6 Generator Safety Tips You Need To Know Before the Next Emergency
Generators are great to have around! Portable or permanently installed standby generators can come in handy during long-term power outages. However, if you do not know how to use these tools properly, they can be dangerous.
Generators are great to have around – especially if you find yourself in an off-grid situation! Those that are dependent on power for medical equipment are especially vulnerable during power outages. Portable or permanently installed standby generators provide a temporary source of power during emergency power outages. But because these emergency tools are not regularly used, it is easy to overlook basic safety concerns; and, at times this can be dangerous. In fact, generator misuse can lead to dangerous issues like carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and electrocution, so it needs to be taken seriously.
When purchasing a generator, you will need to add up the total amount of power (watts) needed for appliances to run and find a generator capable of handling the total amount. The total electric load should never exceed the manufacturers of the generator.
If you are installing a permanent generator, make sure it has a transfer switch. The transfer switch prevents energy from leaving your generator and going back onto the utility electrical equipment when it could be dangerous to a lineman or others near downed power lines, a process known as “back feed.” A qualified electrician should install your generator and transfer switch.
Make sure you know how your generator works and how to safely operate it. Part of this is reading the entire owner’s manual. You cannot “overdo it” or absorb too much information when it comes to the use of this important tool. Moreover, make sure the generator can handle the wattage of the appliances you are connecting. As well, practice setting up the generator and connecting it beforehand. Listed below are 6 safety tips you should know before the next emergency hits.
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