We often take electrical power for granted until we lose it from a power outage. Under normal circumstances, the power we have come to rely on is back on within a few hours, but in times of severe weather conditions or other disasters, we can have the power out for several days or even longer. Investing in a backup generator can prove useful a million times over in such situations, especially if you want to ensure your food supply, or possible medicines, are preserved no matter how long the primary power is out. We at Simon Electric LLC would like to elaborate on the importance of ensuring portable generators are properly connected to your home’s electrical wiring system.
Portable Generators Must Be Connected Properly to Home’s Electrical Wiring
When a home generator is incorrectly connected to the home’s wiring, it can fry appliances, damage the generator and much worse; can electrocute linemen who are working to restore power. When a generator is properly installed, it should never connect to the home’s electrical outlet nor directly connect to the circuit breaker panel. Generators should exclusively be installed and connected to the home by a generator power inlet with interlock mechanical transfer switch, or sometime referenced as “double pole, double throw switch” or a “two-way transfer switch”. You will need a qualified electrician to do this installation. Your power supplier cannot know if the installation was done in accordance with the National Electric Code (National Electric Code 700.6 and 702.6.). As a result, it is up to the electrician to ensure the process is done correctly.
Why You Should Not Ever Plug Your Portable Generator into a Wall Socket or Outlet
The skills of the experienced professional can provide protection to your home and you. For example, if the generator is directly plugged into a wall outlet, then the circuit breaker or fuse in the power panel cannot protect the wiring in your house. The wiring can overload, overheat, and potentially ignite a fire in your home. Other dangers are the production of carbon monoxide in the exhaust because both diesel or gasoline engine that drives an emergency generator. This colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide, can be fatal. Regarding proper placement of the generator can be identified in your owner’s manual or operator’s manual. Your electrician can help you determine the most optimal location for your generator.
Residential Electrical Lighting, Wiring & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County, Florida
In an effort to provide standby power during emergencies and power outages, a large, fixed generator, or stationary generator, is usually directly connected to building wiring. Wiring needs to be properly installed by a licensed and certified electrician. This is an extremely dangerous job and should not be done by unqualified people, especially as a DIY project. Many times when you desire to install a portable generator, you need to have an electrical permit from your local electrical or building inspector’s office. If you are looking to install a permanent generator to provide backup power for your home or business, call Simon Electric, LLC to install a mechanical transfer switch with a power inlet to plug in your portable generator safely!
