SMALL GENERATOR SAFETY: A GUIDE TO USING GENERATORS DURING POWER OUTAGES
Gabriel Jones Jun 6, 2023 11:46 AM
No matter where you live, it is important to be prepared when a power outage occurs. It's a good idea to have drinking water, three days' worth of perishable food, and a flashlight when traveling during a power outage. Because knowing how long you'll be without power is impossible, some people turn to a small portable generator or added peace of mind.
County residents may rely on small generators for emergency power during long-term power outages. Using a backup or small portable generator poses little danger if installed and operated correctly, but improper installation or use can be dangerous, even deadly.
If you're considering buying a small generator for your home, we can help you determine the best generator for your needs and how to operate it safely. Read these tips for the safe operation and use of small generators.
Follow the instructions provided when buying the small generator. Improper use of the generator may result in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shock, or fire.
Never use a small portable generator in your home – If you or someone in your home starts to feel nauseous, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, move to fresh air right away. Install a battery-operated or backup battery CO alarm in your home. You should check the CO alarm's batteries regularly and replace them as necessary.
Mini Generator
Source: Pinterest
Connect The Small Generator Properly
Protect your devices: Turn off or unplug all home appliances before you start operating the small generator. While the generator is running, turn on each of your appliances to avoid overloading them.
Use a suitable extension cord: Use only safety-tested cords, designed and rated for outdoor use. Many small generators are equipped with a twist-lock connector to reduce the possibility of accidental disconnection due to vibration.
Never attempt to power a home's wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet; this practice is known as "backloading"; it may result in an electric shock to users or neighbors. The only safe way to connect a small generator to your home's electrical wiring is to have a high-qualified electrician install a power switch.
How to Turn Off the Generator Correctly
Before turning off the generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment provided by the generator.
Remember to drain all gasoline from the generator while it is being stored. You should also check the fuel and oil filters, spark plugs, oil level, and fuel quality, and start the generator regularly before an emergency occurs.
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Place the small generator in a dry and outside your home.
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Placing generators away from windows, doors, and vents prevents letting CO2 and CO into the home.
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Generators must be at least 20 feet away from your house. Even over 20 feet away, airflow patterns can still blow CO into your home through vents, windows, or attic doors, so you should have a carbon monoxide detector active in the house.
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To avoid electric shock, keep the generator dry. Please do not use it in rainy or humid conditions. Ensure your hands are dry before touching the generator.
Place Small Generator Away from Home
Source: Pinterest
Turn off the smallest portable gas generator and allow it to cool before refueling because gasoline spilling into hot engine parts can ignite.
Store fuel in a secure container outside living areas, preferably in a locked shed or another protected area.
Spilling fuel or not sealing the tank properly can vaporize and invisibly travel along the ground and ignite when exposed to high temperatures. Use the type of fuel recommended in your generator manual or on its label.
Using and Storing Small Generator Fuel Correctly
Source: Pinterest
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Never run the generator in an enclosed area, even with a fan or open doors and windows.
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Place the generator outside and away from any doors, windows, vents, or other openings to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) from being drawn into the home.
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Place a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
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If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, ensure you get some fresh air immediately.
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Make sure you keep your generator dry, as it poses a risk of shock and electric shock if used while wet.
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Use a heavy-duty extension cord specifically designed for outdoor use.
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Do not power your home by plugging the small generator into a wall outlet, as this can create an electric shock hazard for the electrician or users.
Using Generator Safety
Source: Pinterest
What Is The Cheapest Small Generator?
Gas generators are usually the most affordable, between $500 and $3,200. However, they are often in the form of portable generators rather than home generators or small gas generators. Remember that the price to run it will fluctuate according to the gas price in your area.
Besides small gas generators, there are other types of small propane generators, smallest portable diesel generators and small RV generators on the market.
Are small quiet portable generators quiet?
Even at full power, quiet inverter portable generators are similar to the level of normal speech. So the next time the whole family goes camping, choose an inverter so you can enjoy the outdoors and all the natural sounds that come with it.
What is the smallest portable propane generator?
The ARC Micro Turbine Generator measures approximately 6.7 x 10.6 x 20.5 inches and weighs just under 19.8 lb.
It's annoying every time the power goes out, for uninterrupted daily life, we recommend having a small generator in your home. A small generator will help you supply electricity to electrical devices whenever the power goes out. After owning a generator, you need to know how to use it properly for maximum efficiency and safe use.
