Device Improves Safety & Ease of Portable Generator Use

Although Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative prides itself on providing reliable electric service, some events are out of our control, so consumer-members are using emergency generators.

While generators can be convenient and useful at these times, they also can be dangerous—even deadly—to their owners and utility workers.

GenerLink is a UL-listed, meter-mounted portable generator transfer switch that allows a homeowner to properly connect to a portable generator without the risk of backfeeding onto the co-op’s energized power lines. GenerLink detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating dangerous backfeed, which can electrocute utility workers.

When a portable generator is connected to GenerLink, generator power is connected to the home until the generator is shut off. Lights on GenerLink indicate the status of utility power.

GenerLink is a low-cost alternative that allows a homeowner to have full access to their breaker panel during a power outage. It delivers generator power directly to your breaker box, eliminating the hassle of running power cords through your home.

GenerLink is installed in 20 minutes or less by utility personnel, does not require the member’s presence and requires no rewiring of the member’s electrical system.

Once installed, you have the flexibility to run virtually any appliance—up to the capacity of your generator—by simply energizing appliances from the breaker panel. GenerLink requires a 240-volt 4-pronged outlet on the generator. GCEC can provide a list of portable generators that are compatible.

Operating GenerLink

Make sure to place your portable generator in a well-ventilated area near the GenerLink outside of your home. To safely connect portable generator power at your home:

• Turn off all the circuit breakers in the breaker panel
• Connect the provided GenerLok power cable to GenerLink and to your generator
• Turn off the circuit breaker of the generator, then power on the portable generator by following the procedures stated in the generator owner’s manual
• Once the generator runs for 30 seconds, turn the circuit breaker on the generator to the on position to deliver generator power to GenerLink
• Turn on only the essential breakers in your breaker panel. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum running wattage of your generator

To safely reconnect utility power to your home:

• Turn off all the circuit breakers in your breaker panel
• Shut off your portable generator
• Turn on all the circuit breakers in your breaker panel

There are 2 models of GenerLink transfer switches. GCEC offers both 30-amp and 40-amp models:

• MA23 (30-amp): This works with portable generator with a running wattage below 8,500 watts
• MA24 (40-amp): This works with portable generators with a running wattage below 10,000 watts

Both models come with a 20-foot GenerLok power cable. GenerLok is a custom-made power cable that connects a portable generator to GenerLink.

Measure the distance between your portable generator and where GenerLink will be installed to decide how long of a GenerLok cord you need. You can upgrade to a longer length of cord if you need it.

Call GCEC for more information.