to correctly size the extension cords and keep from overloading the system. Improperly sized extension cords are extreme fire hazards.
If you are operating a generator during a power outage, you may be asked by the Grays Harbor PUD to turn off the generator as they prepare to restore power to your home or business. It is critical that generators are turned off to ensure the safety of workers.
Backfeed
The improper connection of portable generators to a building’s electrical system is one way hazardous backfeed conditions are created!
What is Backfeed?
- Backfeed is created when temporary sources of electricity (i.e. generators) are connected to the damaged permanent system
- This causes electricity to flow inside and outside a structure through connected lines and equipment
Portable Generators
- In emergency conditions, portable generators should only be used as standalone sources of power, and not connected to a building’s electrical system.
- Exception is for properly wired by-pass or isolation connections
Breaker Bypass
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If a generator is connected to a building’s electrical system, it must be done with a properly installed main breaker bypass to prevent electricity from flowing out of the building and into downed power lines
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Failure to install proper main breaker bypass could possibly injure the utility workers in the field making repairs to the power lines
Other Sources of Backfeed
- Some other sources of backfeed include:
- Circuit ties/switch points
- Lightning
- Downstream events
- Always ensure that proper lockout procedures are followed to avoid connecting 2 electrical sources to the same circuit.
The Dangers of Running a Generator in an Enclosed Space
With any item which runs on gas, there are always some dangers involved. For a generator, there are a variety of precautions you need to take to safeguard you and your loved ones against the thing which should be providing you relief.
Emissions produced while generator is running:
- Your generator, while in use, cannot be located in some obviously poor choices, like a crawl space or a shed
- Most of the areas within your living space are not recommended to house a running generator due to a lack of ventilation – this includes the garage.
- A gas-powered generator can emit enough carbon monoxide, where if it is in an enclosed space, can kill a human within 5 minutes of exposure
Carbon monoxide alarm:
- Always have a carbon monoxide alarm or meter next to your generator when running
- This allows you to tell if the levels are escalating and can take the appropriate action of turning it off and finding somewhere else to run it