REGULATIONS:
1926.404(b)(1)(i) General. The employer shall use either ground fault circuit interrupters as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section or an assured equipment grounding conductor program as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section to protect employees on construction sites. These requirements are in addition to any other requirements for equipment grounding conductors
1926.404(f)(3)(iii) Neutral conductor bonding. A neutral conductor shall be bonded to the generator frame if the generator is a component of a separately derived system. No other conductor needs to be bonded to the generator frame.
1926.404(f) (3)(i))(A) The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator and/or cord- and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator.
1926.404(f) (3)(i))(B) The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment and the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the generator frame.
1926.404(f)(4) Conductors to be grounded. For AC premises wiring systems, the identified conductor shall be grounded.
1926.404(f)(5)(i) Grounded system. For a grounded system, a grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect both the equipment grounding conductor and the grounded circuit conductor to the grounding electrode. Both the equipment grounding conductor and the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the grounded circuit conductor on the supply side of the service disconnecting means, or on the supply side of the system disconnecting means or overcurrent devices if the system is separately derived.
926.404(f)(5)(ii) Ungrounded systems. For an ungrounded service-supplied system, the equipment grounding conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode conductor at the service equipment. For an ungrounded separately derived system, the equipment grounding conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode conductor at, or ahead of, the system disconnecting means or overcurrent devices.
IMPORTANT GENERATOR USE INFORMATION AND RULES:
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
- Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of a structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electrician has professionally installed the generator with a transfer switch.
- Avoid overloading: Don’t exceed the generator’s rated capacity.
- Visually inspect the equipment before use; remove defective equipment from service; mark or tag it as unsafe for use.
- Always use grounded cords and inspect cords for damage prior to use.
- Use the proper cord for the wattage being used.
- Inspect all cords daily and keep them organized to prevent tripping hazards and electrical shock.
- Avoid water exposure. Keep generators dry to prevent electrical shock.
- Always use GFCI protection. OSHA does not require a GFCI for generators under 5kv when using tools directly – but our corporate policy requires 100% GFCI protection. OSHA does require GFCI protection if using an extension cord.
- Make sure to start/stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected.
- Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space above and on all sides.
- Make sure all connections are secured with stress relief devices or have a manufacturer plug.
- Do not lose the grounding bond. A stand-alone generator poses a danger if the frame ever becomes energized. When a frame is isolated from the ground (on a skid, in a trailer, on composite, wood decks, or in a truck, etc.) the electrocution risk is high because it is no longer grounded.
USE:
- Carbon Monoxide: Keep generators at least 20 feet away from people. Never use them in enclosed spaces.
- GFCIs: Always use ground fault circuit interrupters, especially in wet or damp areas.
- Grounding: Properly ground generators. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and NEC 250.52(G) – use at least 8ft of rod in the earth, angled no more than 45° if needed, or buried 30 in. deep if straight insertion isn’t possible.
- Avoid Wet Contact: Never touch electrical components if you’re wet or standing in water.
- Malfunctioning Equipment: Immediately power off any device that smokes or smells strange.
- Noise Safety: Keep generators far from work zones. Use hearing protection if nearby.
- Placement: Keep at least 20ft from doors, windows, air intakes, flammables, and 20 in. above ground. (CDC, Apr 5, 2024)
- No Backfeeding: Never plug a generator into an outlet to power a building. It’s extremely dangerous.
- Disconnect Main Power: Before connecting a generator to circuits, shut off the main breaker or fuse. (CDC, Jan 9, 2024)
FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
- Before fueling or refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool.
- Store fuel properly: Keep fuel away from open flames, sparks, and or the generator itself.
- Monitor temperature to ensure the generator doesn’t overheat.
- Have a 20”lb” ABC fire extinguisher nearby – Rated for electrical fires.
- Refuel generators when cool.
- Generators with plastic gas tanks and plastic gas cans are prohibited on our job sites. Workers on the job site, utility workers, and neighbors are served by the same utility transformer.
HERE ARE IMPORTANT DO’S TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT GENERATOR USE:
- Do use generators as intended and outlined by the manufacturer.
- Do use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially where electrical equipment is used in or around wet or damp locations.
- Do plan for ventilation and consider heat/carbon monoxide (CO) from a generator’s exhaust.
- Do cool generator before refueling.
- Do store the fuel for a generator at least 20 feet from the generator.
- Do use hearing protection around a running generator.
- Do inspect the generator for damage or loose fuel lines.
- Do keep the generator dry.
- Do use GFCI’s and proper grounding for generators 5kw (5,000 watts) or greater.
- Do use heavy-duty extension cords that contain a grounding conductor (3-wire flexible cord and 3-pronged cord connectors.
HERE ARE IMPORTANT DON’TS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT GENERATOR USE:
- Don’t manipulate a generator’s electrical components if you are wet or standing in water.
- Don’t approach or use any electrical equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.
- Don’t ignore daily clutter build-up and unorganized material storage around the generator.
- Don’t start/stop the generator when electrical loads are connected.
- Don’t fuel the generator when it is hot.
- Don’t connect a generator to an existing job site temporary power distribution system.
- Don’t forget the 20 – 20 – 20 rule. Your generator should be: At least 20 feet from doors, windows, and fresh air intakes, at least 20 feet from confined space, and at least 20 feet away from flammable materials. CDC advised. Apr 5, 2024
- Don’t isolate the generator from the ground by placing it on a skid in a trailer, on composite or wood decks, or in a truck, etc., where the electrocution risk is higher.
