Sam Houston Electric Cooperative

As many Sam Houston Electric Cooperative members found out following Hurricane Rita, a portable generator can be a valuable tool. Not only can it preserve your food and provide a much-needed break from the heat, it could save your life if you depend on life support equipment.

Be assured that Sam Houston EC personnel will always work tirelessly to get your power back on as quickly as possible. As storm season approaches, your Cooperative has prepared itself for the twists and turns Mother Nature is sure to throw at us.

You, too, can get a leg up on storm season. If you believe that a portable generator fits your home or business needs, the time to purchase one is now. If you wait until the storm approaches, you may pay a higher price, or worse, not be able to purchase one at all.

Once you have purchased your new generator, the biggest decision you will have to make is the generator connection. It must be hooked up through a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch unless you are plugging in individual appliances directly to the generator. When you're using your generator to provide power to the whole house, a transfer switch disconnects your wiring system and generator from your electric cooperative's system. This eliminates any chance of the generator feeding power back into the Co-op's distribution system.

A qualified, licensed electrician should be hired to install the transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code and any local ordinances. The generator should be properly grounded, too. A minimum of 10-gauge wiring must be used. During an outage, pulling the handle down switches the source of the electricity from Sam Houston EC's lines to your generator.

We can't stress enough the importance of using a transfer switch and hooking up the generator properly. The danger works the other way, too. Should service be restored while the generator is running without a proper transfer switch, the generator can be damaged or destroyed.

Small generators are usually not powerful enough to run your complete household needs. Overloading can cause damage to the generator and appliances. It can also cause a fire hazard. Undersized extension cords can also overheat. Therefore, list all of the appliances and their wattage totals you want to run. Remember starting loads are often greater, but your generator should be sized to handle this load. A 5,000-watt generator, for example, could run four lights, a furnace fan (only), a refrigerator, and a sump pump. Voltage levels may fluctuate from portable generators, which can cause damage to your electrical appliances. Be sure and start the largest motor or appliance first. Don't attempt to speed up the engine for more output. Non-standard voltage and frequency not only can cause damage to your appliances, but also your generator.

Install the generator in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area. Obstructing ventilation can cause overheating and produce carbon monoxide poisoning. Never operate it in a confined area where animals or people could be exposed. Keep animals and children away from the generator while it is operating. Do not operate the generator in rain or flooded conditions. Water and electricity don't mix!

Inspect all extension cords for proper size and damage. Always properly grounded extension cords.

Never fill the fuel tank while the engine is running. A hot muffler, engine, or an electrical spark can ignite gasoline. Allow the engine to cool completely before refueling. Store fuel in proper containers.
Don't let a weather disaster turn into a personal disaster. Restoring your electric service is a dangerous job even in the best of conditions. By installing a double-pole, double-throw generator transfer switch you'll know you have protected the Line Personnel and your home. They'll appreciate your concern for their safety.

Portable generators can provide emergency electric power in the event of a power outage. When purchasing a portable generator, remember they come in different sizes and have different features. Have a licensed electrician determine your needs and then match the power output of the generator to your needs. Some practical options to look for include: