Have you ever plugged a generator into your home’s power supply only to have one or two of your appliances short-circuit immediately? If so, you probably “backfed” your generator to your home’s wiring. While generators may be a lifesaver during a power outage, backfeeding electricity is incredibly dangerous and can even lead to an electrical mishap that can leave others seriously hurt or worse.

But what is backfeeding a generator — and how can you make sure that you’re using your generator safely?

Although backfeeding can cause serious damage and inflict considerable harm upon others, it is easy to avoid if you are knowledgeable of the process and how to properly avoid it. To ensure that your home and others in your area remain safe from harm, here is an overview of what backfeeding is, why it can be dangerous for your generator and home, and how you can prevent backfeeding from occurring.