Generator
Safety
At Lincoln Electric
Cooperative, our
goal is to provide you with highly reliable electric service,
and 99.9 percent of the time we do. However, occasional power
outages do occur.
In Montana, we have the
potential for the loss of electrical power due to natural causes
such as snow and ice storms. In preparing for emergency
situations many individuals choose to install backup electric
generators.
Before installing a backup
generator the following is a good guideline to follow:
Decide
what equipment you want to operate when the power is out. This
information gives you a clue on whether to choose a portable
generator or permanent backup system and the size of generator
(wattage rating) needed.
With
a portable generator, select appliances are directly plugged
into outlets on the generator. Do not connect it to a building
wiring system. For proper and safe use:
- Always
locate your generator in a well-ventilated area.
- Be
sure the total electric load is within the manufacturers
rating.
- Use
an indoor/outdoor, grounded (three prong) extension cord,
properly sized to carry the electric load and keep it out
of the way to prevent someone from tripping on it.
- Never
plug your generator into an indoor or outdoor home or
business outlet.
- Don't
overload your generator. Remember, more power is needed to
start appliances, particularly those with a motor inside,
than is needed to keep them running. To be sure your
generator can handle the load, check the owner's manual.
- Permanently
installed generators are connected to your electric system
and must be installed in conformance with the National
Electric Code, Article 700-6 and Article 230-83.
It is imperative that your
permanently installed system be set up to ensure that when you
are operating your generator, your system cannot simultaneously
be connected to the Co-op system. This is accomplished through
the use of a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch.
To ensure your personal
safety and proper transfer switch application, Lincoln Electric
recommends a bonded and licensed electrician for installation.
Or, if you have questions, please discuss your electrical plan
with an electrician.
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