Portable Power Generator Top Safety Tips
Having a portable power generator is really a blessing. Even without your main power source, you can still have enough power for your needs. You can prevent food spoilage with a generator. You can also keep essential medical or work equipment functioning. Sometimes though, things could go wrong with generator use. If you aren't careful with generator use, you could endanger your family and property.
Following Instructions
The best way to keep safe is to follow instructions. It is therefore a must that you read the manual of your unit first before doing anything. Moreover, you should be able to understand the manual content exactly. Incorrect connections and methods of installation could result in life threatening consequences. If you have trouble understanding a manual by yourself, then don't attempt to install your generator yourself. Ask a licensed electrician to do it for you.
CO Precautions
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger with generators. It can enter your home without you even noticing it due to its odorless and colorless nature. You can protect your family from CO poisoning by keeping your generator far from your home, garage and windows. It should have its own outdoor, ventilated structure. Remember though that you also have a responsibility to your neighbors. Make sure that they are not in danger of getting poisoned from your generator's emissions.
It is also recommended that you have carbon monoxide detectors. This is just in case CO from your portable power generator still finds a path to your home.
Wiring
Do not connect your generator to the wiring of your house. Doing so could result in an electrical back feed that could kill a linesman repairing electrical connections. It is best to connect appliances directly to the generator. You can also use an outdoor standard extension cord. If you truly prefer to have a direct connection, then you have to contact a licensed electrician. An electrician would use a transfer switch to ensure that back feed cannot occur.
Power Limits
Find out your wattage needs. Pick a generator that matches your need. Be careful not to go beyond the capacity of your generator. If you do, you could cause your unit to overload. This in turn can destroy your unit and the appliances attached to it. As a general rule, portables cannot be used to power all the appliances in a house. Only a couple of appliances can be used at one time. If you really need to use other equipment during a power outage, then you can alternate the attached appliances.
Generator Fuel
We all know that we shouldn't fool around with fuel. It's not always clear to everyone however that ways of fuel handling and storage are simply unsafe. Prevent fires and other fuel related accidents by refueling only when a generator is off. Generator fuel should also be stored outside your main living areas. Avoid using glass. Thick plastic containers will do. Keep the lids of the container on tightly and label the containers.
It's hard to live without a portable power generator. You should however, make living with one a safe experience.
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