Your home generator kicks in when the major power source to your home is interrupted. In places that are subject to long power outages, the generator can be a lifesaver. This is especially true of people dependent on medical devices that require electricity or people whose power often goes out during a freezing cold winter. It’s vital that the generator be operated safely, both to keep it going when it’s needed and for the safety of the people who use it.
Keep the Generator Dry
One of the dangers of using a generator in an unsafe manner is electrocution. The generator shouldn’t be touched with wet hands and should be out of precipitation when it’s used. If it needs to be used under rainy or snowy conditions, it should be placed under a canopy or other type of roof and set on a dry surface.
Store Fuel in a Safe Place
The gasoline or other fuel for the generator needs to be stored away from the house in a UL-approved container. The container should be in an area that’s out of direct sunlight, well-ventilated, and away from a source of fire or electricity. There are some places that restrict how much gasoline or other fuel you can keep, so check the local laws.
Don’t Plug the Generator Into an Electrical Outlet
Plugging your generator into an electrical outlet to provide juice to the entire house is very dangerous. It leads to a situation called backfeeding. This is when electricity floods the circuits the wrong way, causes them to overload, and creates an electrocution risk.
Make Sure Power Cords Are Sound
Cords should not be frayed or display tears and need to be rated for the outdoors. Their plugs must have grounding pins. You should read and understand everything in the instruction manual when it comes to plugging appliances into your generator.
Never Bring the Generator Inside
You should never bring your generator inside your home, and you shouldn’t even use it outside near doors, windows, or any fenestration that could possibly allow carbon monoxide to seep into the house. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, and it’s deadly. Though you shouldn’t have a generator in your home, you should still invest in a carbon monoxide alarm as other concerns, such as a leaking gas line, can be the source of it.
Let It Cool Down Before Refueling
If your generator needs refueling, let it cool down first. Gasoline that’s spilled on a surface that’s still hot can catch on fire.
Get in Touch With Our Home Generator Professionals
Home generators can be very useful, but they must be used with care. For more information about the proper use of your home generator, give our professionals a call at Angeloni Electrical Services of Bakersfield, California.
