Safety Items

Electric safety

Electricity is so much a part of our daily lives that it is easy to forget that it can be dangerous -- even deadly. Similar to lightning, electricity always seeks a path to the ground. If any part of your body comes in contact with an energized object, like a power line or faulty cord, you become part of that path.

Kenergy urges you to follow these safety rules and to warn others, especially children, about the dangers of carelessness around electricity:

• Consider all power lines dangerous.
• If power lines are underground, call the cooperative before digging. We will locate and mark the lines.
• Report to Kenergy any potential power line hazards, including trees growing into the lines.
• Never touch a person or object which is in contact with a power line.
• Never touch, kick, pull or attempt to move a fallen or dangling power line. Notify Kenergy immediately and keep others away from the line.
• When working outside, stay clear of overhead power lines or exposed wires.
• Check all extension and appliance cords frequently to be sure they are not worn or frayed.
• When purchasing electrical appliances or equipment, always look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval and make sure it applies to the entire appliance, not just the plug or cord.
• Never run electrical cords through a doorway or under carpet. Do not drape cords over heaters, pipes or metal objects.
• Be sure tools and appliances are properly grounded. A three-prong plug used in a two-wire receptacle must have an adapter.
• Install a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops and outside outlets.
• Handling electric appliances and tools improperly can cause a fire. Do not let the cord overheat. If it feels extremely warm, discontinue use.
• To prevent overheating, use extension cords large enough to carry the amount of current needed to operate the appliance.
• If you have small children, childproof your home by installing plastic protective caps over electrical outlets.
• Protect your computer and other sensitive electronic equipment from fluctuations in voltage by installing protection devices. These range from low-cost voltage regulators to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices.
• Fly kites in open field away from power lines. Do not use wire or wet string on the kite and never attempt to remove a kite (or any other object) which is resting on a power line.
• Never pull a plug from an electrical outlet by the cord. Grasp the plug itself and pull it straight out.
• Water conducts electricity. Be careful when using electrical appliances near water.

Generator safety

Portable electric generators can be a good way to keep lights, refrigerators and other appliances running if a power outage occurs. If a residential customer depends on medical equipment, a portable generator can provide much needed power in an emergency. However, improper installation or use can be dangerous to you, your property, and our line workers who may be working in the area. If you have a standby generator, be sure that it's installed safely and call us to let us know you have one. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid injuring someone or damaging your generator or appliances.

USING A GENERATOR- Consider using the generator for necessities only, like lighting and refrigeration. These items can be plugged directly into the generator using a UL-listed, three pronged extension cord of the proper size with the generator.

USING SAFELY - Never plug a generator directly into any electric outlets or hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring. Generators can feed electricity back into the power lines when the necessary equipment used to isolate the generator from the incoming power lines is not installed. This backfeeding of electricity places you and our line workers in extreme danger. The safest thing to do is connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

INSTALL PROPERLY -When a generator is permanently connected to a customer's electric system, it energizes the building's wiring. This type of installation requires a double-throw transfer switch that isolates the generator from Kenergy's system when the generator is in use. The transfer switch keeps the generator from backfeeding into Kenergy's system putting you and our line workers in danger. The transfer switch also keeps Kenergy's power from re-energizing the building's wiring while the generator is running. This protects the generator, wiring and appliances or equipment from damage when service is restored. Only a qualified professional, such as a licensed electric contractor, should install a permanent standby generator. If you already have a permanently installed standby generator but you don't know if its installed properly, call your local building inspector or licensed contractor for help. You are responsible for any injuries or damage to your property, or your neighbors' or Kenergy's property, from an improperly installed or operated generator.

HANDLE FUEL CAREFULLY. Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline and its vapors can catch on fire if they come in contact with an electrical spark. Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator. Store fuel for the generator outdoors in a locked shed or other protected area. Do not store fuel in a garage, basement, or anywhere inside a home, as vapors can be released that may cause illness and are a potential fire or explosion hazard.

GOOD VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT - Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that can result in serious injuries, or even death if levels become to high. For this reason, the generator should never be operated inside your home, garage, office building or other enclosed space. It should always be located outside in a dry location. It is a good idea to install one or more Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms inside your home (following manufacturer’s installation directions). If CO gas from the generator enters your home and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you.

Purchasing a generator

If you choose to buy a generator, make sure you get one that is listed with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

If you do not plan on plugging your electrical item directly into the generator, your home's power supply needs to have a disconnect to the main power-feeding lines. Power you put into your home from a generator could "backfeed" into the main line and cause problems for the electrical utility company, your neighbors or you. There are a number of products available that will provide either an automatic or manual transfer between two power sources in a manner prescribed by the National Electric Code® (NEC®). When selecting a product for this function, it should be one that has been evaluated for safe performance by a nationally recognized testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories. The product must be installed according to the NEC®, all applicable state and local codes, and the manufacturer’s instructions. Only a qualified professional, such as a licensed electric contractor, should install such items.

Residential generators do not supply enough amperage to supply sufficient power for today's entire homes (that is, to run a furnace, lighting, appliances, and other electronic equipment). Look at the labels on lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator to determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate the equipment. For lighting, the wattage of the light bulb indicates the power needed. Appliances and equipment usually have labels indicating power requirements on them. Choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn by the combination of lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator including the initial surge when it is turned on. If your generator does not produce adequate power for all your needs, plan to stagger the operating times for various equipment. If you cannot determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate your appliances, lighting, and equipment, ask an electrician to determine that for you. (If your equipment draws more power than the generator can produce, then you may blow a fuse on the generator or damage the connected equipment.

If you have additional questions please consult a licensed electrician or Kenergy.