Generator Safety

Portable generators are useful when electric service is interrupted because of weather emergencies or other issues. However, there are some very important safety precautions to consider when using a generator. Generators can be dangerous or deadly to the user AND to Pioneer personnel working to restore your electric service if not used properly.

Never use a portable generator in an enclosed area. Generators produce a dangerously high amount of carbon monoxide very quickly. Carbon monoxide is odorless and cannot be seen, and can cause serious brain damage and even death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust from the generator, you can still be exposed to carbon monoxide. If you start to feel dizzy or weak, get to fresh air immediately! One solution to safely using a generator outdoors is a product called Generlink™. This device is installed behind your electric meter by Pioneer Electric Cooperative personnel. There's no need to rewire your home. With the GenerLink, you plug in your portable generator and turn on the appliances you need - easy, safe and convenient.

Never, Never try to power a house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is known as back feeding and is EXTREMELY dangerous to yourself, your neighbors, and Cooperative personnel working to restore your electric. In this situation, the transformer outside your house works exactly the opposite way it was designed and steps up the voltage from your house to 7200 volts and energizes the connected distribution lines – lines Pioneer personnel are working to re-energize.

Always keep the generator dry, and do not operate in wet conditions.

If you are connecting a generator to your home’s wiring system, a double-throw disconnect switch MUST be installed and working properly.

Take a look at this pamphlet for more generator safety information.