Put Safety First
Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed. This can cause back-feeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming into contact with them, including line workers making repairs.
Back-feeding is a dangerous condition caused when a portable electric generator is connected to wiring without isolating the power supply. Back feed into power lines from a generator could create “hot” lines during outages. This can be fatal to line workers or others near downed power lines.
A good way to avoid back-feeding is to install a double-pole, doublethrow transfer switch like the GenerLink™ Transfer Switch.
Connectingageneratordirectlytoyourhome’swiringcancauseback-feeding(seebelow).
Proper Installation
In accordance with the National Electric Code, paragraph 700-6; transfer equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent the inadvertent interconnect of normal and emergency sources of supply in any operation of the transfer equipment. Automatic transfer switches shall be electronically operated and mechanically held. The transfer switch must be a break-before-make switch which will “break” the electrical connection between your generator and wiring. The switch will also prevent utility power from damaging the generator when regular service is restored. Make sure the transfer switch is rated at the same or greater than the main over current protection. An electrical diagram of an installation using a transfer switch appears in Figure 1.
1
Figure
Since transfer switches can be expensive, another way to install a generator is to have a sub-panel with main breakers and power from the main power or generator. The main panel breaker and generator breaker in the sub-panel should have handles interlocked to prevent both being opened and closed at the same time. This prevents back-feed to commercial power when the generator is in use. See Figure 2.
Figure 2
1. Install breaker and wiring from main panel to feed sub-panel.
Note: Wiring and breaker sizes are determined by circuit load needed.
2. Install sub-panel with properly sized main breakers. Power for one from the main panel and the other from the generator.
3. Install dual supply main breaker/service disconnect retaining kit and
Power Up Safely
Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring without an appropriate transfer switch, like the GenerLink™.
Operate the generator outdoors in a dry, open space. Never fuel a generator while it is operating.
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rate extension cords. Ensure generators are properly grounded.
Never overload a generator. Keep generators dry.
Always have a fully charge fire extinguisher nearby.
Avoid overloading - turn appliances on one at a time.
Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
Never plug a generator into an electrical outlet or directly into your home’s wiring.
Read and adhere to all manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.