A backup generator offers great benefits if an outage affects your home. In using a generator, it is always wise to practice safety precautions.
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First, for the safety of our line personnel, it is important that the Cooperative's lines do not become energized by a standby power source. No member-consumer is allowed to introduce a supply of electricity in conjunction with service supplied by the Cooperative without prior approval.
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A transfer switch, or relay of adequate capacity must be provided and connected, before member-consumers are approved to operate a backup generator.
It is important to take precautions when using a generator to ensure you, your family, and ECI personnel are safe.
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Always read and follow the instructions.
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Connecting a generator directly to your home's wiring can cause damaging and potentially deadly backfeed. The only safe way to connect a portable electric generator to existing wiring is to have a licensed electrical contractor install a transfer switch.
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Do not plug a portable electric generator into a regular household outlet. You may start a fire in your home.
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Do not use the generator to operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator.
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A portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide, so never operate it indoors or in an attached garage.
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Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
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Use appropriate power cords to connect appliances to the generator. This usually means outdoor-rated, heavy-duty cords.
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Store flammable generator fuel outside your home.
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Shut off all appliances and equipment operating from your generator before powering down the generator itself.
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Keep kids away from the generator.
