We've grown accustomed to the swift restoration of electric service within a few hours of an outage. However, in the face of catastrophic events like tornadoes, ice storms, or heavy snowfall causing extensive damage to a cooperative's system, prolonged outages become inevitable. While crews dedicate strenuous hours to restoring service, their efforts require methodical execution to ensure safety.
In times of extended power loss, portable or permanently installed standby generators prove invaluable. For those opting for a permanent generator, a crucial component is the transfer switch. This switch safeguards against the flow of energy from your generator back into utility electrical equipment, which could jeopardize the safety of linemen and individuals near downed power lines, a phenomenon called "back feed."
The installation of your generator and transfer switch should be entrusted to a qualified electrician to ensure both proper functioning and safety. This combination of advanced planning and expert installation can prove to be a lifesaver during extended outages caused by unforeseen calamities.
