Although convenient, if connected or used improperly, portable generators have the potential to seriously injure or kill you, your neighbors, or unsuspecting utility crews.

 A portable generator plugged directly into your home’s wiring can cause backfeed and actually energize the utility wires outside of your home.  This could create a danger for utility crews and anyone else who may come into contact with downed or low hanging wires.

 A generator should never be connected directly into your household wiring without the use of a transfer switch.  Opening the main breaker to isolate your household wiring from the utility wiring does not provide enough of a guarantee of safety.  The breaker may have been damaged and/or it may not provide enough gap to safely isolate your home’s wiring.

A UL listed extension cord should be used to plug in the light or appliance you want to run directly with the portable generator.  Make sure the extension cord is rated for the size of load it is serving.

Make sure the generator is running in an open, well ventilated location.  Portable generators will emit carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can kill the occupants of a home. 

Follow all of the safety instructions that concern the operation of your portable generator.

The Holland Board of Public Works does not recommend or endorse any particular generator manufacturer or model.