A power outage can be frustrating for everyone; therefore, having a secret power backup is a must. People have been using power generators for years. However, it can be extremely dangerous if not handled with care. Here, we have sourced 6 tips to help you handle the power generator with caution and care.
Always run the generator outside of the house:
Running a generator in an enclosed space can be very dangerous for your health. Generators produce odorless carbon monoxide that can kill a human being instantly. Therefore, always use the generator out of your house. Experts suggest using a generator at least 20 feet away from your residence so that the fumes cannot enter the house. If you are still concerned, have a carbon monoxide detector at home.
Never run the generator in the rain:
Please do not use your generator on rainy days or when it's snowing because of the fear of electric shock. Running electricity in rain or snow can trigger an electric shock. Ensure that the generator is not being used in or around water to help prevent a possible fire. Also, always keep the generator on a level surface because uneven surfaces can collect water, causing issues for the handler.
Choose fuel smartly:
No matter the situation, you should always be ready to use a generator in a power outage or electrical emergency. Generators run on petrol or gas; therefore, you must always have a stable fuel source. Usually, petrol is the safest fuel option in the market that you can store and use when in need. Besides that, you can also talk to a professional before choosing a fuel for your generator, as they can guide you better.
Do not backfeed to your home:
Back feeding is a careless and dangerous thing to do with a generator. Plugging a generator into a wall to power your residential building can electrocute you, damage the electronics plugged in the socket, and even start an electrical fire in the worst-case scenario. Act of backfeeding can surpass a few of the built-in securities that your house has in place.
Use a high-quality extension cord:
Extension cords are extremely important for every appliance that needs electricity to run or if a generator provides electricity. Using poor quality extension cord is a hazard and can even cause an electric fire. To protect your home, use high-quality extensions while working with generators. Besides that, you should also make sure the extension cord plug contains all three prongs so that the switch can be clipped perfectly.
Refuel the generator safely
Fueling materials for generators are very crucial. The storage of the fuel is equally important. Gasoline can trigger fire if in contact with flames; therefore, keep it away from the house in a cool dark place. If you have children in the house, make sure that the fuel is out of reach so that the kid can not spill or ingest it. If a child comes in direct contact with the fuel, contact a doctor immediately.
Generators are extremely crucial in case of a power outage. However, it can be extremely dangerous if you do not use proper safety precautions. This article has talked about safety tips that you should observe while handling a generator. The safety tips apply to all models of a power generator. Besides that, you should also be careful while handling the generator fuel because it is highly flammable and may disrupt fire. If you have children at home, do not keep the fuel unsupervised because kids can also ingest it.
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