THE WRONG WAY TO USE YOUR HOME GENERATOR YOU SHOULD AVOID
Michael Harris Mar 25, 2023 1:33 AM
When you experience a power outage, you’ll first want to find a generator to keep your lights on and your refrigerator running. But with so many different types and models of generators on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 things you should avoid when buying a home generator. By following this advice, you can be sure to find the perfect generator for your needs – and avoid overspending on features you don’t need.
Overview
We cannot imagine our life without electricity. Every little aspect of our daily lives requires electricity to some degree. From kitchen appliances to education and entertainment, electricity is the driving force behind everything.
However, if you live in a developing country, power loss is a common problem. The government's electricity production needs to be more than the requirement. As a result, the power to an area is temporarily cut off to prevent overload or permanent damage to the supply line.
People must correct several common mistakes with their best home generators before and after purchase. This article will discuss some common home generator failures and how to avoid them!
Hopefully, you will only need to start the generator sometimes. But in the meantime, you shouldn't put it in a corner and forget about it.
The need for proper generator maintenance is the biggest problem we see.
To ensure your generator is ready to go, check the batteries regularly and clean the oil and air filters. It would be best if you also started it up regularly during the colder months.
Spinning the generator and putting it under load at least once a month helps prevent moisture from building up in the coils and other electrical components.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Source: Amazon.com
We're not talking about your digestive issues here. “If you only start the generator once and store it with the rest of the gasoline in the tank, it can fail when stationary.
If you're going to store your generator, make sure to fully discharge or run it periodically to keep it looking new. There are also gasoline additives that can help keep the fuel fresh.
Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel RV
Source: Amazon.com
Speaking of gas, generators will suck up gas when the power goes out for hours, but you can't refill it at the last minute, like when your car is running low on gas.
Refueling a generator while running or when the engine is hot can be a quick recipe for disaster. Spilled gasoline can ignite and create an explosion. Make sure you turn off the engine and let it cool completely before refueling.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Source: Amazon.com
During the rush to restore power home, you can pull the generator out into the pouring rain without arranging an area to protect the generator from the elements.
Generators can be started during a blizzard or rain, but they should be operated in a dry area to avoid electric shock or damage to the inverter. Run it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Or buy a case made specifically for the generator.
Also known as "backloading," this connection is extremely dangerous.
Connecting a portable generator directly to the wiring in your home (electrical service panel) can be dangerous for homeowners, neighbors, or utility workers. This is an illegal process and poses a huge short-circuit risk to any neighbors serviced by the same transformer.
To safely add more electricity to your home, hire an electrician to add a manual on/off switch.
It can be installed into a home's electrical panel with a manual power switch, everything the homeowner needs to back up. A certified dealer may assess the home and recommend the right-sized generator, while a licensed electrician can safely install a manual switch by code.
A Portable Generator
Source: Amazon.com
The recommended amount of time to deploy your generator is about 30 minutes. This keeps your generator fresh and ready to go and helps ensure that the generator will run as expected in the event of a power failure.
Likewise, a home generator should be operated at load (aka full capacity) quarterly for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the lubricant to heat to the operating temperature and circulate throughout the engine.
Other environmental factors, such as too much dust or moisture, can affect how often you use your generator.
In addition to regular operation, you can take other preventive maintenance measures recommended to keep your generator running smoothly and in optimal condition.
What precautions should you take when using a generator?
The main hazards to avoid when using the best home generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the engine's toxic exhaust, electric shock, or fire. Follow the instructions provided with the generator. To avoid electric shock, keep the generator dry and not use it in rainy or wet conditions.
What can damage the best home generator?
Battery failure is the leading cause of generator failure. A bad battery will not provide the current the generator needs to start. Over time, lead sulfate crystals accumulate on the panels.
Is it safe to re-supply your home with a generator?
Reverse generator charging can injure yourself or utility workers, not to mention the destruction of your home. Back feeding is tying a portable home generator directly to your home's electrical panel instead of using a generator transfer switch. It is dangerous. It is usually illegal.
Where is the safest place to put your home generator?
Never run the generator in an enclosed space or indoors.
That includes a garage or basement, two spaces that may capture deadly levels of CO. Always place generators at least 15 feet away from home with engine exhaust facing windows and doors.
Is it necessary to turn off the main breaker when using the generator?
Turn the main fuse or circuit breaker to the "OFF" position for extra safety. Make sure you understand them before connecting the generator. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper grounding of the generator. The generator emits carbon monoxide gas.
The best home generator is a long-term investment. Picking the right thing and keeping it consistent is essential. It saves time, money, and effort. However, many people need to be aware of the mistakes they make when buying generators.
Our blog post discusses some of the most popular mistakes people make with their home generators. While they may seem harmless, they are harmful in the long run. We have discussed how to solve them to prevent your troubles.
We hope you found this article helpful!
