GenerLink
- Provenance:
- Official Summary
- Source:
- SECO Energy (Sumter Electric Cooperative)
- Type:
- utilities
- Published:
Full Text
A portable generator can be helpful during a power outage—but if used incorrectly, it can be dangerous. GenerLink® provides a safe way to connect a portable generator directly to your electric meter. It automatically disconnects from the utility grid when your generator is running, helping protect your home and SECO Energy crews from dangerous backfeed. Purchase & Installation GenerLink is available only through SECO Energy and must be installed by a qualified SECO contracted technician.Cost: $1,200 plus taxHow to purchase:Email GenerLink@SECOEnergy.com or contact us. After agreeing to the terms and conditions, your account will be billed.Installation usually occurs within two to four weeks after payment, depending on demand.No appointment is needed, and you do not need to be home. Installation Notes SECO Energy must have clear, safe access to the electric meter.Power will be interrupted briefly during installation.If you are not home, the generator cord will be left in a safe location you choose. Weather Delays and Sales Policy Severe weather or storm preparation may delay installation. If a named storm is forecasted, installation before the storm cannot be guaranteed.All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges, and once installed, the GenerLink device is no longer considered new. Compatability Requirements GenerLink works only with:Single-phase, 240-volt service200-amp service or lessHomes with solar panels, battery systems or multi-dwelling setups are not eligible.If your generator plug does not match the GenerLink cord:Hire an electrician to change the plugPurchase a compatible adapterContact the GenerLink manufacturer for cord optionsIt is the member’s responsibility to ensure generator compatibility. Benefits of GenerLink Professionally and safely installed behind the electric meter by a certified SECO Energy technician.Easy and safe generator connection.Connection at the meter keeps your portable generator outside where it is safe.Allows you to run almost any appliance up to 9,600 watts. 7-year manufacturer’s warranty on the transfer switch.15-year manufacturer’s warranty on the surge component. Read GenerLink Operating Manual and Warranty Installation Details & Storms Please be aware that approaching storms may delay installations. If a named storm is forecasted, SECO Energy cannot ensure installation before the storm’s arrival. While installations are generally completed within two to four weeks of payment, this timeframe could be extended due to storm preparation or restoration activities. To minimize the potential risk of delays, it is recommended to place your order as early as possible.Once SECO Energy installs a GenerLink device, the product is no longer new, and all sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.Note: GenerLink is only compatible with a single phase, 240 volt, 200-amp service or less. Home with solar panels, battery systems or multi-dwelling setups are not eligible.Purchase price: $1,200 (plus tax/installation included)Maximum service size: 200 ampMaximum continuous load from alternate source (i.e., generator): 40 amps (9,600 Watts).Includes a 20’ GenerLok cord with a 50-amp (14-50) 4-prong straight-blade plug. How to Choose the Correct Generator Image If your generator has one of the 4-wire receptacles shown above but does not match the plug included with the GenerLink cord provided by SECO, consider one of the following options: Contact a licensed electrician to have the cord plug professionally modified.Purchase a compatible 4-wire plug adapter from a local hardware store or an online retailer.Contact the GenerLink manufacturer to inquire about alternative cord or plug options.It is the member’s responsibility to verify and ensure that the selected GenerLink device is compatible with their generator. Complete the form below to begin the process of purchasing your GenerLink System. Interest In Purchasing GenerLink Your Information Name Email Phone Service Address Address 2 City/Town State/Province ZIP/Postal Code Account Number How did you hear about GenerLink? Website Mailout Presentation/Expo SECO News Friend Other… Enter other… Are there any access issues to your meter? (ex: animals, vegetation, fences/gates) Where would you like the technician to leave the included GenerLok cord if you are not home during installation? Frequently Asked Questions What is GenerLink? GenerLink is a transfer switch device that allows a portable generator to safely connect to your home circuit during power outages. This device removes any potential back feeding to the utility line making it safer for line workers. How do I order GenerLink? Visit the GenerLink section of our website to enroll, email GenerLink@SECOEnergy.com, or call our Member Services line at (352) 793-3801 to request. Once you have filled out your enrollment information and electronically acknowledged the terms and conditions, your account will be