Vera Water and Power customer Jason Jaress used his portable generator to keep the lights on during an extended power outage at his home on Blossey Avenue.
He was impressed that Vera lineworkers disconnected his electric meter while they were working on the power lines. Disconnecting the meter prevents the possibility of back feeding which could send electricity back through the power lines and electrocute someone.
Jason properly operated his generator outdoors on a dry surface and under an open, canopy-like structure.
Having a generator on hand, whether portable or permanent, may sound like a great idea for times when the power goes out, but misusing one is dangerous. Although they can help light your home or cool your perishable food when the neighborhood is dark, if used incorrectly you could have a much bigger problem on your hands. If you use a generator during an outage, please connect it directly to the point of use.
Generators can cause serious injury if improperly installed or connected. Generators can only be connected to the electric panel or meter base by a properly installed transfer switch inspected by the Washington State Electrical Inspector. Do not connect the generator to the panel or make a double-ended male plug connecting to an outlet. Such connections are subject to failure and accidental feedback that can cause an injury or fatality to you, your neighbor and utility personnel.
Important safeguards to take when using a generator:
- Operate a portable generator in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. The instructions that come with it are not meant for the recycle bin. Read and follow them; they are important.
- Turn the generator on before using it. Once it’s running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit. Generators are for temporary use and limited load; prioritize your needs.
- Never use a generator in a puddle or standing water and never touch with wet hands.
- To protect a portable generator from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
- Never use or install a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Turn off portable generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
- Store fuel for your portable generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.
- Keep children and pets away from all generators, especially portable ones. Many generator components are hot enough to burn you during operation.
Using a generator is serious business and shouldn’t be done in haste.