Skip to Content

You are changing locations

Are you sure you want to leave your current location ?
Remain on Current Location
Continue to Selected Location
Cancel
logo
close Close

Choose Your State of Service

In order to serve you better, please select your Dominion Energy location services.

Set location to Idaho

Idaho

Set location to North Carolina Gas
Gas

North Carolina

Set location to North Carolina Electric
Electric

North Carolina

Set location to Ohio

Ohio

Set location to South Carolina

South Carolina

Set location to Utah

Utah

Set location to Virginia

Virginia

Set location to Wyoming

Wyoming

By selecting to choose later, you are choosing not to view state specific content.

close Close

Choose Your State of Service

In order to serve you better, please select your Dominion Energy location services.

Select my State

By selecting to choose later, you are choosing not to view state specific content.

Dominion Energy Logo
Close
closeClose

Menu

  • Sign In
  • Home
  • Billing
  • Start/Stop Service
  • Report Emergency
  • Save Energy & Money
  • Contact Us
  • Our Stories
  • En Espanol
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info (CA)
  • Sitemap
Choose Location
  • Contact Us
  • Sign In/Register
Dominion Energy Logo
  • Home
  • Billing
  • Report Outage or Emergency
  • Start/Stop Service
  • Save Energy & Money
  • Our Stories
  • Home
  • Our Stories

Generator Safety

Published: 6/1/2020 165 Likes

Stay safe while using an auxiliary power source

A portable generator can be a valuable piece of equipment to own when power to your house is temporarily off after a storm or other disruption, but you need to follow strict safety guidelines to keep your home and family safe while using a generator.

Article Summary

Like This Article

This article is about:

How to safely operate a portable generator

The best place to set up a generator

What type of extension cords to use

Safe fuel storage and handling

Like This Article

Generator Safety Tips

men working on a generator

Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring.

  • Connecting a portable generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly, as it can 'backfeed' onto the power lines connected to your home.
  • Utility transformers can "step-up" or increase this backfeed to thousands of volts - enough to kill a utility lineman making repairs, even if he's far from your house.
  • You could also cause expensive damage to utility equipment and your generator.
  • The only safe way to connect a portable generator to your existing wiring is to have a licensed electrical contractor install a transfer switch. The transfer switch changes your power source from the utility power lines to the power that comes from your generator.

Never plug a portable generator into a regular household outlet.

  • Plugging a generator into a regular household outlet can energize "dead" power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers.
  • To connect a household appliance (refrigerator, lamp, etc) to the generator, always plug it directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator or extend the length with appropriately-rated outdoor extension cords.

Don't overload the generator.

  • Don't operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator. Overloading can damage appliances and electronics.
  • Prioritize your needs. A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment.

Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.

  • Generators use an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. Always place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house.
  • Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport.

Use extension cords safely.

  • Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage.
  • Don't use extension cords with exposed wires or worn shielding.
  • Make sure cords don't present a tripping hazard.
  • Don't run cords under rugs where heat might build up or cord damage may go unnoticed.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and proper grounding.

  • Don't cut corners when it comes to safety. Carefully read and observe all instructions in your owner manual.
  • To prevent electrical shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. Consult your manufacturer's manual for correct procedures.

Don't store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.

  • Gasoline (and other flammable liquids) should be stored outside in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
  • Never store fuel in a garage if a fuel-burning appliance is in the space. Vapor from gasoline can travel invisibly along the ground and be ignited by pilot lights or electric arcs caused by turning on the lights.
  • Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator.
  • Never attempt to refuel a portable generator while it's running.

Additional tips and information to keep in mind:

  • Shut the generator down properly. Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down your generator.
  • Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation.
  • Keep children away from generators at all times to avoid injury.
Like This Article
supplies for a power outage

Storm

Storm Preparation & Safety

todays cash

Safety

Scammers & Personal Safety

Call Before You Dig

Safety

Four Reasons To Contact 811 Before You Dig

More Links
  • Investors
  • Newsroom
  • Suppliers
  • Large Business Services
  • Government Solutions
  • Careers
  • Our Company
  • Projects & Facilities
  • Lakes & Recreation
  • Rates & Tariffs
  • Safety
  • Contact Us
  • [+] Feedback
Dominion Energy Logo
caret

Copyright © 2025 Dominion Energy

caret
More Links
Dominion Energy Logo

  Report your outage or emergency!

For other questions, help is available under Contact Us.

  • Sign In
  • Billing
  • Start/Stop Service
  • Save Energy & Money
  • Report Outage or Emergency
  • Contact Us
  • Our Stories
  • Investors
  • Newsroom
  • Suppliers
  • Government Solutions
  • Large Business Services
  • Careers
  • Our Company
  • Projects & Facilities
  • Lakes & Recreation
  • Rates & Tariffs
  • Safety
  • [+] Feedback

Copyright © 2025 Dominion Energy

  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info (CA)
  • Terms & Conditions
  • En Español
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2025 Dominion Energy

Close