Using your generator safely is very important because if they aren’t handled properly, they pose a risk of shock or even electrocution. Also, handling your generator safely helps you get the most out of it and prolong its life. Here, we’ve compiled some important safety considerations so that you’ll know how to run your generator safely. So, let’s go through them one by one:
Using a Generator Safely
Here we list a bunch of safety tips when storing and running your generator.
Place to Run Your Generator
You will have to choose where you place your portable generator carefully, as this is very important. Making sure your generator is kept in a suitable location ensures it will function properly and reach its full lifespan. If you’re curious what the best location for your generator is, then take note of these suggestions:
Dry and Away From Rain
You must keep your generator somewhere dry, where the rain and water cannot reach. We all know that water is a dangerous thing for a generator. If you operate your generator on a wet surface, in the rain, or under any wet conditions, then you increase your risk of electrocution. Thus, you have to choose a dry location to place your generator.
Open and Well Ventilated Space
You must keep your generator in a place that is open and where there is sufficient ventilation. When you run a generator, it produces a very toxic gas called carbon monoxide. If this gas is allowed to accumulate in a closed area, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Thus, you should place your generator in an open space or in a place that is well ventilated.
Steady and Stable Level
It’s also important to run your generator on a stable and steady surface. If you are not running your generator on a stable and steady surface then you risk causing damage to your generator. This is because the lubricant won’t be able to reach every part of the engine if the generator is tilted, and this could cause significant damage if you run the generator when tilted like this.
Proper Connection and Wiring
If you want to have the adequate delivery of power from your generator, you will have to connect your generator properly and ensure perfect wiring. If you don’t, you could end up with low-voltage or overload issues, or even a fire hazard or electrical hazard.
Home Electrical Setup
If you want to use a generator for your home, you have to ensure that you have installed the transfer switch to the electric panel so that you will get an effective changeover. A transfer switch carries the load from the generator to the main power supply and from the main power supply to the generator. So in your home setup, you should ensure you have a transfer switch.
Recreational Setup
For a recreational generator setup, you can either choose to connect your devices directly to the generator or opt for a heavy-duty extension cord that is made for outdoor use. If you’d like to run an extension cord, you’ll need to make sure that it’s free of cuts is not exposed. You’ll also need to make sure it’s rated to handle the wattage you’ll be using.
Fueling the Generator
If you want to use your generator safely, you have to only use the fuels recommended by the manufacturer. If you cannot make sure to use the recommended fuel, you are more likely to cause damage to your generator. If you do add the wrong fuel, you may have to get the generator professionally serviced in order to clean out the incorrect fuel before you can use the generator again.
Powering your Generator
You should follow the proper procedure to power up your generator. After turning on your generator, you have to allow it to warm up. You should only connect your devices after that.
Storage of your Generator
If you aren’t going to use your generator for a long time, you should store your generator in a dry and cool place. You should also drain the fuel before you store your generator. If you follow all these steps, you will be able to extend the life of your generator and enhance its performance.
