Generator Safety

When the power goes out, having a generator means you can continue to have heat, light, and many of the modern conveniences we’ve all come to rely on. Please help protect yourself and our crews by using your generator safely to prevent backfeed. It could save a life.

What is generator backfeed?

Backfeed occurs when electricity from a generator flows back through utility power lines, unintentionally re-energizing them and creating a potentially deadly hazard for utility lineworkers and others working to restore power.

How do I prevent backfeed?

Whether your generator is portable or permanently installed, it should never be connected directly to your home’s wiring or electrical panel without an approved transfer switch.

A properly installed transfer switch ensures that your home’s electrical system is connected to either utility power or your generator—never both at the same time. This prevents dangerous backfeed and also protects your generator when utility power is restored.

Northern Lights strongly recommends having a qualified, licensed electrician install your generator and transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Please note: Northern Lights’ responsibility for electric service ends at the meter. We are not notified when generators are installed and cannot verify that customer-owned equipment has been installed safely or in compliance with applicable electrical codes.