Standby or portable electricity generators can be very convenient for power restoration during a prolonged outage.  However, it is critically important to install them correctly.

Correct installation prevents accidents, including the possibility of feeding power back into the electric distribution system, endangering the lives of utility workers.

Should your home, business and/or community service have access to standby or portable power generation?
 
Northland Utilities people do their utmost to have systems and processes in place to avoid interrupting electrical service to the customers we serve.  However, power interruptions can and do occur - especially due to adverse weather conditions.  If an interruption does occur, our people do everything they can to restore power as quickly as possible.

The choice for you to have standby or portable generation for your home, business and/or community service is yours.  The key factor in making your decision should be based on any "must-run" equipment requiring electricity in your home, business and/or community service.

Key tips on standby power generation

1. Review your needs
Identify whether any of the electrical equipment you have is absolutely "must-run".  The installation and maintenance of standby or portable generation can be intricate, costly and time-consuming.  Your decision on what is absolutely essential to continue operating should be made wisely.  Your needs will determine the size of standby or portable power generator you need to install to keep “must-run” equipment operating.

2. Involve an electrical professional and certification body
Please remember that standby or portable generation can be extremely dangerous if it is not connected properly and operated knowledgeably.  An electrical professional is required if the standby or portable power generator is to be connected to your electrical system.  An electrical professional will advise and assist you with installation.  An electrical professional will also help you meet electrical standards and obtain the required permits.

Correct installation prevents accidents, including the possibility of feeding power back into the electric distribution system, endangering the lives of utility workers.

3. Installing standby power generation
If you decide to install standby or portable generation, a certified electrical professional can properly interconnect the standby or portable power system to your existing wiring system.  Regulations require that there must be a physical and electrical separation between the standby or portable power system and the electric utility facilities.

Transfer equipment for standby or portable power systems prevents the inadvertent interconnection of normal and standby sources of supply in any operation of transfer equipment.

Electrical separation is achieved by installing a transfer or double-throw switch between the electric meter and the load that will be supplied from the standby or portable power generator.  This prevents your standby or portable power generator from feeding electricity back into the electric utility supply and possibly injuring or killing a utility employee working to restore power.

4. Using standby or portable power generation

1. Refer to the standby or portable power generator manufacturer's operating and maintenance manual.
2. Make sure all possible connection(s) to the utility's electric system are eliminated prior to connecting and starting the generator.
3. Use the transfer or double-throw switch.
4. Disconnect any extra equipment before starting the standby or portable generator.  If any of this extra equipment is required after you start up the standby or portable generator, reconnect it one piece at a time.  Please remember that starting a motor can take up to three to four times the amount of power required to run it.
5. Be careful refueling a generator.  Remember that the generator is a source of heat and that fuel will ignite easily.  Follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures.
6. When power is restored or when refueling the generator, turn off all equipment the generator is powering first, and then turn off the generator.

5.  Maintaining standby power generation
It is important to inspect your standby or portable power generation system regularly to ensure it is fully operational, maintained and has an adequate fuel supply.

Have the standby or portable power generator manufacturer's operating and maintenance manual readily available for use during emergencies.

If you have concerns that you would like to discuss with Northland Utilities, please do not hesitate to contact us.