PGE OFFERS SIMPLE SAFETY TIPS FOR CUSTOMERS WITH GENERATORS
News Release from PGE
Posted on FlashAlert: December 6th, 2013 12:01 PM
Portland, Ore. -- If winter weather causes extended power outages, many PGE customers turn to back-up generators to power appliances and equipment. Generators may be of benefit during an outage, but if used improperly, they may cause tremendous damage, injury and even death.
PGE offers these tips:
* Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Doing so may produce a dangerous back-feed of electricity into utility lines. It may also destroy your generator, damage your house wiring, start an electrical fire or electrocute a PGE lineman working outside on your lines.
* Instead, plug appliances and other electrical equipment directly into your portable generator using an indoor/outdoor, three-prong, grounded extension cord.
* Set up your generator in a well-ventilated area. Because generators are fueled by gasoline and propane, they generate toxic - potentially deadly - exhaust.
* If you've invested in a permanently installed generator to power all or part of your home, you must utilize an approved transfer switch to prevent the danger of electricity back-feeding into utility lines. In order to install this type of generator, you must first receive a permit and undergo a safety inspection by a local electrical inspector prior to operation. Permanently installed generators must also comply with National Electrical Code requirements as well as local electrical codes.
* Prior to operation, thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions to safely operate your generator.
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About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 836,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit our website at PortlandGeneral.com.
PGE offers these tips:
* Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Doing so may produce a dangerous back-feed of electricity into utility lines. It may also destroy your generator, damage your house wiring, start an electrical fire or electrocute a PGE lineman working outside on your lines.
* Instead, plug appliances and other electrical equipment directly into your portable generator using an indoor/outdoor, three-prong, grounded extension cord.
* Set up your generator in a well-ventilated area. Because generators are fueled by gasoline and propane, they generate toxic - potentially deadly - exhaust.
* If you've invested in a permanently installed generator to power all or part of your home, you must utilize an approved transfer switch to prevent the danger of electricity back-feeding into utility lines. In order to install this type of generator, you must first receive a permit and undergo a safety inspection by a local electrical inspector prior to operation. Permanently installed generators must also comply with National Electrical Code requirements as well as local electrical codes.
* Prior to operation, thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions to safely operate your generator.
# # #
About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 836,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit our website at PortlandGeneral.com.
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