PORTABLE GENERATOR SAFETY
Maybe you want to make sure the food in your freezer stays frozen if there’s a power outage. Or you need to power the well pump that provides you with drinking water. Or you want to be able to use your gas or oil furnace when the power’s out. Or your at-home business requires that you have power to run computers or other equipment.
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Whatever the reason, whenever there is an extended power outage, there is also the urge by many customers to fire-up the portable generator to get electricity flowing to certain appliances. But, if not used properly, that portable generator can pose a severe hazard to line workers and your neighbors. In addition, the generator itself also can be damaged if it’s not connected properly.
Also, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, using a portable generator INDOORS (even if windows and doors are open) can kill you in minutes because the exhaust from the portable generator contains high concentrations of carbon monoxide (a poison that cannot be seen and has no odor). DO NOT place a portable generator inside your home or garage when you are running it.
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The first step in purchasing a portable generator is to identify the things you absolutely cannot live without during a power outage. Usually high on the list will be the refrigerator and the freezer, a well pump, the furnace fan if you have natural gas or oil heat, or maybe some lighting. Consider your list carefully, because the bigger the portable generator, the more expensive it will be.
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Once you have your list, calculate how much electricity those items need. Look at the wattage of each item on the equipment nameplate or in the owner’s manual, and add it all up. Then keep in mind that your generator should not be run continuously at more than 80 percent of its rated capacity and take into account that appliances that operate with a motor (like the refrigerator and freezer) can require two to ten times their listed wattage in order to start.
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Once you factor in those conditions, you can determine the size of the portable generator you’ll need.
PORTABLE GENERATOR SAFETY
Make sure extension cords are adequately sized to handle the electricity. If you’re not certain, ask the dealer who sold you your generator or check with an electrician. Also, the generator itself should always be placed outside in a well-ventilated area and you should never refuel it when the engine is hot. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to minimize the danger of fire.
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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes, even if the windows and doors are open. The exhaust contains high concentrations of carbon monoxide, a poison that cannot be seen and has no odor. If you are running a portable generator, do not place it in your home or garage.
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Instructions on how to properly use a portable generator are included in most operating manuals. You should read them carefully.