Home Generators

If you decide you need a standby generator in your home, have it installed and wired by a licensed electrician, and make sure it meets fire underwriter regulations. Have that person brief you on all safety aspects of the generator’s operation.

Please notify LIPA when you purchase or have a generator.

Hewlett: 516-792-7112
Hicksville: 516-545-2247
Brentwood: 631-348-6044
Riverhead: 631-548-7042

Installation and Use

Your licensed electrician should install a double-throw transfer switch, properly grounded, between the generator and your LIPA power supply. This protects our workers and your generator, especially when storm related repairs are underway.

Place the generator on stable ground.
Ask your electrician which appliances can be safely used within the generator’s capacity.
Plug in appliances only after the generator is on and running.
Check the generator’s fuel system for leaks and keep it clean and well maintained.
Operate the generator only outside your home, to prevent buildup of harmful fuel vapors and exhaust.
Don’t fill the generator with fuel while it is running, and don’t store gasoline in your home.
You will not be able to use all appliances at once. You may have to turn off some appliances to avoid overload.

Additional Resources

For additional information on the installation and use of an emergency standby generator, go to these online resources:

Home Generators

Attention
Generators should be used for emergency standby power ONLY and for short periods of time.