A generator will definitely help avoid any
loss or inconvenience resulting from an
extensive power outage, but special
precautions need to be addressed to prevent
the injury or death to power line workers or
to your family.
To properly install a standby generator
large enough to power a whole house, a
double-throw disconnect is needed to isolate
your new temporary power source from the
main power lines feeding your home or
buildings. Improper installation also risks
damage to the generator when electrical
service is restored.
When you use electricity from Nishnabotna
Valley REC's lines, the transformer at your
location steps the voltage down from 7,200
to the 120 and 240 volts used in your home.
When you run a generator without a
double-throw switch installed on your
system, you may feed 120 volt current back
into the transformer. The transformer then
steps the voltage up to 7,200 potentially
giving a lethal shock to anyone who contacts
a damaged power line that may be lying on
the ground.
A double-throw switch must be sized
according to the rating of your service
entrance equipment. To insure proper
installation of a standby generator and
compliance with the National Electric Code,
please contact a qualified electrician.
