To insure safety, generators need to be isolated from the Co-op's power lines. A generator which is not isolated can backfeed into a utility company's system. This backfeed, which can reenergize a dead line, could kill or seriously injure a utility lineman who is making repairs. The National Electric Code mandates the installation of an isolation device before using a generator. Consumers are also reminded to determine the wattage output desired before purchasing a generator.
Manufacturers rate the strength of a generator in terms of wattage.
The generator's wattage output should at least meet or exceed the total rated watts of the appliances a consumer will operate in the case of an outage. Do not approach service vehicles while they are in the process of repairing any electric equipment. Do not attempt to move any broken poles or downed lines since there could be energized lines nearby. Do not touch any damaged metering equipment. Do not attempt to remove downed brush or trees away from lines, poles, or transformers.