What You Should Know About Portable Generator Safety
Portable electric generators provide a good source of power, but if not properly installed or operated, can become deadly. To keep families safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have made a helpful new video and recommend taking the following precautions:
- Hire a licensed electrician to install your generator to be absolutely sure it meets local codes. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring before installing an appropriate transfer switch.
- Electricity from generators that are connected directly to your home wiring can backfeed along power lines and severely harm anyone that is touching them, including lineworkers working on it.
Other tips are:
- Make sure the generator is grounded properly grounded.
- Keep your portable generator completely dry.
- Make sure extension cords used with a small portable generator are rated for the load, and have no cuts or worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator. A portableYour generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
- Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore you must install carbon monoxide detectors in all enclosed nearby places to monitor the levels}.
- To help prevent electrical shock injuries and electrocutions.
- store the fuel for your generator safely, away from living areas and other fuel-burning appliances, in clearly labeled containers. Before re-fueling, always shut down the generator and make sure it is cooled doewn.
- Make sure that all appliances powered by the generator are turned off before you shut down the generator.
- Keep your children away from portable generators at all times.
Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety rules have minimized electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards.
Also it is very important to use safe equipment from a reliable manufacturer, like a Coleman Powermate Generator.