Generators
Portable electric generators may come in handy to keep you comfortable during a power outage, but if installed improperly, they can feed electricity back onto the power lines and electrocute our linemen who are working to restore your power, local emergency responders, residents and pets.
Use portable electric generators safely:
| ALWAYS | use a qualified electrician to install a stationary or stand-by emergency generator. |
| ALWAYS | operate generators outdoors, in a well-ventilated, dry area protected from rain and snow to avoid the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide fumes. |
| ALWAYS | locate generators far away from doors, windows and vents to be sure exhaust fumes will not enter the house. |
| ALWAYS | install a special safety transfer switch, required by the National Electric Code. The switch prevents the generator from back-feeding electricity onto the power lines which could be deadly to unsuspecting workers. |
| ALWAYS | use the proper heavy duty, outdoor-rated power cords with adequate wire gauge. Be sure the cords do not present a tripping hazard. |
| ALWAYS | carefully read and observe all manufacturers' instructions in your portable electric generator's owner manual, and always follow state, local, and national fire and electric codes. |
| ALWAYS | use generators only when necessary and only to power essential equipment. |
| ALWAYS | turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down your generator. |
| ALWAYS | keep children and pets away from portable electric generators at all times. |
| ALWAYS | turn off generators while sleeping and when away from home. |
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| NEVER | connect the generator to your home's main electrical panel. You could be putting your life and those of you family and our workers in jeopardy. |
| NEVER | plug a portable generator directly into a regular household outlet. Plugging a generator into a regular household outlet can energize "dead" power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers. |
| NEVER | operate generators indoors, in an attached garage, or in basements, crawl spaces or other closed or partially-enclosed areas, even when the ventilated. |
| NEVER | overload the generator; do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the unit. Doing so can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics. A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment. |
Please join WMECo in our goal to keep our customers and our employees safe.
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