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660-646-4281 | 800-927-5334

201 W Business 36 | Chillicothe, MO 64601

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Generator Safety

full width paragraph

EVEN A SMALL GENERATOR CAN KILL OR INJURE A PERSON REPAIRING SERVICE LINES WHEN THE ELECTRICITY YOU GENERATE BACK FEEDS THROUGH YOUR SERVICE ENTRANCE PANEL TO THE OUTSIDE UTILITY LINES.

If Farmers' Electric Coopreative line crews are restoring power to your home while your generator is connected to the incoming utility service you could start a fire or seriously injure or kill someone.

portable generator

 

Portable generators require attention and proper use.

Portable electric generators are ideally suited to supply electricity for your refrigerator/freezer and small appliances during an extended power outage, such as from a severe storm.

They are also essential for maintaining power to critical life support equipment. But if they're used improperly they can kill you and the people restoring power. They can also damage the appliances you connect.

Take care when using your generator.

Know your generator! Read all the information on installation, safety, and maintenance, and follow the instructions regarding maintenance and testing.

The easiest safe way to temporarily connect a portable generator to a refrigerator or other small appliance is to simply run an extension cord of adequate size between the generator and the appliance. Above all, do not try to use a "cheater" or modified extension cord to plug a generator directly into a wall receptacle.

To directly connect a generator to your main electrical supply so that it can power the whole house requires installing a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch. A qualified, licensed electrician can do the job to National Electrical Code standards. Installing the connection and a double-throw transfer switch can cost $600 to $1,000.

Use caution when fueling your generator.

Never try to refuel the unit while it is operating. Avoid spilling gasoline or other fuels on hot components.

Location is important.

Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes. Do not install your generator in a basement, attached garage, or any closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, invisible, poisonous gas.

Generator back feed safety image
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For stationary generators that are permanently installed, a licensed electrician will need to install a "transfer switch" that complies with the National Electric Code. The switch safely cuts electricity to the power lines.

Please call Farmers' Electric Cooperative at 660-646-4281 before you install a generator to ensure safety for yourself and line workers.

Likewise, please call the Co-op if you currently have a stationary generator installed so that our records can be updated--maintaining the safety of our employees.

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    • Account Services
      • Communication Preferences
      • Payment Options
      • Rates
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Service Connect/Disconnect
      • Power Outage
      • Local Assistance Agencies
    • Member Services
      • Owner's Manual
      • Who Owns What?
      • Annual Meeting
      • Capital Credits
      • Co-op Connections Program
      • Digital Rural Missouri
    • Energy Efficiency
      • Energy Efficiency Tools
      • Rebates
      • Peak Alerts
    • Community
      • Area Youth Benefit Fund
        • AYBF Sponsorship Opportunities
        • Thank You
      • Community Programs
      • Energized Education
      • Chillicothe Industrial Park
    • Safety
      • Safety First
      • Right-of-Way Maintenance
      • Storm Safety
      • Generator Safety
      • Life Support Registry
    • Renewable Energy
      • Solar Energy
      • Solar 101 Project
      • Wind Energy
      • Green Power
      • Net Metering
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Resource Mix
    • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Board of Directors
      • Our Story
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Media Guide
      • Partner Links
      • Careers