‘Several instances’ of generators feeding back into power lines- Henry O. Creque
Thankfully, there have been no reports of carbon monoxide poisoning reaching this newsroom; however, persons have been causing power lines to become live due to the incorrect installation of generators to their homes.
“We have had several instances of persons hooking up generators incorrectly and the power feeding back into the lines,” Deputy General Manager of BVIEC, Mr Henry O. Creque said in an update by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on November 6, 2017.
Mr Henry cautioned that incorrectly connecting generators to homes can be extremely dangerous.
“It can cause fatalities, not just to our workers and the workers of our sister utilities but to our residents, including children.
“Because lines are on the ground, you can have a generator in your home hooked up incorrectly and it can energise the wrong lines and our children could be playing around those lines,”
Mr Creque implored persons to either hook up their generators just to an outlet or strip; however, if persons wished to hook up their generators to their homes they should ensure to get a licensed electrician to do the installation with a transfer switch and get it inspected by the Ministry of Communications and Works.
6 Responses to “‘Several instances’ of generators feeding back into power lines- Henry O. Creque”
After removing the electricity service wire ensure the ends of the wires are insulated or cap properly with insulated wire nuts and band with electrical tape after.
However ensure such work is done by an electrician.
Don't forget to leave running generators away from your house. Gas is dangerous as well as carbon monoxide.
Working with electricity is inherently dangerous and it does not need to be made more so by this dangerous practice. Though the practice may not be a deliberate or a premeditated action to kill someone, linemen can die instantly from the practice. Does anyone need this on his/her conscience? Avoid it! It only takes a few milliamps to clamp one’s heart and death occurs. It does not take much for one to be electrocuted.
Keep linemen alive so that they can complete their important work of restoring power and getting back to their families and friends. Having a cold drink of water or running a fan or operating a washing machine or turning on lights or looking at TV or charging cell phones is not worth a life. Life is much more valuable, is it not?