Portable electric generators can be a good way to keep computers, lights, refrigerators and other appliances running if a power outage occurs. And if someone in your home depends on medical equipment, a portable generator can provide much needed power in an emergency.

Safety Requirements

Connecting a generator to another power source could damage your appliances and seriously injure or kill an electrical worker who may be working on nearby power lines. If you run a generator during an outage, it cannot be connected to another power source, such as MidAmerican’s power lines. Under the law, you are responsible for making sure your generator’s electricity cannot feed back into MidAmerican’s power lines.

When using a portable generator, your life and the lives of others may depend on its safe operation. Improper use could create an electrical shock hazard for MidAmerican Energy workers. Follow these safety tips:

Read all manufacturer instructions. Make sure you understand them and are able to follow them before using the generator.

Carefully follow all instructions on properly “grounding” the generator. The total electric load on your generator should never exceed the manufacturer’s rating.

Good ventilation is important. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can result in serious injuries, and sometimes even death, if levels become too high. For this reason, your generator should never be operated in your home, garage or other enclosed building. It should always be located outside in a dry location. Handle fuel carefully. Turn the generator off to refuel, because gasoline and its vapors can catch on fire if they come in contact with an electrical spark. Store fuel in a properly designed container in a safe location, away from children.

Use only UL-listed, three prong extension cords of the proper size with your generator.

Keep cords out of the way so you don’t trip over them, especially in dimly lit areas.

Never run cords under rugs or carpets where you may not notice damage that could result in a fire.

Residents that plan to permanently connect a generator to their home wiring are required to obtain an electrical permit and inspection from the City of Moline. Please contact the Electrical Inspector at 309-797-0472 of Code Manager at 309-797-0471 for more information on the permit process or visit www.moline.il.us.

How to Select a Generator

Determine the “constant wattage.” A portable generator operates a limited number of appliances and lights. Choose the items you want to run with the generator and add up the wattage they use. That total is your “constant wattage” or the energy you will need on a constant basis to keep these items running.

Determine the “start-up wattage.” Knowing the “constant wattage” of your appliances is not good enough. Appliances with motors, such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, can require two to three times their normal wattage when the motor starts up. The generator you pick must have a surge rating that meets or exceeds your added “start-up wattage” needs. To determine your “start-up wattage,” identify the appliances with motors that you will run with your generator. Double the “constant wattage” of these items, then add up the totals.

Match voltage ratings. Most appliances are rated at 120-volts, but some larger electric appliances, such as ovens, clothes dryers and well pumps, are rated at 240-volts. Portable generators may be rated at 120-volts only, or a combination of 120- and 240-volts. Make sure the generator you choose matches the voltage ratings of the items you want to run.

Calculating Energy Use

To purchase the right generator, you’ll need to know the wattage of the appliances you plan to run. First, check the owner’s manual and serial plate on your appliance for the wattage (or watts) rating. If wattage is not listed, find the amperage (amps) and voltage (volts) ratings on the same plate. Multiply amps by volts to get the wattage. The attached guide gives some information on the average wattage used by some common appliances.

Questions about electrical generators can be directed to the Moline Inspections Division by calling 309-797-0472 or 309-797-0741 between the hours of 7 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday. For your safety, City inspectors are available to come to resident’s homes or businesses to ensure the generator is properly connected.

City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher recognized the contributions of administrative, public works, fire and police personnel in responding to the many community needs that have arisen from the storm damage. City employees not only protected the health and safety of Moline residents, but also assisted residents on plans for removal of storm damage debris, reporting power outages, preserving frozen foods, refrigerating insulation and repairing homes damaged by trees located on private property. The City of Moline has invested a considerable amount of human resources during the early emergency response phase of this storm followed by clean-up and recovery effort since late yesterday afternoon.

Moline residents seeking shelter or a cooling station from yesterday’s storm should contact the American Red Cross at 309-743-2166 for location information.