Risks From Utility Supply Disruption

This article elaborates on the properly required protection and how its operation will prevent the undesired consequences to the ICG owner, the utility, and the general public. This article also discusses actions that take place when the utility supply is disrupted, creating an islanding condition and states reasons why protection required by regulatory agencies, local utilities, and documents such as IEEE Standard 1547 IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems are required of an individual ICG. Consequences of not having the protection in place can damage the generator and/or its prime mover plus be a hazard to public safety. Examples of these consequences are given. This article will provide a clearer understanding to ICG owners of why they are required to have specified protective equipment in place.