Portable generators provide electrical power wherever electrical power is required such as construction sites, campgrounds, and even homes hit by a power outage. Not just for comfort, they power tools, medical tools, and keep crucial home appliances working. It is crucial that working a generator is done safely and appropriate placement is paramount along with hooking it up and making connections. Follow these portable generator safety tips to prevent life-threatening mishaps. Always read your owner’s manual for safety instructions specific to the model you own.
General Safety
When a generator is currently in use, never try to refuel it. Turn the generator off and allow it to cool before adding fuel. When a generator is in operation, do not allow children to play near or around it. Burn and electrical hazards can injure a child. Disconnect loads from the generator before you turn it off and keep them disconnected until the generator is running again. When the generator is being used near your home or any other dwelling, make sure to use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector. Keep combustible materials away from the generator. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can quickly kill in a confined space. Never place a portable generator indoors, including the inside of a home, garage or shed, even if the windows and doors are open. No matter the fuel being used, windows and doors cannot provide enough proper ventilation for an internal combustion engine. Keep portable generators at least 10 feet from any dwelling including homes, tents, RVs, and campers. Make sure that your generator is far away from open doors, windows, or vents, as the fumes can seep into where you are residing. Also, be sure to place your generator downwind to avoid fumes entering the dwelling. Also, be mindful of the direction your exhaust may travel, and make sure to be aware of how close your neighbors are in relation to your generator. Always have a level stable surface that will not flood to place your generator on.
Using Extension Cords
Use extension cords designed and rated for outdoor use. These extension cords are three-pronged plugs and receptacles and also should possess a ground wire. Make sure to obtain cords that will support how much power the devices used will draw. Common wire sizes include 14 gauges for up to 15 amperes, 12 gauges for up to 20 amperes, and 10 gauges for up to 30 amperes. In the event the cords will carry close to their maximum rated load greater than 80 % of times, intensify to the next (smaller gauge number) size cord. Electrical cords more than 100 feet require larger wires (smaller gauge number) to scale back voltage drop, that may cause motors to overheat or wear out. Tend not to pinch extension cords in windows or doors, or use cords when they’re coiled up. Pinched wires can quickly overheat and initiate a hearth. Uncoil cords before making connections to ensure that they’re from overheating. Only use extension cords in good shape with unbroken sheathing and solid connections to plugs and receptacles.
Making Connections
Make connections between your portable generator’s convenience receptacles straight to appliances with extension cords.
Join generators into a home’s electrical system through a manual transfer switch. Never connect power to a house by backfeeding an appliance circuit like an electric powered range or dryer outlet. Backfeeding can kill or injure utility workers.
On project sites, a transportable generator’s neutral and ground wire be bonded (connected) for the generator to fulfill OSHA safety regulations (unless a different, approved ground is given). Connection of your job-site generator into a home’s manual transfer switch might require disabling the link before connection to the switch. Confirm the user guide for instructions specific to grounding the portable generator.
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