If you have an emergency generator please read the following

GENERATOR BACK-FEED WARNING:

DO NOT plug your generator into any house outlet and DO NOT use jumpers to feed through your house wiring. DANGEROUS back-feed can result on your electrical service wires. Either have a licensed electrician install an approved transfer switch to prevent the possibility of back-feed, or only run appliances from the outlets on your generator using properly rated extension cords.

If the generator is not installed properly, you could back-feed dangerous voltage out your service wire and to the transformer on the pole. The high voltage side of the transformer would then supply voltage back on the wires along your street. If the wires are down or being repaired, you could fatally injure or cause critical injury to a utility worker or anyone who might come in contact with the wires. A correctly installed transfer switch will isolate the generator from the electric service wires and prevent such back-feed.

See your operating manual for back-feed warnings and other safety precautions such as fueling, maintenance, and load considerations. Do not overload your generator. Keep the generator exhaust well ventilated to the outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the generator away from combustible materials. Make sure any cords from the generator are in good condition and rated for the load.

Regularly visit the website of your generator manufacturer and check for up-to-date safety tips or specific notices about your model of generator.

PORTABLE GENERATOR SAFETY

1. Unless used properly, a generator can pose a serious health threat to both the customer and utility workers that are trying to restore power.
2. Always use portable generators according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Gasoline powered generators should only be used in a well-ventilated area.
4. Some generators have built-in panel-mounted electrical receptacles. With these, appliances are able to be plugged directly into the generator.

Buying the Right Generator

1. Make a list of the appliances and lights you want to run off the generator.
2. Add up the wattage requirements of each of these to determine the wattage of the generator you need.Note that some items have a higher wattage requirement for startup than for sustained usages.
3. Shop for generators within your wattage requirements! Expect to pay anywhere from under $500 to several thousand dollars or more a generator, depending on wattage requirements and other features
4. You should consider a generator's noise pollution as part of your buying decision.
5. Never connect a generator directly to a building's wiring without a licensed electrician disconnecting the house wiring from the utility company's service. This can be a safety hazard for lineman working to restore power. An licensed electrician should be used to install the necessary switch to transfer the power source between the utility company and the generator.

Tips: Wattage requirements for typical items: refrigerator ' 2,200 W to start up, 700 W to operate; light - as per bulb wattage; microwave oven - 800 W to start up, 625 W to operate; radio - 50 W to 200 W; 1/2-hp well pump ' 2,100 W to start up, 1,000 W to operate; television - 300 W.

Warnings: Generators have a maximum and a rated output. The maximum output can be used to meet increased power requirements for starting an appliance, however sustained wattage demand should be based on the rated output (usually 90 percent of maximum). ** When in doubt about any matter pertaining to your home's electrical systems, consult a licensed electrician. **