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Portable Generators

Portable generators can be life savers when used properly. Here's a list of things to consider when you plan to use one.

1. Make certain the generator is on an isolated circuit. If connected to your home's wiring, it could back-feed and create a dangerous situation for linemen working on power lines. 

2. Read the manufacturer's instructions and learn how to operate and turn off your generator before you need to use it.

3. Make sure the extension cord you use is in good shape and rated for a load greater than the total wattage of all connected appliances and other devices (125 x amps = watts).

4. Keep the generator dry, and do not operate it indoors or in an enclosed or partially enclosed area. Generators quickly can produce high levels of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

5. Keep children and pets away from the generator when it is running.

6. Give your generator several breaks during the day. Most portable generators are not designed to 
run 24/7.

7. Always switch the engine off and allow it to cool before adding fuel in a well ventilated area.

8. Turn off the generator's circuit breaker before starting, so the load does not draw current until the generator is running smoothly. Turn off the breaker before stopping the generator.

9. Test the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on the generator every time you fire up the engine.


 

Generator_Safety.png

 

 

 

Below is a short video explaining the potential dangers when generator safety is not considered.

 

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Clarke Electric Is...

Safety Driven

Energy Smart

Community Invested

Clarke Electric Cooperative
1103 North Main
PO Box 161
Osceola, IA 50213
(800) 362-2154 | (641) 342-2173

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Follow My CECo-op

©2025 Clarke Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us - My CECo-op
    • Board of Directors
    • Cooperative Employees
    • Cooperative Service Area
    • Cooperative Governing Documents
      • Articles of Incorporation
      • By-laws, Tariff, Rates
      • Statement of non-discrimination
      • 7 Cooperative Principles
    • Member Newsletters
      • Clarke REC Headlines
      • Member Information
      • Iowa Electric Cooperative Living
    • Power Supplier
      • CIPCO Portfolio - Stats - Solar Farm
      • CIPCO Member Map
    • Career Opportunities
  • Member Center
    • Payments & Billing
      • Understanding My Bill
      • Payment Options
      • Start or Stop Service
        • Application
      • Deposits-Fees-Charges
      • Meter Responsibility
      • Update Your Account
      • Rates
    • Member Benefits
      • Annual Meeting & Director Elections
      • Capital Credits
      • Operation Round-Up
      • Member Information
      • RECare
      • Electric Heat Rate
      • Leased Security Light
      • Forms
  • Energy Programs
    • Energy Options
      • Clarke Solar Farm
      • Renewable Energy
      • Residential Solar
      • Electric Heat Rate
      • Leased Security Light
    • Managing My Energy
      • Rebates
      • Questline
      • Energy Audits
      • How a Heat Pump Works
  • Outage & Safety
    • Outage Center
      • Report an Outage
      • Outage Map
      • Power Restoration Graphic
      • Planned Outages
    • Safety
      • Public Safety Demonstrations
      • Iowa One Call
      • Portable Generators
      • Grain Bin Clearances
      • Right of Way Clearance
      • Report Damaged Lines
  • News & Community
    • CECo-op News
      • Clarke REC Headlines
    • Community News
      • Scholarships
      • Youth Tour
      • Operation Round-Up
      • Community Links
      • Economic Development
        • Industrial Park
        • Loan Programs