Portable home and standby generators
The improper use of portable home and standby generators can be dangerous and even deadly. For your safety and that of our people, do not connect your generator directly into your house’s meter box or circuit panel as it can feed electricity back into the electrical system.
Here are some other important safety precautions when using a portable home or standby generator:
- select the appropriate generator for your needs based on the number of appliances you will need to run at the same time and their total wattage
- always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- locate the generator in a well-ventilated area and do not run it inside, even in your garage, as generators produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly
- store petrol or other flammable liquids outside living areas in properly marked, approved containers, and do not store in a garage if a fuel-burning appliance is located there
- plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty extension cords
- make sure extension cords are not frayed or worn
- use the generator only when necessary and don’t overload it
- turn the generator off at night and when you are away to avoid the risk of fire
- use a licensed electrician to install permanent generators
