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Generator Safety

Electrical Safety and Generators

Preventing Electrocutions Associated with Portable Generators Plugged Into Household Circuits

When power lines are down, residents can restore energy to their homes or other structures by using another power source such as a portable generator. If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.

If it is necessary to use a portable generator, manufacturer recommendations and specifications must be strictly followed. If there are any questions regarding the operation or installation of the portable generator, a qualified electrician should be immediately contacted to assist in installation and start-up activities. The generator should always be positioned outside the structure.

When using gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators to supply power to a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the "off" position prior to starting the generator. This will prevent power lines from being inadvertently energized by back feed electrical energy from the generators, and help protect utility line workers or other repair workers or people in neighboring buildings from possible electrocution. If the generator is plugged into a household circuit without turning the main breaker to the “off” position or removing the main fuse, the electrical current could reverse, go back through the circuit to the outside power grid, and energize power lines or electrical systems in other buildings to at or near their original voltage without the knowledge of utility or other workers.

Effects of Back Feed

The problem of back feed in electrical energy is a potential risk for electrical energy workers. Electrocutions are the fifth leading cause of all reported occupational deaths. Following the safety guidelines below can reduce this risk.

Other Generator Hazards

Generator use is also a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Generators should only be used in well ventilated areas.

 
 
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04125 State Route 576
Bryan, OH 43506
419-636-5051
1-800-647-6932

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©2023 North Western Electric. Serving NW Ohio for over 80 years.

  • CO-OP INFO
    • ABOUT US
      • Recent News
      • Our History
      • Location & Hours
      • Capital Credits
      • Cooperative Documents
      • Ohio Cooperative Living
      • Cooperative Principles
      • Our Affiliations
      • Employment Opportunities
    • COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP
      • What's the Value?
    • BOARD OF TRUSTEES
      • 2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
        • Trustee Election Page
        • Reservation Request Form
      • Meet Your Board
      • Voice Your Opinion
    • NW OHIO PROPANE
      • Your Local Propane Partner
  • SERVICE
    • MANAGE YOUR SERVICE
      • Starting Service / New Member-Owner Application
      • Stopping Service
      • Payment Options
      • Rates & Charges
      • Disconnection for Non-Payment
      • Call 811
      • Understanding Demand
      • Retail Energy Choice Explained
    • UTILITY PROJECTS
      • Tree Trimming
      • Line Maintenance
      • Line Rebuild
    • OUTAGES
      • Outage Reporting
      • Be Prepared for Storms
      • Generator Safety
    • PRODUCTS & OTHER SERVICES
      • Area Lighting
      • Outdoor Wiring
    • RENEWABLE ENERGY / DISTRIBUTED GENERATION (DG)
      • OurSolar
      • Adding Renewable Energy to Your Home
  • PROGRAMS & EDUCATION
    • JUST FOR KIDS
      • Youth Tour
      • Scholarship Programs
      • Give Us An "A" with a Twist
      • Apogee Kids' Page
    • EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
      • Learn About Energy
    • SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
      • Rebates
      • Residential Energy Audits
      • Load Management
      • Kill-A-Watt Usage Monitor
      • Energy Efficiency
      • CFL Recycling
  • COMMUNITY
    • ACRE - Co-op Owners for Political Action
    • Co-op Connections Card
    • FREE Public Hotspot
    • Operation Round Up
    • Events
      • Cardinal Power Plant Tour
      • FAMILY FUN DAY
      • Hot Air Balloon
        • UW of Defiance Co. Hot Air Balloon Festival
        • Hickory Acres Campground Balloon Flights