Southington Building Department

Generator Safety

To avoid the accumulation of deadly carbon monoxide, only use a generator outdoors. Never use a generator indoors, in an attached garage, a basement, or a crawl space. Avoid using a generator in a partially enclosed inhabited space, even if it is ventilated; opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up. If placing it outdoors, make sure the generator is far from a home's doors, windows and vents.

In addition, the storm has led to an increasing number of customers using generators to power their homes and businesses. CL&P reminds customers that if a generator is installed incorrectly to a home's wiring, it can cause power to "backfeed," or flow back into the power lines, creating a dangerous situation for the public and for our line crews who may be working nearby. To avoid this situation, have a qualified electrician connect the generator with a transfer switch, so that it is not connected directly to your home’s wiring.

Portable Generator - Electrical permit required for the transfer switch wiring.

Standby Generator - Permits required:

    -Electrical

    -Fuel Gas Piping
    -Building Permit if Required
 

A Zoning Permit may be required due to a proposed location in the side yard. A rear yard installation is preferred.

This is the time of year you are about to start your wood burning stoves/inserts.

Please make sure that all your chimneys are cleaned and inspected. By doing so you will reduce the potential for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Have a safe heating season from the Southington Building Department!

Building Department Documents Available To Download:

• Southington Permit Fees
• Portable Swimming Pools - Requirements Prior to Installation
• Basic Requirements of the Building Code: Residential One and Two-Family
• Procedure for Obtaining Building Permits: 1 & 2 Family Structures
• Basement Remodeling Plan Requirements
• Demolition Permit Application Package for Non-Historic Property
• Envelope Requirements
• Swimming Pools - Permits Needed
• Technical Standards for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems & Sheds
• Installation Instructions for Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
• "What is Carbon Monoxide?"
• Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors and ARC- Fault Circuit Interrupters Guidelines
• Dryer Fire Potential