Portable generators deliver electrical power anywhere electrical power is required such as construction sites, campgrounds, and even properties hit by a power outage. Not just for convenience, they power tools, medical tools, and keep necessary appliances operating. Along with hooking up your generator, and making proper connections. To prevent potentially life-threatening mishaps, you must follow these portable generator safety tips. Always read your owner’s manual for safety instructions specific to the model you own.
General Safety
Never refuel a portable generator while it is running. Turn the generator off and allow it to cool before adding fuel. Don’t allow children to play near a generator during operation. 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. Even if the windows are open and you believe there is enough ventilation, never keep a portable generator running inside of a home, garage, shed, or any other closed space. 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. Keep the generator away from open doors, windows, or vents. Also, be sure to place your generator downwind to avoid fumes entering the dwelling. Be mindful of your neighbor’s and aware of where exhaust may travel. 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 external use. These extension cords are three-pronged plugs and receptacles and also should possess a ground wire. Select cords sized to hold the actual 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. When the cords will carry near to their maximum rated load more than 80 percent of the time, boost to another (smaller gauge number) size cord. Extension cords beyond 100 feet require larger wires (smaller gauge number) to reduce voltage drop, which may cause motors to overheat or burn out. Do not pinch extension cords in windows or doors, or use cords while they are coiled up. Pinched wires can rapidly overheat and begin a fire. Uncoil cords before you make connections to make sure they’re from overheating. Just use extension cords in excellent with unbroken sheathing and solid connections to plugs and receptacles.
Making Connections
Make connections relating to the portable generator’s convenience receptacles straight away to appliances with extension cords.
Join generators with a home’s electrical system through a manual transfer switch. Never connect capability to a home by backfeeding a machine circuit like an electrical range or dryer outlet. Backfeeding can kill or injure utility workers.
On homes, a conveyable generator’s neutral and ground wire be bonded (connected) for the generator to satisfy OSHA safety regulations (unless a different, approved ground is given). Connection of a job-site generator with a home’s manual transfer switch may necessitate disabling the link before link to the switch. Confirm the user guide for instructions specific to grounding the portable generator.
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