charged. After payment is received, your device will be scheduled for installation, typically within two to four weeks. Product availability and impending storms could further delay the installation. How much does GenerLink cost? The GenerLink MA24-S 40-amp transfer switch and a 20-foot GenerLok cord with NEMA 14-50 plug: $1,200 + tax (includes installation). What safety certifications does GenerLink have? UL 1008M Listed and NEC Compliant Do I have to be home for installation? You do not need to be home during the installation. SECO needs safe, unobstructed access to the meter base to perform the installation. Your power will be interrupted briefly while the GenerLink is installed and the connecting cord that comes with it will be left in a safe location that you requested. Do I need a generator to use GenerLink? Yes. GenerLink is an interconnection device that enables you to connect your portable generator directly to your home’s wiring system. During a power outage, your generator becomes your source of emergency backup power. GenerLink is designed as an alternative to expensive transfer switches and hazardous extension cords. Can I keep my current surge protection device with GenerLink? No. While you can’t keep your current surge protection device if you choose to purchase the GenerLink, the good news is that the GenerLink has surge protection built into the transfer switch device. What size generator do I need? Generator size depends on your needs during a power outage. GenerLink has a maximum rating of 40 amps or 9,600 watts.We recommend you first look over and calculate a few scenarios using a wattage worksheet to understand how different loads can affect your overall wattage demand. Remember, for large loads you will most likely turn some off so you can run others; not everything needs to run at the same time.There is a wide variety of portable generators available for purchase. Some are more suitable than others for connecting to your house. When selecting a portable generator to connect to your home, utilize the following checklist:Ensure it will not damage sensitive electronic appliances or equipment.Confirm the capacity to start needed motor loads, such as a well or sump pump.The necessary non GFCI, four-wire 20-amp, 30-amp, or 50-amp 120/240-volt receptacle required to connect to GenerLink is included.For additional information, visit GenerLink. Will GenerLink power my entire house? No, most residential homes have electrical service panels between 100-200 amps. GenerLink has a 40-amp max capacity and will not run your larger appliances like your home’s HVAC system. For additional information, please review the GenerLink Operation Manual pages 12-16, “Appliance Usage Guide.” Is there a warranty? Yes, GenerLink comes with a Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty. The warranty is managed by GenerLink. Please review page two of your GenerLink Operation Manual. How can I tell when utility power is restored? The GenerLink has a green indicator light that signals when utility power is available. At this point, you can safely turn off your portable generator, and the GenerLink will transfer to deliver the utility power to your home. Can I purchase from a third party? No. SECO Energy requires the use of a GenerLink device provided by us for installation to maintain device integrity and enable proper asset tracking. Can GenerLink be used with all types of electric meters? The GenerLink is only compatible with form 2S meter sockets. Is maintenance required for the GenerLink? Yes. It is recommended to test the GenerLink with a portable generator at least twice a year to ensure it functions properly. Is GenerLink available to members with solar installed? Due to safety and operational concerns, SECO Energy does not install GenerLink when any power generation or storage equipment is present. Power generation and storage systems are not designed to be connected to a meter-based transfer switch such as GenerLink. Contact an electrician or solar contractor to seek an alternate method of backup generator connection with solar or battery equipment. Can I install GenerLink on a multi-unit building? No. The GenerLink device is only available for single family homes or small commercial stand-alone buildings. It is not available for multi-dwelling housing. What if I don't have a NEMA 14-50 plug on my generator? Adapters can be purchased from your local hardware store or online retailer for 20- or 30-amp generator applications. Can I order a different/longer cord? Yes. Additional cord configurations or longer cords can be ordered from the manufacturer. Visit GenerLink for additional information. How do I order a replacement cord? Replacement cords can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Visit GenerLink for additional information. When will the GenerLink device be installed? After payment is received, your device will be scheduled for installation, which will typically occur within two to four weeks. Product availability and impending storms could further delay the installation.