Generator Safety

In an emergency situation, if you rent or purchase a portable generator to use temporarily, never use it indoors or in an attached garage. Just like your automobile, a portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. Be sure to place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house. Only operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport.

Don't connect a portable generator directly to your home's wiring.
Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others. A generator that is directly connected to your home's wiring can 'backfeed' onto the power lines connected to your home.

If you are considering purchasing an emergency generator for your home to use as a permanent back up power source, please read the following information. If not installed properly, your generator system could threaten the lives of family, friends, neighbors and electric power supplier crews working to restore your power. There are specific ways to properly install generators in your business or home. Harrison REMC strongly suggests you have a qualified electrician assist you.

Equipment layouts, wiring detail and notes are listed below as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files:

Manual transfer switch used as the main disconnect:

Separate main disconnect ahead of the manual transfer switch:

Split load distribution system with standby service for sub-panel only:

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Phone Numbers

(812) 738-4115
(812) 951-2323