In recent years—and especially during Hurricane Helene—we’ve seen how powerful storms can disrupt lives across our community. While Coastal Electric Cooperative works tirelessly to provide safe and reliable service, severe weather can damage power lines and leave members with- out electricity for days.
When the lights go out, the impact can go far beyond inconvenience. Power outages can interrupt remote work, disable critical medical equipment and ruin food stored in refrigerators or freezers. For members relying on well water, losing power may mean losing access to basic sanitation. Even a few battery-operated portable fans can make a big difference in keeping your home livable while you wait for restoration crews.
That’s why having a backup power source like a generator can make all the difference during an outage. But using one safely is just as important.
What can a generator power?
Generators come in a range of sizes and types.
- 2,000-watt portable generator: Powers a refrigerator/freezer and microwave (one at a time), plus a few lights and fans.
- 5,500-watt generator: Can handle more; possibly a small HVAC unit, power tools or multiple appliances.
- Larger models: May run multiple major appliances simultaneously, depending on wattage.
Before buying a generator, calculate the total wattage of the devices you’ll need in an emergency. And remember: Many generators can’t run all loads at once, so plan to alternate use.
Prevent backfeeding
Improper generator use can create dangerous conditions like backfeeding for your home and our lineworkers. Backfeeding happens when a generator is improperly connected to your home’s wiring. This can send electricity back through your electric meter and onto Coastal Electric Cooperative’s grid, posing a deadly risk to our crews working to restore power and damaging your equipment when power returns.
Common backfeeding mistakes include:
- Plugging a generator directly into a wall outlet.
- Connecting the generator to your home’s electrical panel without disconnecting from the grid.
Use a transfer switch
The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s electrical system is with a transfer switch. This device isolates your home’s wiring from the grid and ensures power flows from one source at a time—either Coastal Electric Cooperative or your generator, but never both.
A transfer switch matters, because it helps:
- Prevent electrocution hazards.
- Protect your generator from damage when power is restored.
- Avoid overloading circuits and potential house fires.
- Stay in compliance with electrical codes and maintain your homeowner’s insurance.
Don’t risk injury or property damage. Invest in a proper setup and always follow manufacturer guidelines.
There are three types of transfer switches:
- Manual transfer switches are perfect for portable generators and let you choose which circuits to power.
- Automatic transfer switches, typically used with standby generators, switch over automatically when the grid goes down.
- A main circuit breaker panel interlock is often the least costly option. Generator interlock kits can be National Electrical Code compliant when properly installed. They are designed to prevent the simultaneous operation of the main breaker and a generator breaker, a key safety requirement that prevents backfeeding and ensures the safety of utility workers. Interlock kits physically prevent the main breaker and generator breaker from being switched on at the same time. Each model of the interlock kit is manufactured specifically for the brand or type of circuit breaker panel in your home.
Without a transfer switch, your generator should be connected only directly to appliances using outdoor-rated extension cords of adequate gauge.
Choosing the right generator
If you’re new to the generator market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here is a breakdown of the two main types of generators:
Conventional Generators
- Run at a steady 3,600 RPM to produce power.
- Suitable for larger power needs (up to 50,000 watts or more).
- Tend to be louder and less fuel- efficient.
- Voltage may fluctuate with engine speed—less ideal for sensitive electronics.
Inverter Generators
- Use advanced electronics to produce more stable, utility-grade electricity power, ideal for laptops, TVs and other devices.
- Quieter, lighter and more fuel- efficient.
- Best for lower power demands (usually 1,000–4,000 watts).
- Engine speed adjusts to load, saving fuel and reducing noise.
Plan Ahead, Stay Safe
Generators can be a lifesaver during an outage—literally. But they must be used correctly. Plan ahead, purchase the right generator for your needs and always operate it safely.
If you’re unsure about installation or sizing, consult a licensed electrician or call Coastal Electric Cooperative Energy Adviser Jason Smith at (912) 880‑2232. Your safety, and the safety of our lineworkers, depends on it. To learn more about generator safety, visit our Generator Safety page.
Safety First
- Read all instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Never run your generator indoors or in your garage. Generators should only be run in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, and the fumes can be deadly if there is not adequate ventilation.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty, properly grounded extension cords.
- Make sure extension cords are not frayed or worn.
- Limit the electrical load placed on the generator to no more than the recommended wattage.
- Turn the generator off at night while you sleep and when you are away from home.
- If you have any questions about how to properly use a portable electric generator, contact the manufacturer or a licensed electrician for assistance.