Tag: suicide cord

Avoid Dangerous Generator Hook-Ups During a Power Outage. News Release - December 5, 2024 With extended power outages becoming more frequent, many homeowners are resorting to temporary solutions for restoring electricity.  While this is understandable, some makeshift solutions can pose serious dangers. One of the most dangerous temporary generator hook-ups is the use of what some electricians refer to as a "Suicide Cord."  This cord, which has a male plug on each end, connects a portable generator to an electrical outlet inside the home.  Often through an electric dryer outlet.  While this may be a quick and easy solution, the dangers are significant. The exposed male prongs of the "Suicide Cord" can be live with electricity when unplugged, creating a high risk of electric shock or electrocution to people and pets.  In contrast, a standard generator cord has a male plug at one end and a female connector at the other, with no live parts exposed.  Using a cord with male plugs on both ends is very dangerous. Beyond personal safety, this method can also backfeed power into the local electric grid, if the main circuit breaker is not turned off, putting power company workers and neighbors at risk. For homeowners who want to safely prepare in advance for a power outage, there are several options available that do not involve purchasing a generator ahead of time: 1) Transfer Switch Behind the Electric Meter: One of the simplest and safest ways to prepare for a power outage.  This switch automatically disconnects power from the utility company when a generator is connected, preventing dangerous backfeeding.  This generator connection method must be approved by your electric utility company. 2) Interlock Kit on the Main Electrical Panel: Ensures that the main circuit breaker is turned off before the generator circuit breaker can be activated.  This also allows homeowners to select which circuits to power during an outage.  This setup typically requires a permit and inspection from your local building department. 3) Pre-wired Generator Sub-Panels: Come with long wire leads that can be spliced to existing circuits inside your main electrical panel.  These panels provide power to a limited number of electrical circuits pre-chosen by the homeowner.  This type of installation also needs a permit and inspection. 4) A Generator Sub-Panel: Customized with the circuits that you want during a power outage.  This is a more advanced installation than the pre-wired panels.  The circuit wires would be moved into this sub-panel rather than be spliced in the main panel.  This installation needs a permit and inspection. Lastly, it’s important to have the proper generator power cord ready for use to avoid dangerous generator hookups. As an experienced electrical contractor, I have seen firsthand the risks involved during long-term outages when power company workers, electricians, and electrical supply companies are stretched thin due to the sudden demand for power restoration and generator connection equipment. Storms account for many of the fatalities associated with generator use, with ice and snow storms accounting for 46%. Hurricanes accounted for 29%. (https://www.esfi.org/portable-generator-safety-generate-safety/) Planning and installing the right equipment can make all the...