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.
Manuals and 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.
Carbon Monoxide Emissions
One of the top dangers of generators is its tendency to emit carbon monoxide. This gas can kill and you may not even know that it is around because it has no color and smell. Prevent carbon monoxide from entering your living space by putting your generator in its own ventilated area. This should be outside your home and garage. You should also make sure that the generator isn't anywhere near your neighbor's windows. Otherwise your neighbors could succumb to CO poisoning.
Take extra precautions against CO from your portable power generator. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These will warn you if CO still manages to find its way to your home.
Wiring
You shouldn't wire your generator with your main wires. This could lead to a back feed that could travel the whole length of your electrical line. If a lineman is currently repairing a line, the back feed could injure him or take his life. If your generator is too far for a direct connection, always use outdoor extension cords. If you do not want cords snaking in and out, you can ask an electrician to install a transfer switch. This is the safe way of connecting to the house wiring system correctly.
Wattage
A generator can only take so much demand. You should therefore make sure that your generator only provides power according to its limits. Portable units are not supposed to be used to provide power to all your appliances and lights. Only a few appliances can be used at one time with a portable unit. Otherwise, you could overload your generator. A good appliance tip would be to use your appliances in turns.
Fuel Handling
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.
A portable power generator can solve all your power problems during an outage. You don't want to create new problems though by being careless. Be sure you follow the basic safety tips to safe generator use.
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