Generator Safety

In recent years, as technology has advanced, an ever increasing importance has been placed on the ability to maintain power through emergencies. The further technology advances, the more reliant we become on that new and advanced technology. Many of the small miracles provided by advanced technology become crippled and useless without a source of power. Hospitals without a backup generator would be a disaster zone during any stoppage of power. Any large grocery store would quickly lose thousands upon thousands of dollars in spoiled merchandise with any significant power loss. Stoplights, when out, become a huge accident hazard. There are countless uses and needs for the abundance of energy we burn through every day, and a surprisingly large portion of these can be deemed vital. With this new emphasis, and the natural increase in backup generators, it is important to practice generator safety.

Because industrial backup generators have to be monitored and maintained by electricians, it is largely homeowners looking to join the backup generator trend that run into problems. Homeowners looking to maintain safe generator practices first need to determine which type of generator they’re going to be using, as each generator has its own complications.

Standby generators are larger than portable generators, and often hooked up directly to the homes electrical system. This requires a professional electrician to accomplish, and should absolutely not be attempted without. The electrician should install a transfer switch, which will be used to allow energy from the generator into the homes electrical circuits. There are two types, automatic and manual. Both are rather self-explanatory, with automatic booting up immediately after a loss of power, and manual requiring the home owner to physically change it. It is important to contact your utility/power company about any installment of standby generators, as they can provide electrical feedback to nearby power wires, effectively making power lines near the home live, which any repairmen coming out to fix a loss of power would normally regard as dead. Without warning serious accidents and injury can occur.

Portable generators have their own problems and safety concerns. The first and perhaps most important to note is the fact that portable generators, because they typically run on gas, produce large amounts of carbon monoxide. That means that under no circumstances should they be run indoors or confined spaces. Carbon monoxide cannot be smelled, and accidental poisoning is a serious risk, and can lead to death. If any feeling of dizziness, sickness, or weakness occurs while using a generator get to fresh air right away, without any hesitation. Carbon monoxide detectors should be purchased and placed throughout the home or other general areas of usage to prevent accidental poisoning.

Another concern when using a portable generator is the risk of fire. Because they commonly use gas as a fuel source, it is important to practice the utmost care. Gas has a typical shelf life of six months, after which point it becomes volatile. Never use outdated gas. Never refill the gas tank while the generator is on, running, or hot. And finally, do not store gasoline in the home. Also, to avoid fires due to electrical problems, make sure to use the proper electrical cords running from and to the generator. Do not allow these cords to sit underneath rugs or other flammable material. And finally never connect generators to another power source.

Following these safe practices and safety tips will greatly reduce the chance of accident, injury, and even death. Generators can be extremely useful in emergency situations. So remember to monitor the transfer switches of standby generators, and follow all safety instructions on portable generators .