Residential Generators
You've decided on a generator. Now what?
At Tri-County Electric Co-op, safety is our top priority. We understand the importance of providing reliable electricity while safe guarding the well-being of our members and our dedicated linemen. That's why we emphasize the critical nature of generator interconnection approval.
What is Interconnection?
Interconnection is simply the process of connecting a new generator to the electric grid.
Why Interconnection Approval Matters
Generator interconnection approval is a vital step in protecting lives and property. Without proper interconnection, generators can backfeed the grid, posing serious risks to both our lineman and our members. Backfeeding the grid during or after a utility outage can lead to catastrophic consequences, including:
- Injury or Fatality: Misoperation of generators can endanger the lives of our linemen who work tirelessly to restore power during outages. Without proper interconnection, unsuspecting linemen could be exposed to lethal electrical currents.
- Equipment Damage: Backfeeding electricity into the grid without approval can damage not only the generator itself but also member equipment. This can result in costly repairs and potential hazards within members' homes or businesses.
Connect a Generator Generator Interconnection Standards Portable Generator Interconnection Standards
Generator Requirements
- Generator transfer switch must be located within 6 feet of the Tri-County meter.
- Conduit between the meter, transfer switch, and breaker panel must be either rigid schedule 80 PVC, rigid metal conduit, or EMT. No flexible conduit will be accepted.
- Transfer switches must be UL listed (1008, not 1008M). Interlock kits are not acceptable. Meter-mount transfer switches are not acceptable.
- If the transfer switch is service rated, the neutral/ground bond must be located in the transfer switch and removed in the breaker panel. If the transfer switch is not service rated, the bond shall remain in the breaker panel.
- Sub-panel generator interconnections are acceptable as long as the transfer switch still meets the requirements of this spec.
- Refer to Authorized and Unauthorized Devices Spec for acceptable connections.
- No piercing connections or polaris plugs will be accepted in the meter base, AC disconnect, or breaker panel.
- Refer to the Installation Requirements: Rod + Pipe Electrodes Spec for ground rod installation guidelines.
- All conductors shall meet or exceed NEC code.
Generators must be electrically isolated from the grid via an approved transfer switch. The transfer switch prevents power flow from the generator to the grid. If a generator is improperly installed, power from the generator could energize utility lines and injure linemen. Further, when outages restore, damages could occur to member-owned equipment if a generator installed without an approved transfer switch was backfeeding at that time.
Tri-County Electric requires UL listed transfer switches (UL 1008) be installed between the utility powered meter, generator power, and connected loads to ensure that energy does not backfeed the electric grid. Transfer switches that meet the UL listing requirement range from manual to automatic and can be purchased from a variety of vendors. Meter-mounted transfer switches (UL 1008M) are not accepted by Tri-County Electric. All transfer switches must be accessible exteriorly and located within six (6) feet of Tri-County Electric meters.
As you get ready to install a generator, submit a Generator Interconnection form located on our website, providing all relevant generator and transfer switch information. Our team will review the application and either approve or reject it based on the details provided. Once approved, you will be notified by email and your Tri-County account will be notated automatically. From there, you may proceed with installation until you are ready for a disconnect. To receive a disconnect, please call our office at 817-444-3201. Application approval will be verified prior to a service order being scheduled. On the scheduled date, a lineman will come onsite to safely remove the meter for work to be performed. Once work is complete, please call our office again to request a reconnect. An inspection of the installation will be performed by the lineman prior to reconnecting service – all safety and interconnection standards must be met prior to reconnect.
Yes. Portable generators may be approved for interconnection as long as they are installed with an approved transfer switch and portable generator plug. Some manufacturers make equipment just for portable generator installations, however, meter-mount transfer switches (UL 1008M) are not accepted by Tri-County Electric.
Generator operation may be either manual or automatic. This depends on the transfer switch that is installed. Automatic transfer switches will initiate the generator during an outage and transfer the home load when it is ready. Manual transfer switches require someone to turn on a generator prior to physically making the switch from utility to generator power. Following an outage, automatic transfer switches respond as expected, but manual transfer switches must be engaged again to return to utility power.
Permits may be required for a generator installation based on city or county requirements. Please check with your relevant office(s) about any necessary generator permits.
Meter Reminder!
Only Tri-County Electric employees are authorized to cut meter seals and remove meters. Please call 817-444-3201 at least two business days in advance to request a temporary disconnect for a generator installation. An approved generator interconnection application is a requirement prior to work being performed.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative is committed to bringing innovative energy solutions to our members. We are still exploring all options to ensure the Power Engage residential generator program is the right fit for our membership. Program updates will be posted on this webpage and in the Texas Co-op Power magazine.