Safety Rules for Small Diesel Generators and Portable Gas Generators
Portable gas generators provide a good source of power. But if a generator is improperly installed or operated, can become dangerous. To keep your loved ones safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a helpful new video and recommend taking the following precautions:
- Contract a professional electrician to install your generator to be absolutely sure it meets local codes.
- Do not connect generators directly to home wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed.
- Electricity from a generator connected directly to your home wiring can backfeed along power lines and severely harm anyone that is touching them, including lineworkers working on it.
More tips are:
- Make sure the generator is grounded properly grounded.
- Keep your portable generator free from moist an liquids.
- Make sure extension cords used with portable gas generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
- Never operate your generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore you must install carbon monoxide detectors in all enclosed nearby places to monitor the levels.
- you must use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- store the fuel for your generator safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and make sure it is cooled doewn.
- Make sure that all appliances powered by the generator are turned off before shutting down you portable generator.
- Keep your children away from your generator at all times.
Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety rules have minimized electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards. Also it is very important to use safe equipment from a reliable manufacturer, like a Coleman Powermate Generator. More information you will find on the small diesel generators website
