Use Generators Safely--Do NOT Electrocute Power Co. Workers

[Persepone]

From the postings it looks as though people are considering generators for the first time. If you are buying one and hooking it up yourself, do NOT hook it up to house--think of it as totally alternative source. Licensed electricians who know what they are doing--really know what they are doing--should be the only people connecting a generator so that it is connected to house wiring.

Read and heed the safety warnings! Do NOT connect anything to them that is connected to house wiring--you don't want to "backfeed" to the power lines and injure/kill the power company people trying to work on restoring power.

Plug stuff directly into the generator. Make sure what you plug in is no longer connected to house wiring Use exterior use-rated heavy duty extension cords. Remember that you have to use the generator OUTSIDE or you are likely to kill yourself or others with carbon monoxide poisoning...

Also, make sure that your generator is grounded properly. This means a good connection to a long and fairly thick copper rod driven several feet into the ground.

Perhaps someone who knows more about generators than I do should comment, but the people rushing out to buy generators at the last minute really concerns me. If you don't know exactly what you are doing, a generator can be extremely dangerous.

[crazycajuncane]

Plug stuff directly into the generator. Make sure what you plug in is no longer connected to house wiring Use exterior use-rated heavy duty extension cords. Remember that you have to use the generator OUTSIDE or you are likely to kill yourself or others with carbon monoxide poisoning...

I do recall hearing about a few deaths from Hurricane Lili from people using generators inside. DON'T EVER PUT A GENERATOR INSIDE. We had our's hooked up outside and ran a heavy duty extension cord through the window. We didn't get one until the day after the storm and paid a good price for it. We really could have done without it, but we have one for the future.

The above post was very good. I just wanted to add that there have been reported deaths from generators.

[gratefulnole]

Thanks for the info. A am trying to find one for a friend in Orlando unsuccesfully andam considering one for myself. Any more info would be cool from others who have used them.
I am told around 5000 watts is good and should be around $500.00. Is there anything else to consider? How about powering a 220 appliance?
I understand Hondas are the best but more expensive. Anyplace besides Lowes, Home Depot and Sears to look?

[jal]

If you're dropping 500 or more for a generator then theres probably no time now, but next time, invest in a power transfer box and have an electrician install it. Thats the only way to power up your house and eliminate backfeed so you dont kill somebody.