How to Use a Generator Safely

Set up your generator a proper distance away from your home. A generator should never be closer than 20 feet from your home. This will help you avoid toxic fumes and fire hazards.
Never run a generator under your eaves, inside your garage or in your house. Even with the garage door or windows open, it is dangerous.

• Run your generator on a level surface. Place it on bricks or flat ground. Small generators may have a lubrication system that can run dry if placed on a slope. This can damage or destroy the unit.
• Keep your generator away from rain or standing water.
• Don’t overwork your generator. Get the right size generator for your needs. Start by figuring out what your needs are, the wattage you want and the fuel source you prefer.
• Keep the exhaust away from people and pets. Make sure any generator exhaust blows away from nearby neighbor’s homes.

When they run, generators produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Never assume that you’ll be able to detect carbon monoxide. It is odorless and colorless. To be safe, install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur quickly. Even when you place your generator far enough away from your house, the fumes can still enter your home through roof vents or other openings. Don’t rely on fans to prevent or disperse this gas.

Safety Tip: If you feel dizzy, weak or nauseous while using a generator, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

The right size generator can keep your lights on and more. However, it’s not advisable to connect the generator directly to your home’s circuit center. It’s best to have a professional electrician install a power transfer switch portable generator. A transfer switch can protect your home systems. It can also help prevent a voltage surge to your area’s power lines. Voltage surges can damage down power lines and seriously injure utility workers.

• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and cool it down. Spilling or splashing gas on a hot generator poses a very real fire risk.
• Keep containers tightly closed. Vapors from spilled fuel can travel along the ground. They can be ignited by the generator or an appliance.
• Gas cans can be heavy. Make refueling easier and safer by storing fuel in 5-gallon size containers. Choose quality steel cans with a trigger control valve that prevents spills.
• Always refill your generator outside.
• Bad fuel can cause your generator to break or even not start. Add a fuel stabilizer to store gas and help minimize fuel breakdown.
• Turn off the electricity and shut down the generator before it runs out of fuel. Running a generator until it’s completely dry can cause damage to the engine.

• Use the proper type and length of extension cord. An outdoor-rated, heavy-duty extension cord is a good choice for appliances.
• Extension cords should be 100-feet long or less. The longer the cord, the less voltage it can carry and the more damaging it can be to appliances.
• Avoid using several extension cords at once. This can cause an electrical surge into your neighborhood power lines. Also known as “back-feed,” a voltage surge can injure unsuspecting utility workers.

A generator makes life better when you lose power. Staying safe while using a generator is easier when you follow sound safety practices.

• Change your generator’s oil and filter often. Most recommend after every 60 hours or so of use. Make sure to stock up on the oil and filters you’ll need for your generator model. After storms, they can be in short supply.
• Avoid running a generator non-stop. Overloading can damage your appliances and home electrical system.