Portable Generator Information
- Considering the purchase of a portable generator? The Holden Fire Department asks you please read the following:
- Safety
- As we saw in past years improper use of generators has caused many deaths, mostly caused by inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is colorless, odorless, tasteless and DEADLY! Never run a generator inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure. They must be used outside the structure.
- Siting
- Is it even possible to use an emergency generator? In your own unique situation is there a safe location where the generator can be operated and the fuel be stored? Will the prevailing winds send the exhaust fumes into your home or a neighbor’s home?
- Is it really needed?
- Clearly some situations require that electricity be maintained for resident’s health: electricity for medical devices (CPAP, oxygen generators, ventilator, apnea monitor, dialyzers, IV pumps, etc.); electricity for refrigerator where insulin is kept; electricity for the structure’s health: sump pump, oil burner, well pump, septic system pump; electricity for quality of life – lights, power for DVD and TV to keep your kids from driving you crazy.
- Sizing
- When portable generators are used they power specific electrical circuits. Some generators can power a few circuits, some many, some can power all circuits.
- You must determine those specific circuits to get power when the generator is in operation: refrigerator, oil burner, sump pump, well pump, outlets that power medical equipment, outlets that power TV and DVD, microwave. Most consumer-oriented generators can not power circuits where electricity becomes heat – electric range, electric baseboard heat, electric clothes dryer. A licensed electrician is the best resource to determine the generator size needed.
- Installation
- A bypass (transfer) switch must be installed by a licensed electrician. This switch allows the generator to power the selected circuits, while disconnecting power that comes into the home from your electricity provider (town power, NSTAR, National Grid, etc.). By disconnecting your home from your electricity provider you prevent "back-feeding" – electricity from your portable generator going in the reverse direction, into the line coming into your home. Back-feeding has caused injuries and death to utility workers and others who touch downed power lines, assuming that they are not energized. The town of Holden requires a permit for installation of a bypass / transfer switch, which must be installed by a licensed electrician.
- Operation
- Follow all generator manufacture’s directives: length of operation, refilling procedures, etc.
- Conclusion
- Safety is absolutely the major consideration. Use the generator in a safe outdoor location, keep fuel stored in a safe location, make sure that there are working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in place, and never, ever touch or go near a downed wire. A DOWNED WIRE IS ALWAYS TO BE CONSIDERED A LIVE WIRE.