Many people neglect safety when it comes to operating portable generators. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the misuse of the portable power sources killed at least five people and sickened dozens more after Hurricane Katrina.
Safety is our goal with our daily routines, and we hope to inform our members to keep them safe while operating portable generators. With doing so, we can ensure the safety of our line workers who are working to restore electricity as quickly allowed while following all safety procedures.
*** Portable generators hooked up incorrectly can back-feed electricity through the WCEC transformers and inject up to 15,000 volts to an unsuspecting line worker. ***
There are several ways of connecting a portable generator to your distribution panel. Below, we list the appropriate ways, along with ways generators should NOT be connected.
Recommended Generator Installation - This drawings illustrates the proper way to connect a generator to your electric distribution panel.
Allowed Generator Installation - This drawing illustrates an allowed method of connection, but not the recommended method of WCEC.
Dangerous Generator Installation - This drawing illustrates a dangerous generator connection that could potentially harm or cause fatality if utilized improperly.
General Safety - Please read the attached generator safety file for more information on generator safety.
