The use of portable generators is becoming more popular due to wildfire prevention safety power outages. Generators can provide emergency backup electric service for your home or business. Unless you take several safety precautions, portable generators can be deadly to you, your neighbors, emergency service personnel, and utility employees. Improperly connected generators can send electricity back through power lines (back-feeding), endangering the lives of many people, especially unsuspecting utility crews working to restore power.

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Safety Guidelines for Using a Portable Generator

Portable generators are intended for temporary use only. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure safe operation of a portable generator:

• Select a generator that is sized to meet your electrical system needs. Carefully consider and identify which appliances or devices you cannot live without. Checking nameplates or owner’s manual can assist with properly sizing your portable generator for starting and running wattage requirements. A rule of thumb to keep in mind - most generators are not designed to continuously run above 80% of their rated capacity. There are many online resources to assist with properly sizing your generator;
• Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Only use heavy-duty, outdoor extension cords rated for the correct amperage of the appliances or devices that are connected to your generator;
• Never operate your generator indoors. Generators, like car engines, produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Be sure your generator’s exhaust is well vented. Find a location as far as possible from your home, at least 20 feet, and point the exhaust away from any doors or windows;
• Locate the generator to allow easy access for servicing and fueling.  Never fuel a hot generator; allow your generator to properly cool before fueling. Fuel spills on a hot engine can ignite. Also, consider the generator’s noise level when choosing a location; and
• Keep your generator dry. Never operate your generator in rainy or wet conditions.

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Follow the links below additional generator safety information:

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/GeneratorSafetyTips.ashx

https://www.energy.gov/ceser/activities/energy-security/emergency-preparedness/using-portableemergency-generators-safely

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Requirements for Permanently Installed Standby Generators

 If you intend to permanently install a standby generator for your home or business, District code[SP1]   Title 7 section 32.020 requires the following:

• The customer must notify the District at 530-587-3896 and New Construction Office by emailing newconstruction@tdpud.org or by calling 530-582-3931 and provide electrical details of the work prior to installation. The information required includes generator location in proximity to the main electrical panel and proposed isolation method (disconnect) between the generator and the District’s system;
• The District requires installation of an open transition switch, “double-throw”, or equivalent, which prevents interconnection and back-feed to the District’s electrical system; and
• District inspection of customer facilities is required prior to customer use.

Always consult a qualified electrician for proper installation and integration of a standby generator with your home’s electrical system. These measures help protect you, your neighbors, safety personnel, and utility workers from serious injury, or even death.

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