While Jackson Electric works hard to provide reliable, uninterrupted power, severe storms can cause outages across our service territory. When the power goes out, many people turn to generators or wish they had one. Backup power can be a valuable resource, but only when it’s installed correctly.
Generator safety is not something you can address after the lights go out. An improperly connected generator doesn’t just put your home at risk; it can seriously injure or even kill others.
“The only safe way to connect a generator to your home is with a transfer switch,” says Line Superintendent Eric Steien. “When a generator is connected improperly, that power doesn’t stop at your house. It travels back onto our lines.”
The Dangers of Backfeeding
Electricity can flow backward through a home’s breaker panel, out through the meter, through the transformer, and back onto service lines. Plugging a generator into a wall outlet without a properly installed transfer switch is known as backfeeding, and it poses a serious danger to lineworkers who are unaware that the line is energized.
Because of this risk, the National Electrical Code requires generators to be connected through a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
“A transfer switch is the key piece of equipment that prevents generator power from feeding back onto our system,” Eric explains. “It’s a physical on/off switch between the member’s electrical panel and our equipment. It ensures that utility power and generator power can never supply electricity at the same time. Without it, a generator can energize lines our crews believe are de-energized.”
This automatic transfer switch acts as a safety gate—ensuring generator power never feeds back onto utility lines and keeps crews protected while they work.
Backfeeding is not a hypothetical risk: it has occurred in real situations.
“There was a situation where a power line was believed to be de-energized, only to find out it was still live because of a generator feeding power back onto the line,” shares Brian Schultz, Director of Operations. “A downed line was cut that was thought to be dead. It arced because it was energized by a generator nearly a mile away that was not installed correctly.”
Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident, and the lineworker was wearing appropriate protective gear. However, not all situations end safely. Backfeeding is one of the most dangerous hazards lineworkers face during storm restoration.
“It only takes one improperly connected generator to put a lineworker’s life at risk,” Brian says.
Generator Safety Tips to Remember
Whether using a portable generator or a permanently installed system, keep these important safety tips in mind:
- Never power your home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. This causes dangerous backfeeding that can seriously injure or kill others.
- Always use a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
- Operate portable generators outdoors only, in a well-ventilated area away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Read and follow all manufacturer instructions—they contain critical safety information.
- Start the generator first, then turn on appliances and lights one at a time to avoid overloading. Prioritize essential needs.
- Never operate a generator in standing water or touch it with wet hands.
- Protect portable generators from moisture by placing them on dry ground under an open, canopy-like structure.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Turn generators off and allow them to cool before refueling. Never refuel a running generator.
- Store fuel in approved, labeled containers outside of living areas.
- Keep children and pets away from generators. Many components become hot enough to cause serious burns.
For more generator safety information, visit www.safeelectricity.org.
Be Prepared Before the Next Storm
The worst time to think about generator safety is during a power outage. Proper generator setup requires planning, professional installation, inspection, and coordination.
“That’s why we always stress preparation,” Brian says. “When a generator is installed professionally, inspected, and commissioned ahead of time, we can confirm it doesn’t backfeed onto our lines. That step protects everyone.”
A manual transfer switch.
A transfer switch is not optional. It’s a critical safety device that protects line workers, neighbors, and the public. Members who install generators should notify Jackson Electric so the system can be properly commissioned. Commissioning involves shutting off utility power, running the generator, and verifying that no voltage appears on the utility side of the system.
“If we discover a generator is connected improperly, we may have no choice but to disconnect service until it’s corrected,” Eric explains. “It’s about safety. The liability is real if someone gets hurt.”
Generators can be extremely helpful during outages, but only when installed and used correctly. Preparing now helps ensure safety before the next storm arrives. Members are encouraged to contact Jackson Electric with any questions about generator installation or safety.
A Safe, Reliable Option: Automatic Standby Generators
For members seeking convenience and peace of mind, professionally installed automatic standby generators are a safe and reliable option.
“The safest time to plan for a generator is before you need it,” Brian says. “That’s one reason we offer Generac automatic standby generators. They’re permanently installed with a built-in automatic transfer switch, which removes the guesswork during an outage.”When utility power fails, the system automatically disconnects from the grid, starts the generator, and restores power safely. Once grid power returns, the system switches back seamlessly.
“These systems eliminate many of the risks we see with portable generators,” Brian concludes. —Brandi Shramek, Member Relations Supervisor