ENGLISH SPANISH THE COOPERATIVE MEMBER SERVICES ENERGY SERVICES RESOURCES NEWS CONTACT PAY BILL USING A GENERATOR Learn how to operate a generator safely. Generator Safety During an outage, many individuals sometimes use a backup generator for electricity. While this standby power option is a handy one, an improperly-installed generator can be both destructive and dangerous. THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN USING A GENERATOR ARE TO: INSTALL IT WITH A PROPER REGULATOR SO THAT IT DOESN’T OVERPOWER OR DAMAGE YOUR APPLIANCES; AND TO ISOLATE IT SO IT CAN’T FEED ELECTRICITY BACK INTO POWERLINES CAUSING SERIOUS HARM OR DEATH TO A LINE CREW WORKING TO GET THE POWER BACK ON. First of all, purchase a generator appropriate for how you’ll be using it. (Keep in mind that you should never use a gas-powered generation inside your house or garage due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.) The generator’s output is rated in Watts, so to determine the size you’ll need, start by totaling the wattage of the lights and appliances you’d like to power. Check the labels or owner’s manuals for each appliance’s rating. Then, add about 20 percent as a reserve to handle the increased start-up power requirements. For example, if you want to power at least two fixtures on a general-lighting circuit (240 watts, when used sparingly), a sump pump (1500 watts), and a refrigerator (600 watts), you’ll need a generator that can handle 2340 watts. Installing a regulator will control the charging rate, but if you plan on operating sensitive equipment like televisions and computers from the generator, also use a surge protector. To isolate your generator, plug the appliances you want to power directly into the generator with the appropriate-sized cords, and install a double-throw switch that disconnects your home from the Co-op’s system. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to use your generator. GENERATOR SAFETY DIAGRAM Please click on the link below to learn how to operate a generator safely. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to be able to access the diagram. VIEW GENERATOR SAFETY DIAGRAM Is there a power outage in your area? When there's an emergency, we respond promptly and efficiently to any report in your community or neighborhood. REPORT POWER OUTAGE We offer affordable, reliable service with the community in mind. Questions, concerns, or feedback on your service? Contact us. 1-888-368-7289 Toll Free QUICK LINKS Who We Are Management & Board Capital Credits Economic Development Services Member Handbook Programs & Scholarships Career Opportunity Office Locations Latest News Four County Electric Membership Corporation 1822 NC Hwy. 53 West, Burgaw, NC 28425 (T) 888-368-7289 (F) 910-259-1860 © 2021. FOUR COUNTY ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITIONS WEB DESIGN & HOSTING BY SAGE ISLAND