Safely Installing Your Standby Generator

Standby electric generators can provide you an extra sense of security in view of Montana’s unpredictable
weather and the occasional resulting power outage. We understand that a generator can be a convenient
source of power around your home or business. We only ask, for your sake and power company employees,
that generators be properly installed and used safely. Even small, portable electric generators - if they’re used
improperly - can threaten you safety and the safety of power company linemen working on the electrical
system.

To protect yourself and your family, read and follow the safety instructions contained in every generator
operations manual. Before purchasing a generator, please consider how you’ll be using it. That will help you
ensure that you’re buying a generator that is correctly sized for the application you have in mind. Next, you’ll
need to know how it should be installed, and where to safely operate it. Finally, you’ll want to read the
summary of safety tips presented in this brochure to ensure the generator is correctly installed and used
properly.

Portable generators
Portable, gasoline-driven generators are designed to be used with appliances with cords connected to them.
They can be especially convenient to use in remote locations, such as camping sites or construction areas.
Lights, small appliances, etc. can be plugged directly into outlets on portable generators. In general, they are
not designed to be connected to your home or any building wiring. Do not attempt to personally install these
devices to your electrical panel.

Fixed Generators
Large, fixed generators generally are directly connected to building wiring to provide standby power during
emergencies and power outages. However, the wiring needs to be properly installed by a qualified electrical
contractor. Properly installing a “permanent” generator is extremely dangerous, and not a “do it yourself” job.
If you plan to have this type of generator installed, you may need to obtain an electrical permit from your local
electrical or building inspector’s office. Contact Montana Building Codes Division at 444-3933.

“Back Feeding” - a dangerous condition

Improperly connecting a portable generator to electric wiring can produce “back feed” - a dangerous current
that can electrocute or critically injure you or others. Back feed into power lines from a generator could create
“hot” power lines during an outage. Linemen who expect the line to be de-energized could be injured.

One good way to avoid back feeding is to install a double-pole, double-throw transfer-switch gear. A qualified
electrical contractor can install this transfer switch so that a dangerous back feed can be prevented.
“In accordance with the National Electric Code, paragraph 700-6; Transfer equipment shall
be designed and installed to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and emergency
sources of supply in any operation of the transfer equipment. Automatic transfer switches
shall be electrically operated and mechanically held.” The transfer switch must be a
break-before-make switch which will “break” the electrical connection with commercial power
lines before it “makes” the connection between your generator and wiring. The switch also
will prevent utility power from damaging the generator when regular service is restored. Make
sure the transfer switch is rated at the same or greater than the main over current protection.
An electrical diagram of an installation using a transfer switch appears in Figure 1.

240 V

120/240 Service Or
Volt, 60Hz
120 V
Power Company
Three-Wire Neutral Conductor
Service
Meter 120 V

240 V

Service
Double-Pole Disconnect
Double-Throw 120 V Switch
Transfer Switch And Main
120 V Overcurrent Load
Protection

Ground Conductor
Circuit
Breakers
Or Fused
Disconnect
Switch

Conductors Of
Extension Cord

240 V

120/240 Volt 120 V

Single-Phase
Four Wire
Generator 120 V
Output
Connection
Since transfer switches can be expensive, another way to install a generator is to have a sub-panel with main
breakers and power from the main power or generator. Main panel breaker and generator breaker in
sub-panel would have handles interlocked to prevent both being opened and close at the same time. This
prevents back feed to commercial power when generator is in use. See Figure 2.
Main Panel Sub-Panel
From Commercial Power From Main
1. Install breaker and wiring from main panel to feed Power Source Panel or Generator
sub-panel. Note: Wiring and breaker sizes are determined
by circuit load needed.
3
Breaker / Wiring Size Chart
30 Amp 10-3 with ground wiring
40 Amp 8-3 with ground wiring
50 Amp 6-3 with ground wiring
2 4
2. Install sub-panel with proper sized main breakers.
Power for one from the main panel and the other from the
generator. 1 Generator
Figure 2
3. Install dual supply main breaker / service disconnect
retaining kit and handle interlock. Note: Not all manufactures supply the handle interlock retaining kits for all
models of breaker disconnects.

4. Install breakers in sub-panel for circuits desired to be energized from generator. Note: Smaller generators
may not be able to carry the total load for all circuits. Use the load calculation chart (Figure 3) to determine
total load. A smaller generator than the total load can be used by turning off some of the breakers when the
appliance or lights are not needed. Always use a generator that is at least 25% larger than most necessary
loads. This allows for some of the nonessential loads to be used at once.

The dangers of carbon monoxide

When using a generator, be sure to locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide gas is exhausted. Never
operate a generator in an enclosed building, especially in a building attached to a dwelling. Make certain, too,
that the generator has enough air to breath and that it’s exhaust is vented properly. Fumes from burnt fuel can
be deadly. Always insure proper ventilation, and air flow around the generator.

Generators and water don’t mix

Do not use a portable generator in a flooded basement. That could be a dangerous combination. In addition,
make sure your hands are dry, that you’re standing in a dry place, and the generator is properly grounded
whenever you operate your generator.

Using gasoline safely

Gasoline should only be stored in approved containers, and out of reach of children. It goes without saying
that all flames or cigarettes should be extinguished when handling gasoline. Have a fully charged, approved
extinguisher located near the generator, and never fuel a generator when the generator is running.
 Other Safety Reminders
Here are some rules to follow to help assure that • Always properly disconnect from your utility
generators are installed and used safely: service before starting your backup generator.
• Always check out the unit thoroughly each new
season before you fire it up. Don’t put your life at risk
• Never attempt to repair an electric generator, Electric generators can provide you with piece of
only a qualified serviceman should perform re- mind and convenience as long as you don’t take
pairs. chances with your safety or the safety of others. Be
• Don’t remove or tamper with safety devices; they sure to follow these safety guidelines so you don’t
are there to protect you and your property. put yourself or the lives of others in danger.
• Many engine parts are very hot during operation, Improper use or installation of an electric generator
severe burns may result if touched. can cause property damage, serious injury and even
• Keep children away from generators at all times. death.

FIGURE 3 - APPROXIMATE LOAD CALCULATIONS

Check with your specific equipment & appliance instructions for exact specifications.

Running Start up Running Start up Running Start up

Watts Watts Watts Watts Watts Watts
Pumps: Electric Range: Furnace motors:
1/3 HP 3600 RPM 800 1200 6” Element 1500 -0- 1/6 HP 500 600
1/2 HP 3600 RPM 1000 2000 8” Element 2100 -0- 1/4 HP 600 900
3/4 HP 3600 RPM 1200 2100 Bake element 3000 -0- 1/3 HP 800
1 HP 3600 RPM 1400 2200 Broil element 3000 -0- 1400
1/2 HP 1000 2100
Bath fan 100 200 TV set 500 -0-
Kitchen fan 200 300 Coffee maker 1200 -0- Fireplace fan 200 300
Freezer or refr. 900 2100 Ave. light circuit 500 -0- Garage door 800 1700
Microwave oven 800 -0- Toaster 1200 -0- Vacuum cleaner 1000 -0-
Clothes iron 1200 -0- Water heater 4500 -0-
MT DISASTER & EMERGENCY SERVICES DIVISION
LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOP., INC., KALISPELL
PIVAL ELECTRIC & PLUMBING CO., LIBBY

INSTALLING
Electric Generator
MT BUILDING CODES DIVISION

Your Standby

SAFELY
(406) 841-3911