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Home » Tropical » Generators
Storms | Private Generators
Some residents have small generators serving as backup to the electric utility system. Consider the following safety tips when operating these machines:- In situations where you want to connect the generator to the household electrical system, ensure that the residence is DISCONNECTED from the utility's electrical system at the point where the electric lines feed into the meter. A special switch should be installed at the point where the generator and the electric utility serves power to the residence. This type of switch eliminates the possibility of two sources supplying power to the house at the same time. The switch should be installed by a qualified electrician. If the generator is improperly connected, the possibility exists that the power will feed back into the lines and endanger the lives of your neighbors as well as utility repair crews trying to restore power, who may not realize the lines are energized.
- Be sure the generator's capacity is adequate to meet household load. To avoid possible damage to the appliances or generator, consider using only those appliances that do not exceed the generator's capacity.
- Generators should be properly grounded in accordance with the instruction manual.
- Ventilation of the generator's exhaust and cooling systems must be well-designed to minimize the impact of noise, dangerous fumes and overheating.
- Reserve fuel must be stored in a safe place away from the generator or any other equipment that may ignite the fuel, using containers designed for fuel storage. If you have any questions regarding these procedures, call the Trouble Dispatcher at your utility.