It’s an obvious fact that generators are playing a vital role in our life! They provide us with instant power during a power failure. But, Did you know that each year, 50,000 emergency department visits take place, and more than 400 deaths, are caused by carbon monoxide stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Moreover, did you know that generators produce carbon monoxide even when you are operating it right and that the gas can be harmful?
The good news is that you can reduce this risk and keep the carbon monoxide away from your home and dear ones. All you need to do is take some precautionary measures.
Apart from that, several accidents take place solely due to mismanagement or a simple mistake when it comes to operating a generator. However, you can keep everything in control and maintain a safer environment.
The first tip is quite simple: Keep your generators outside although you go out with RV. If you’d like to know more, keep on reading to know more generator safety tips:
Dos Of Generator Safety:
- Purchase a carbon monoxide (CO) detector as its odorless and colorless gas. Keep a battery back-up with the detector for uninterrupted performance.
- Turn off the main power supply. Run the generator and turn on the appliances one by one. Avoid overloading by prioritising your needs (One of the most critical generator safety tip).
- Generators are prone to electrical risk. Avoid operating it when it’s in wet conditions.
- Protect the generator when operating. It should be placed in an outdoor area. Always make sure to dry your hands before touching the generator.
- Only refill the generator when it turns off and cooled.
- Keep your children and pets away from generators. The generator surface becomes hot enough to burn if touched.
- Store the generator in a well-ventilated and dry area. Keep the fuel tank empty.
- Before transporting the device, empty the fuel tank, close the fuel valve, and avoid moving it.
- Allow the generator to cool for five minutes before handling it or refuelling. It reduces the risk of fire, so it handles the fuel carefully. It is highly flammable.
- Always store the fuel in a container, approved it.
- Keep 3 feet of clearance on all sides before storing the generator (including overhead).
- Allow a minimum of 30 minutes of “cool down” time before storage. Exhausting heat or gases can cause serious burns or ignite.
Don’ts Of Generator Safety:
- Do not operate a generator near hazardous material. Fuel should not be stored near a generator.
- Do not smoke near a generator or while handling fuel.
- Never operate a generator in a home or garage. Generators exhaust poisonous carbon monoxide. Take care of its proper ventilation.
- Do not plug a generator directly into the wall; it can create back feed. You can use heavy-duty extension cords. You can connect appliances to the outlets of the generator.
- Do not connect to any electrical system. Make sure a verified electrician has installed the generator and transfer switch.
- Do not expose, store, or operate the generator in rain, or snow. Do not operate with wet hands or feet as it can cause electrical shock. Keep it dry.
- National Electric Code enforces that a generator should be grounded to approved earth ground. Always consult a qualified electrician for the purpose.
- Do not use any electrical cord which is damaged or bare.
Conclusion
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission is now enforcing the manufacturers of generators to label their products. Warn the consumers of carbon monoxide hazards. A new label like, “Using a generator indoors Can Kill you in minutes.” should be used.
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How To Ground A Portable Generator When Camping
How Long Can You Run a Generator Continuously?
