Outage Map
Generators provide a good backup system for when the power goes out due to a storm or other natural event. A backup generator can serve as a backup system for heaters, refrigerators, freezers, pumps, and lights. Both portable and permanently installed options are available.
Learn more about the 2 types of generators, installation, maintenance, and how to use them safely.
Portable generator models are popular for those needing to power equipment remotely from hardwired electricity. Many are available for light-duty residential use, while other models can handle heavier residential and commercial use.
Note - portable generators usually run on gasoline or propane.
A generator’s size is indicated in watts. To decide what size portable generator to purchase, determine your power needs.
Most electrical products have a tag indicating the amps and volts required to operate or may list their wattage. Amps multiplied by volts equals watts.
- For light bulbs, hot plates, toasters, and space heaters, figure the wattage by multiplying amps and volts. Do this for each item and add those figures for the total wattage needed.
- For example, the wattage of 3 light bulbs at 100 watts each totals 300 watts. Add a 1,000-watt coffee maker, and the total is 1,300 watts. Each additional item adds more wattage until you determine your total load in watts.
- When a motor is required to start an appliance, it will require more wattage, such as refrigerators, freezers, water pumps, hairdryers, etc. They may need 3 times the rated power required to start up. To determine the appropriate wattage needed for 1 of these appliances, multiply amps x volts x 3.
Total all the wattage to calculate the size of the generator needed.
When you shop to purchase your generator, you'll see a surge wattage shown on the side (2,500W, 3,000W, 5,500W). It's important to note the difference between surge wattage and rated wattage.
- Rated wattage is the amount of watts available for continuous running; surge wattage is the amount of watts available for a short time to start up an appliance with a motor.
- A generator’s rated wattage is less than the surge wattage.
- For instance, a 5,000W generator will deliver about 4,500 continuous watts.
*This sizing information is intended for estimating purposes only. Actual power requirements of high-demand appliances vary widely by brand, model, and capacity. Please have an authorized dealer or qualified electrician analyze your specific needs before making a purchase or decision.
There are 2 ways to connect a portable generator.
- First, you can plug your appliances directly into the generator and run them as needed. Never connect your generator directly to your wall plugs, as it may cause an electrical fire inside your house.
- Second, you can have the generator connected to your breaker panel, by a licensed electrician, through a manual transfer switch enabling you to throw the switch and have the necessary designated items continue to operate from the generator.
Note - The main breaker on your panel does not qualify as a transfer switch under the National Safety Code. Using it in such a manner is illegal!
Never operate your generator inside your home, as this could create toxic exhaust fumes, which could cause injury or death.
Permanent units are automatic generators installed in a fixed location next to a home or business.
- These units generally are directly wired into the main breaker panel and can operate the entire house in the event of an outage.
- In addition, they automatically turn themselves on when they sense a power fluctuation through an automatic transfer switch.
- While these units are the most expensive to purchase, they are also the most convenient to operate.
- Permanent generators typically run on propane, natural gas, or diesel.
Your local electrician can provide information and assistance on generator installation and safety.
Before contacting an electrician, you may want to:
- Call CEC to find out the highest power demand reading for your home.
- Consider any other electrical equipment you may add to your home in the future, such as an electric vehicle.
- Explore what equipment can help lower your demand, like a heat pump water heater.
These factors are a good starting point for your electrician in properly sizing your system.
Yes. Emergency generators pose safety hazards.
Transfer switches are required for permanently installed generators because the generated electricity can flow through the meter base and into the distribution lines posing life-threatening risks to workers, neighbors, children, or animals near a downed power line.
In addition, when the power comes back on, it flows back to your home and can seriously damage or destroy a generator without an approved safety switch.
Portable generators require special care and attention to ventilation and refueling. It is important to ensure that when you use the generator, first turn off the main power switch or breaker in your home.
Never operate your generator inside your home, as this could create toxic exhaust fumes, which could cause injury or death.
Always isolate the generator from the utility supply by plugging the appliances directly into the generator. Do not wire the home electrical system into the generator as the generator could feed back power into the utility power lines as power crews work to restore power and put their lives at risk.
Avoid overloading the generator. It should only be used when necessary and to power essential equipment. Overloading the generator ca cause potential fire and safety hazards.
If you choose to operate a portable generator with items plugged into it, then no, you do not need a permit.
When you install the transfer switch for a permanent generator, yes. The electrician will get the necessary permits for the job.
Additionally, please call CEC and let us know that you are running a generator. For our line crew’s safety, it's important to know which properties have permanent units installed.