The switch also will prevent utility power from damaging the generator when regular service is restored. Automatic transfer switches shall be electrically operated and mechanically held.” The transfer switch must be a break-before-make switch which will “break” the electrical connection with commercial power lines before it “makes” the connection between your generator and wiring. In accordance with the National Electric Code, paragraph 700-6 “Transfer equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and emergency sources of supply in any operation of the transfer equipment. A qualified electrical contractor can install this transfer switch so that a dangerous back feed can be prevented. One good way to avoid back feeding is to install a double-pole, double-throw transfer-switch gear. Linemen who expect the line to be de-energized could be injured. Back feed into power lines from a generator could create “hot” power lines during an outage. Improperly connecting a portable generator to electric wiring can produce “back feed”- a dangerous current that can electrocute or critically injure you or others. You may also energize the “dead” power lines outside of your house, creating a life-threatening safety risk for linemen who are not expecting the lines to be “hot”. Doing so will create the likelihood that your home wiring will become overloaded and overheat, representing a significant risk of fire. As mentioned above, generators should NEVER be plugged into an outlet to “back feed” your house. The capacity of this class of generator is usually too small to power the entire household but is adequate to handle some combination of necessary loads such as a well pump, outdoor wood stove fans and circulators, a refrigerator or freezer, etc. Small portable generators are available from most home supply stores. Typical installations are described and pictured below. If you plan to have this type of generator installed, you may need to obtain an electrical permit from your local electrical or building inspector’s office. Properly installing a “permanent” generator is extremely dangerous, and not a “do it yourself” job. However, the wiring needs to be properly installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Large, fixed generators are usually directly connected to building wiring to provide standby power during emergencies and power outages. The following information provides additional understanding of emergency or backup generators and may help you determine the right solution for your home or business. You can call us at 80 and we will be happy to speak with you. Always consult the owner’s manual or operator’s manual for your generator regarding proper placement of the generator.īARC personnel are ready and willing to advise you regarding the installation of an emergency electric generator. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. The wiring could become overloaded, overheat, and start a fire in your house.įinally, the diesel or gasoline engine that drives an emergency generator has carbon monoxide in the exhaust. If you plug your generator directly into a wall outlet, then the wiring in your house is no longer protected by a circuit breaker or fuse in your power panel. Refer your electrician to the National Electric Code 700.6 and 702.6.Īnother reason for using a qualified electrician to do the work. BARC’s responsibility for electric service ends at the meter, so we cannot know when or if you have installed a generator and we cannot know if the installation was done in accordance with the National Electric Code. A qualified electrician can properly do this work. Generators should only be connected to the home through what is called a “double pole, double throw switch”, sometimes called a two-way transfer switch. Generators should never be connected to a home electrical outlet and should not be directly connected to the circuit breaker panel. If the connection to the home wiring is not done correctly, then the generator can feed into BARC’s power system and can electrocute linemen who are working to restore power. Generators are sometimes permanently attached to the home wiring. Backup generators are handy, but they can also create a dangerous situation if not connected properly to your home’s electrical wiring. Inexpensive emergency back-up generators are available from home centers, mail order, and internet sources, so many of us keep a generator around for use when the power goes out. Typically, power outages are restored within a few hours, but during major ice storms, wind storms, or other disasters, it could take several days or longer for power company crews to restore power to everyone. Reliable electricity is a service we all expect and take for granted, until we lose power due to an outage. Standby or Emergency Generators Gasoline Generator
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |