This article was posted last year and may no longer be current.
Make sure your emergency generator, and you, are ready when a storm knocks out power
If you've ever lost power during a storm, you know that a portable generator can be your best mechanical friend.
Or, it can cause serious harm.
If you rely on a generator to provide power in an outage, it's critical to know how to use it properly.
Here are some tips:
Do…
- Start and briefly run your machine a few times during the year to ensure it is ready when you need it
- Make sure you have plenty of fresh fuel to power your generator. If the machine runs on gasoline, figure on up to 21 gallons a day, if you want to operate it around the clock.
- Check the oil
- Check the wattage. Make sure the combined wattage of devices you plan to power does not exceed the generator's capacity.
- Use heavy-duty, properly grounded extension cords
- Hire a qualified technician to install a transfer switch if you want to connect an emergency generator to your home's main electrical system
Don't…
- Don't place a running generator inside your home or garage. Keep it at least 15 feet from any enclosed structure. The odorless carbon monoxide exhaust fumes are deadly.
- Don't store fuel in your home, or in your garage near potentially combustible appliances such as a furnace or water heater
- Don't connect a generator directly to your home's electrical box. It can create a fire hazard and might energize area power lines that utility workers assume are not "live."
- Don't operate a generator in rain or damp conditions. If the electrical panel gets wet, it could cause electrical shock or damage the machine.
- Don't refuel a generator while it's running. Fuel spilled on a hot motor can spark an explosion or fire.
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