The Basics of Generator Safety | Teems Electric

We have seen some pretty wicked storms over the years, many of which left behind damage and took out power for days. Even without severe weather, losing electricity in our homes is never something we want to deal with.

Our lives are so dependent on electricity that when it is out the inconvenience factor is enough to drive anyone crazy. Going without power can also put us at risk for losing our food stores and leave us without the ability to communicate. Generators are a powerful tool when we are faced with no power—especially when they are used safely.

Safe Installation

In order to stay safe when you use a generator, you need to start from the beginning. That means choosing the right size for your home and your needs, and installing it properly. While our area can see some brutal storms, power is typically only out for a few days or less, making portable generators an ideal choice for most homes.

When you consider the size generator you are planning to invest in, you will need to calculate exactly how many electrical items you want to run. Many people use a generator to only power refrigerators and freezers in order to protect their groceries, but take into account lights you may want on and which chargers you will need to plug in. Go with a generator that provides slightly more power than you are going to require as some units will lose power over time.

Generators should never be hooked directly to your home’s power supply. This can cause an electrical surge or fire. Instead, use heavy duty extension cords to bring power indoors.

Make sure you have the properly rated extension cords, and never use cords that aren’t grounded. Not only should your extension cord be rated for outdoor use, but it should also be long enough to reach whatever you are powering. Putting two extension cords together can overload their power limits and cause an electrical fire.

Run It Safely

Once you have the equipment you need, you will need to find an appropriate place to run your portable generator. This should never be in an enclosed space since generators produce carbon monoxide. Even in a garage with windows, carbon monoxide levels can get dangerously high quickly. Choose a location that is open, dry and far enough away that fumes can’t reach your home.

Keep the fuel for your generator stored away from it, and don’t refuel while the unit is hot. This means you may have to cut power for a little while to let your generator cool down enough to add more fuel. Make sure you clean any drips or spills when you refuel to prevent harmful vapors and potential fires.

Make sure your home is equipped with plenty of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors before you run your generator. Carbon monoxide detectors often make different sounds than a fire alarm does, so let your kids hear it every few months so that they know what it means and how to respond.

Generators are a great way to keep your home running when the power is out, but they also come with plenty of risks. Use them safely to prevent a disaster.

Want to install a generator or learn other ways to keep your home safe from electrical fires? Contact us to get your project completed fast.