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SAFETY DO
• Keep all standby, portable, and inverter generators at least 20 feet from your home.
• Direct exhaust from your generator away from your home.
• Make sure to start and stop generators when no electrical loads are connected.
• Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shock injuries.
• Keep generators dry and out of rain/snow.
• If you have questions on how this may affect/work with your off-peak system, please contact CCEC. We can visit with your electrician to accommodate the off-peak equipment.
DON’T
• Connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring without the appropriate transfer switch installed.
• Plug a generator into a regular household outlet.
• Operate a generator in a closed space.
• Fuel a generator while it is operating.
• Overload generators.
• Touch hot parts of the generator while in use (muffler or engine components).
Misuse or improper use of generators can cause fires, electrocution, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Always call a licensed electrician to install standby (home) generators!
MAINTENANCE
Whether you’re making your first purchase or are a lifelong generator owner, keeping your generator maintained is critical to optimal performance and safety.
Knowledge of fuel supply and other logistics of your generator is also imperative. Treat the following as a checklist to ensure peak performance and longevity.
Yearly Check-Ups
Just like any other device, generators experience wear and tear. In addition to consistently looking for leaks, it’s critical to conduct yearly check-ups on your generator’s battery condition, oil, air filters, and hoses.
Know Your Fuel
There are many different fuel sources for generators, including gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, and solar. Communicate with a licensed electrician or check your owner’s manual to gain knowledge on what fuel is required for your generator.
Double Throw Switch
This allows you to transfer from utility power to backup power either manually or automatically. Double throw switches can be purchased at your local hardware store or an electrical distribution center.
Be Proactive!
Don’t wait until a storm hits or the power goes out to see if your generator runs smoothly. Test run your equipment before you need it!
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KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
There are various types of generators equipped to suit daily needs and lifestyles. Each style of generator has different wattage capacities and pros and cons.
Standby Generators
Standby generators are the powerhouse of the generator family, creating enough electricity to power an entire house or farm. If the power goes out, standby generators turn on automatically. Because they carry the largest wattage, standby generators are the most expensive.
Best for: Automatically powering an entire home or farm during an outage.
Wattage: 7,000+ | Cost: $6,000-$11,000
Portable Generators
Portable generators typically run on gas and as the name implies, are portable. These generators are often less expensive than standby generators, but supply much less wattage, meaning they are ideal for small, short term use. For greater efficiency and longer run time, choose auto-idle to idle the engine down when it’s not in use.
Best for: General power applications
Wattage: 2,000+ | Cost: $500-$2,000
Portable Power Stations
While typically more expensive than portable generators, these stations are powered by batteries that can be charged by electricity or solar panels. Very quiet and emission free, these can be used indoors. While environmentally friendly, these aren’t typically used to power as many appliances as portable generators or inverters.
Best for: Indoor use, fuel-free alternative Wattage: 500-2,000 (can be paralleled for increased capacity | Cost: $200-$5,000+
Inverter Generators
A quieter cousin of portable generators, inverter generators throttle up and down to match demand (instead of constant full power). These generators have a more true sine wave than portables, making them more suitable for modern day appliances. Given their complex engine and lower noise levels, these typically cost more than portables.
Best for: More sensitive power applications (computers, large televisions, video equipment) Wattage: 2,000+ | Cost: $100-$5,000+
NORTH DAKOTA TOUGH
North Dakota offers countless benefits—but winter can be tough. At Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), we take pride in delivering reliable, affordable electricity, yet it’s important to be prepared for the rare power outage.
For many, that means investing in a generator. Generators come in many sizes and can keep your lights and heat on during an outage. But if used or installed improperly, they can cause damage, injury, or even death.
As your trusted energy advisor, CCEC offers this guide to help you choose the right generator and use it safely. With so many options, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician about your needs before making a purchase.
Through the hottest summers and coldest winters, we’re honored to serve you.
—The team at Cass County Electric Cooperative