Portable Generator - How to Safely Use a Portable Generator
Portable Generator Article
How To Safely Use A Portable Generator
The increase in natural disasters during the last few years has caused the sale and use of portable generators to increase drastically. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major concern for people that may have lost their homes and are trying to survive. This article will present some safety tips to consider before you are in a disaster situation.The primary rule for portable generators is to read and obey the manufacturer's manual for the generator. They know what the generator will do and what is dangerous about it. Always use the generator outdoors away from any doors or windows to the home where carbon monoxide can enter the home. Even the attached garage is considered indoors since exhaust fumes can easily enter the home. The generator should be out in the open with a canopy or open shed to protect it from the weather. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. Symptoms include feeling dizzy or sick when around the generator, Battery operated carbon monoxide detectors should be installed whenever the generator is being used.
Other safety factors for using a portable generator are: Use heavy duty outdoor rated extension cords, don't exceed the generators capacity, connect only critical appliances to the extension cords, keep track of the load being put on the portable generator to make sure it does not exceed limits.
Portable generators should never be connected to home wiring. Since electricity is two way, you could be wasting capacity and could give someone up the line a jolt when they thought the power was off. It could also short out the generator when the regular power comes back on.
Turn off or unplug all appliances before shutting down the generator. In case you have to turn the generator back on, it is never good to start it at full load. If there is refrigeration equipment involved, the starting watts for compressors can be considerably higher than the running wattage. Starting all appliances at the same time puts too large of load on the generator. Appliances with compressors should be added one at a time after the other appliances are running.
Do not refuel the generator while it is still operating, and wait a sufficient time for it to cool down so there is no danger of starting a fire.
If there is a storm, make sure the generator is not damaged, covered up or sitting in water.
Keep all children away from the generator so they don't get shocked, or burned.
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How To Safely Use A Portable Generator
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