Portable Generators: Do's and Don'ts

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.