Having a portable power generator at home can be very useful. If a power outage occurs, you will be ready to temporarily restore power to your home and do whatever it is you need to continue doing that requires power. But while that sounds very convenient, portable generators should be used with caution. It’s not as simple as turning on a switch and plugging your appliances into it.
If not used properly, a temporary generator poses several hazards including fire, electrocution, and carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, if you purchased your unit just recently, it would bear some label indicating the risks of using it. This is why, as with any equipment, safety should always be a primary concern when operating a temporary power generator. Below is a guide that provides ways to avoid the hazards described above and help ensure proper and safe use of temporary power generators.
Read the Manual
Many people ignore product manuals, choosing to figure out on their own how to operate or use a product. That may be harmless for some types of equipment but when it comes to equipment like temporary power generators, getting all the information you need prior to operating one can mean life or death.
So, be sure to take the time to read the manual that came with your power generator. That manual was created to provide useful information to you about the proper and safe use of the generator you purchased. Above all, follow the instructions in the manual carefully.
Use a Transfer Switch
When connecting a temporary power generator, your first thought might be to connect it to the wiring that already exists in your home. It seems like the most natural thing to do but never do so. Directly connecting a temporary power generator to your house’s existing wiring can result to it backfeeding onto your house’s power lines, which can lead to fatal accidents.
If it is absolutely necessary to connect the generator to your house’s wiring, use a transfer switch to safely connect a temporary generator and transfer power between the generator and the utility lines. After purchasing a portable generator, have a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrical professional so you will be ready to safely use it when an outage happens.
Do Not Use Regular Power Outlets
The regular power outlets in your home will not be able to handle the power load from the generator so do not attempt to plug it to one. Make sure everyone in your household is aware of this. Doing so may power up utility lines that are supposed to be out of power and harm people in your neighborhood, particularly utility personnel.
Connect Appliances Properly
Individually connect your electrical appliances directly to the generator’s outlet. Check that the appliances have power cables that are rated for outdoor use. Alternatively, you can connect appliances together to the generator using one outdoor-rated extension cord but just make sure that the cord can sufficiently handle the power load.
Use Extension Cords Properly
When operating a temporary generator, it is most likely that you will use extension cords.
If you will be connecting large appliances such as air conditioning units or heaters, then use appropriate heavy-duty power cords.
Also, the combined wattage of the appliances that you will connect to an extension cord should not exceed the cord’s wattage capacity. If a cord you are using becomes overloaded, it can start a fire or cause damage to your equipment or appliances.
In addition, make sure the cord wires are not exposed and the wire shielding is intact throughout its length. If you slipped the cords through windows and doorways, check that the window pane or door is not pinching the extension cord. Exposed wires and outlets and damaged cords present risks of electrocution or fire. If there are power outlets that are not used, use an electrical tape to cover them. This is especially important if there are children in your home.
Moreover, secure and arrange the cables neatly on the floor and do not let them dangle from tables or counters to avoid anybody tripping on them. Prevent heat buildup by making sure the cords are not placed under carpets or rugs. Doing so will also make it easy for you to spot if there is damage to a cord.
Do Not Overload Temporary Generator
A generator has an output rating and going over it can result to serious damage to your electronic appliances. Therefore, make sure not to overload your temporary generator. It is recommended to use the generator to supply power only to appliances or equipment that you really need to use during the outage. If you can live without one or two of your household appliances for the time being, then it’s better to just wait for the power to be restored rather than risk overloading the generator and damaging all the equipment you plugged into it.
Ground the Generator
Grounding the generator properly is another way to avoid electrical shock. There are specific procedures to accomplish this. Refer to your product manual for the correct grounding steps.
Always Use a Generator Outside of Your Home
Generators are not meant for indoor use. They work like cars with internal combustion engines that produce fatal carbon monoxide emissions. The dangerous thing about carbon monoxide is not only is it colorless, which means you cannot see it, but it is also odorless. And because of this, it is easy for a person to be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide without him or her being aware of it.
In addition, carbon monoxide quickly builds up in an enclosed space and can linger in a room for several hours. Exposure to its poisonous fumes can be fatal within minutes.
This is why you should never operate a generator inside the house, not even in the covered garage attached to your house. In fact, never use a generator in any enclosed or partially-enclosed space no matter how well-ventilated you think the area is. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home even if you use a fan or open the windows.
So, where do you position the generator? The only safe place is outside but not just anywhere outside. Place the generator where you are sure the toxic fumes will not get into the house. The ideal place for the generator is an area outside that is a good distance away from the house like a tent or shed that is well-aerated and dry and again far from openings or vents where toxic carbon monoxide fumes can pass through.
Keep Your Portable Generator Dry
Although, it is not recommended to use a temporary generator when it’s raining because of the risk of an electrical shock, there may be times when it may be necessary for you to operate it in bad weather. In this case, you would want to protect the generator from direct rain exposure so choose a storage area for the generator with adequate covering. Check that the surface of the storage area is dry to avoid moisture buildup, which may also cause electrocution. More importantly, never touch the generator with wet hands.
Use a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
In addition to the safety reminders above about carbon monoxide poisoning, it would also be prudent to install alarms, battery-run or plug-in, that would alert you to carbon monoxide emissions. It is ideal to place the alarm in bedroom hallways but not in corners, which have poor air circulation. Also, make sure to install the carbon monoxide detector where there is no furniture or curtains that will cover it. Follow the instructions of the alarm manufacturer when installing the alarm and check that it has met the latest industry standards in safety.
Store and handle fuel properly
Prepare an outdoor storage area for flammable liquids like gasoline and kerosene. Do not store generator fuel inside the house. Never store them in the garage or any room with equipment and appliances that burn fuel. Make sure to use safe containers for the fuel with the proper labels. Always handle fuel with caution and a lot of common sense. Extinguish flames and put out cigarettes before handling fuel. Be careful not to spill fuel on hot generator parts. If you need to refuel the generator, shut it down first before doing so. But remember to turn off the appliances connected to the generator first prior to shutting down the unit.
Avoid Contact with Generator
Some components of a running generator can get hot so it is best to avoid touching the unit’s body. If there are children at home, keep them away from the generator.
The reminders above serve as a checklist of the things you need to do and check on before operating a temporary generator. Some of them may sound too simple for you to be reminded of like drying your hands before touching the unit but you can never be too sure. As they say, better safe than sorry. So, keep the tips above in mind and observe them to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
