Skip to main content

Phone: 417-682-5636  Toll Free: 800-286-5636

my account My Account
Pay Online Pay Online
Contact Us Contact Us
outage map Outage Map
Home
Menu
  • Home
  • My Account
    • SmartHub
    • Billing Information
    • Level Bill Pay
    • Direct Pay
    • Pre-Pay
  • Member Services
    • News
      • Locate BCEC
      • Digital Rural Missouri
      • Patronage Capital
    • Membership Application
    • New Services & Upgrades
    • Security Lights
    • Outage Map
    • AMEC State Outage Map
  • Energy Efficiency
    • Easy Ways to Save
    • Rebates
    • DIY
  • Cooperative Information
    • BCEC Bylaws
    • Board Minutes
    • Youth Tour
      • Youth Tour History
  • Safety
    • Request a Safety Demonstration
    • Right of Way Maintenance
    • Safety Tips
    • 811 Call Before You Dig
    • Generator Safety
    • CFL Disposal
  • Renewable Energy / EV
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar

Generator Safety

full width paragraph

EVEN A SMALL GENERATOR CAN KILL OR INJURE A PERSON REPAIRING SERVICE LINES WHEN THE ELECTRICITY YOU GENERATE BACK FEEDS THROUGH YOUR SERVICE ENTRANCE PANEL TO THE OUTSIDE UTILITY LINES.

If Barton County Electric Cooperative line crews are restoring power to your home while your generator is connected to the incoming utility service you could start a fire or seriously injure or kill someone.

Take care when using your generator

Know your generator! Read all the information on installation, safety, and maintenance, and follow the instructions regarding maintenance and testing. The easiest safe way to temporarily connect a portable generator to a refrigerator or other small appliance is to simply run an extension cord of adequate size between the generator and the appliance. Above all, do not try to use a "cheater" or modified extension cord to plug a generator directly into a wall receptacle. To directly connect a generator to your main electrical supply so that it can power the whole house requires installing a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch. Barton County Electric Cooperative will install a transfer switch at no charge.  For more information about transfer switch as far as proper size, pricing, or to schedule an install please call us at 417-682-5636


 

Location is important.

Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes. Do not install your generator in a basement, attached garage, or any closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, invisible, poisonous gas.


 

Use caution when fueling your generator

Never try to refuel the unit while it is operating. Avoid spilling gasoline or other fuels on hot components.


 

Portable generators proper use

Portable electric generators are ideally suited to supply electricity for your refrigerator/freezer and small appliances during an extended power outage, such as from a severe storm.

They are also essential for maintaining power to critical life support equipment. But if they're used improperly they can kill you and the people restoring power. They can also damage the appliances you connect.


 

Portable-Generator-Backfeed-Safety-0DD9.jpg

full width paragraph

For stationary generators that are permanently installed, a licensed electrician will need to install a "transfer switch" that complies with the National Electric Code. The switch safely cuts electricity to the power lines and prevents back-feed.

For this reason Barton County Electric has transfer switches available for sale for our members.  We also will install a transfer switch, whether it is bought from us or another vender at no charge to the member.

Please call Barton County Electric Cooperative at 417-682-5636 before you install a generator to ensure safety for yourself and line workers.

Likewise, please call the Co-op if you currently have a stational generator installed so that our records can be updated--maintaining the safety of our employees.

Tags
  • generator safety
  • Back to Top

    Quick Links

    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Online Bill Pay
    • 811 Missouri 1Call

    Barton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. | 91 W US-160 | Lamar, MO 64759

    800.286.5636 | 417.628.5636

    follow us

    ©2020 Barton County Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

    • Home
    • My Account
      • SmartHub
      • Billing Information
      • Level Bill Pay
      • Direct Pay
      • Pre-Pay
    • Member Services
      • News
        • Locate BCEC
        • Digital Rural Missouri
        • Patronage Capital
      • Membership Application
      • New Services & Upgrades
      • Security Lights
      • Outage Map
      • AMEC State Outage Map
    • Energy Efficiency
      • Easy Ways to Save
      • Rebates
      • DIY
    • Cooperative Information
      • BCEC Bylaws
      • Board Minutes
      • Youth Tour
        • Youth Tour History
    • Safety
      • Request a Safety Demonstration
      • Right of Way Maintenance
      • Safety Tips
      • 811 Call Before You Dig
      • Generator Safety
      • CFL Disposal
    • Renewable Energy / EV
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Solar