For safety, generators must be located at least 3 meters (10 feet) from the home or building at all times while in operation. Operating generators less than 3 meters from a home or building increases risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, hazards of generator fire, and electrical shock.

Discover ways to install and operate your generator safely. Making sure the generator is installed properly will keep you and your family safe during power outages.

How do I connect the SureConnect Service and the GenerLink^TM device to my generator?

Please refer to the Operating Manual, available here.

* For safety, generators must be located at least 3 meters (10 feet) from the home or building at all times while in operation. Operating generators less than 3 meters from a home or building increases risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, hazards of generator fire, and electrical shock.

Why can’t I run my whole house from a portable generator?

The appliances in the average home consume relatively low amounts of electricity to operate once they are started; however, many of them require a significant amount of electricity to start up the appliances. The following appliance usage guide provides estimates of the start-up wattage and running wattage required for individual appliances. Please refer to the Operating Manual for more information on how to determine which loads you can support with your portable generator.

What happens when the utility power is restored but my power is still coming through my generator?

Your generator continues to power your home until you physically turn it off. Once you turn off your generator, SureConnect Service and the GenerLink^TM device will automatically switch your home back to utility power. SureConnect Service and the GenerLink^TM device have a built-in safety feature that prevents back feeding the generator’s power into the utility lines, eliminating hazardous conditions for you and for utility personnel.

Does my utility meter continue to run when using SureConnect with my generator?

No, your utility meter will only run when the utility is providing electric power to your home. When using SureConnect Service and the GenerLink^TM device, with your portable generator, you are automatically disconnected from the utility power supply and will not reconnect until you turn off your generator.

How can I tell when the power is restored after an outage?

There are four indicator lights on the GenerLink^TM device. If the green light is illuminated, this represents a normal condition where utility power is present. When your utility has restored power you can de-energize and disconnect your generator from the GenerLink^TM device. For more information on status lights, please refer to the Operating Manual available here.

What happens if the generator gets overloaded?

Your generator must have a circuit breaker that will activate in the event of an overload to be suitable for use with the GenerLink^TM device. If the generator’s circuit breaker trips:

1. Turn off all the household circuit breakers in your breaker panel.
2. Reset the circuit breaker on the generator.
3. Restart the generator.
4. Ensure the yellow light, underneath SureConnect is not illuminated.  The yellow light means that the household electrical load is over 30 amps (for 30 AMP SureConnect) or 40 amps (for a 40 AMP SureConnect).  The load must be reduced before you can resume using your SureConnect. You can reduce your load by turning off a circuit breaker (or more than one if necessary) until the yellow light is no longer illuminated. It is normal for the yellow status light to be illuminated when there is power from the utility.

Please refer to your generator owner’s manual for complete instructions on the safe use of your generator.

Can I use SureConnect during inclement weather?

The SureConnect Service ensures the GenerLink^TM device is completely sealed inside the meter socket and does not represent a hazard; however, generators should not be operated during rain or snow unless they are protected from the elements and at least 3m safely away from your house. Please consult your generator manufacturer, distributor, and/or owner’s manual for instructions on the safe operation of your specific generator.

What maintenance is required for SureConnect?

There is no regular maintenance required for SureConnect. Should the device require maintenance or replacement parts, that is covered under your SureConnect Service agreement. It is recommended to test your GenerLink^TM device at least 2x a year to make sure it’s working properly, and that you are prepared by refreshing the easy steps to getting connected during an outage. For a short how-to video on connected the device to your generator, please see above video.

What about generator maintenance?

Please consult your generator operating manual for this information.