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Generator Safety

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  1. Outage Center
  2. Generator Safety

Generator Safety

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperatives works hard to ensure that electrical outages are rare and short-lived. Nevertheless, there are times when, because of circumstances beyond our control, the flow of electricity to your home can be interrupted.

During extended outage you may wish to use a generator to provide power to run essential household appliances.

Know Your Generator!

If you use a portable generator, please do so with caution! Generators pose serious safety hazards when improperly used or installed. Remember to follow all manufacturer's instructions.

  • If it's an electric generator, never plug it into an outlet and don't connect a generator directly to your home's main fuse box or circuit panel. Use properly sized and grounded extension cords and plug strips. Place cords where they don't present a tripping hazard.

  • If it's gas-powered, never refuel the unit while its operating. Avoid spilling gas or other fuels on hot components.

  • Always isolate the generator from the utility supply system by plugging appliances directly into the generator itself. Don't try to wire your home's electrical system into the generator. The generator could feed power back into utility lines as power crews work to restore your electrical service, putting those workers' lives at risk!

  • If you absolutely must provide temporary power to your home's wiring system, the generator must be connected through an approved transfer switch that will isolate your house from OTEC's system. The switch must comply with the National Electric Code and local building codes. These include permits, inspections and installation by a certified electrician.

  • Always properly ventilate a portable generator. Gas-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly. Use them outdoors in open areas protected from weather and away from windows, doors and vents.

  • Make sure the total electric load won't exceed the generator's rating.

 

There are basically two ways to safely use a generator at home

1.  Use a generator rated for 120-volts alternating current (VAC) systems and simply run extension cords from it to each individual appliance you want to power up, such as a freezer, refrigerator, lamp, etc. This method is inexpensive, simple and provides important electrical separation from OTEC's electrical system. But it can be messy if you end up with extension cords everywhere. Place the generator in a safe, dry and outdoor location. This method won't allow for power to well pump because of connection issues and the need for 230 VAC in most cases.

2. If you must absolutely connect a generator to your home's electrical system, use a generator for 240-VAC systems and connect it permanently to your home's electrical system using a transfer switch to ensure electrical separation from OTEC's system. This switch must be installed on the home side of your main disconnect. This transfer switch is a double pole-double throw enclosed switch and allows connection to your entire home from your generator. These switches come in 100 or 200 amp ratings, depending on the rating of the existing power service to your home.

  • The transfer switch is very important! If your generator is running and its output is not completely separated from OTEC's system, your generator will feed power back into OTEC's line through the transformer that provides you power. The transformer will step up the current to the normal line voltage. An unsuspecting line worker, working on what they think is a deactivated line, could be killed.

  • If you do not have this line transfer switch and your generator - running or not - is still connected to OTEC's system when the line is energized, your generator will be destroyed instantly.

  • This line transfer switch should only be installed by a certified electrician!

 

If you need more information about using electrical generators in your home, please contact OTEC at 541-523-3616 and ask to speak to a power quality engineer.

Please watch this video from our friends at Northern Lights Electric Cooperative in Idaho about just how important generator safety is to our cooperative and our communities. We need your help to ensure these kind of accidents don't happen!

Watch this video for even more generator safety tips!

Click here to download
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Baker Office

4005 23rd St.

Baker City, OR 97814

541.523.3616

Burns Office

567 W. Pierce St.

Burns, OR 97720

541.573.2666

John Day Office

400 Patterson Bridge Road

John Day, OR 97845

541.575.0161

La Grande Office

2408 Cove Ave.

La Grande, OR 97850

541.963.3155

Office Hours

8 AM – 5 PM | Monday – Thursday

9 AM – 5 PM | Friday

Offices Closed Holidays for 2023

New Years – Monday, January 2nd (Observed)

President’s Day – Monday, February 20th

Memorial Day – Monday, May 29th

Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4th

Labor Day – Monday, September 4th

Veterans Day – Friday, November 10th (Observed)

Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 23rd & 24th

Christmas – Monday, December 25th

 

©2023 Oregon Trail Electric Co-op. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Your Cooperative
      • History
      • What Is A Cooperative?
      • Where Your Power Comes From
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Your Board of Directors
    • Annual Meeting & Board Elections
    • Bylaws, Tariffs and Rates
    • Careers
    • Newsletter
  • Members
    • Value of Membership
    • Apply for Membership/Service
    • Prepaid Metering Agreement
    • Bill Pay
    • Call 811 Before You Dig
    • Capital Credits
    • New Construction
    • Sample Bill
    • OTEC Claims Reporting Form
  • Community
    • OTEC Member Foundation
    • Charitable Giving
    • Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
    • Scholarships
    • DC Youth Tour
    • Idaho Youth Rally
    • Member to Member
    • Mini-members
    • Co-op Connections
    • Use of Meeting Space
  • Economic Development
  • Energy Solutions
    • Programs & Rebates
    • Renewable Energy
      • Oregon's Hydropower
      • Community Solar
      • Solar
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs)
    • Touchstone Energy Savings
  • Safety & Education
    • Safety First
    • Winter Storm Safety
    • Wildfire Preparedness
    • Public Safety Power Shutoffs
    • Call 811 Before You Dig
    • Power Surges
    • Understanding Electromagnetic Fields
    • Kids Electrical Safety Artwork Contest
    • Safety Quiz
  • Outage Center
    • Outage Map
    • Power Outage Tips
    • Restoration Process
    • Generator Safety
  • News
    • Ruralite
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter
    • Legislative
    • Power Eastern Oregon