5 Tips For Using An AC Generator Safely

Generator technology is a real-life saver in case of power outages. You can always resort to them whenever you need electricity. But generators come with a little caveat. As they are electrical equipment, short circuits or improper usage can cause severe hazards.

Inexperience and inappropriate use can be dangerous. Because generators give out carbon monoxide, its greater quantity in the surrounding air can prove fatal. As a result, they can be life-threatening. So it’s better to get some know-how of the generator before using it for full-functional work. Here are some tips to follow to use an AC generator :

1.Locate the generator at some distance from your work area

Generators need proper placement for themselves. They discharge carbon monoxide, which is a harmful gas. That is why the manufacturers give an explicit warning. They recommend you choose a proper location to place an AC generator (CDCP, 2019). Also, electrocution can happen due to short circuits or unforeseen circumstances.

The best way is that you should keep yourself safe from such adverse happenings. You can do this by locating the generator at some distance from your work area or home. for a general understanding, your generator’s placement should follow:

• Local area codes for safe placement of the generator.
• You should locate them at a place that would not disturb the fuel supply.
• If the generator is a noisy one, at distance enough not to affect the hearing capabilities.
• Be safe from adverse weather conditions like rainfall, winds, etc.

Be careful not to adjust the generator in your garage while it’s working. Also, don’t try to run it in the eaves either. Don’t think that the garage’s open door open will compensate for the accumulating gas. This doesn’t seem right and may lead to severe consequences.

You would have to bear some extra effort to adjust the generator at a safe distance from home. And you might need to buy some different cords. But it’s still a better alternative than having a chance for a disastrous event.

2.Use a transfer cord instead of back feed power into your house

We recommend you never use a dual male-ended extension cord to back-feed power. Plugging a generator into a wall outlet is called back-feeding. Back feeding is a short-cut thing that can take moments to welcome disaster.

People use back-feeding to get rid of extension cords. If you want to get away with extension cords, buy a transfer switch. It would be a little burdensome on your pocket. But safety and your health are always before a few bucks.

Also, don’t try to install the transfer switch by yourself. Hire the services of a professional lineman. He would help you out in getting away with unnecessary extension cords. And install a transfer switch in a way safe and sound for other wires too.

3. Refill the generator when it gets cooled down

Refilling a generator with fuel like gasoline or petrol is a tricky task. Do not try to reload the generator while it’s working or even when it has turned off.

A generator is hot when it has turned off. So give some time to the generator to cool off. Because if you refill tit with fuel while it’s hot, a little drop of energy on the generator can cause a fire. It would not only be detrimental to the generator but also your presence. Because fire spreads in a split second.

The solution is to refill the generator after it has cooled down. It would prevent you from any unexpected disaster.

4. Use adequate cord length to keep your appliances safe

Some generators are noisy. That is why buyers prefer putting the generator away from the house in some cases. But be careful that the extension wire has its capabilities and limitations.

A long wire extended to scores of meters can cause a voltage drop. This voltage drop can result in the premature transfer of electricity. As a consequence, an early burnout of the appliances.

So be careful to read the manufacturer’s guidance that comes with the bought appliances. This would help you know the limitations of the wire. The general benchmark for a wire is usually 100 feet (Christopher, 2020).

5. Use good quality fuel for better efficiency

Using a good quality fuel ensures the long life of the generator. Stale fuel drains the working capacity of the generator. That’s why it is one of the major causes of the starting problems of generators.

Using a fuel stabilizer minimizes fuel breakdown. But, it does not guarantee a permanent solution. Because despite its addition, stale fuel can still cause problems. So we recommend that you use good quality fuel for better efficiency of your generator.

If you have made the mistake of using stale fuel, don’t worry. Turn off the generator and let it cool down. After it cools down, use a drain petcock in the carburetor to drain the fuel.

If the stale fuel has got attached to the sides, you will have to take it to the recycling center. So to save yourself from such menial work, use the right, stabilized fuel.

More safety considerations

Below are some extra safety steps that you can take to further guarantee your safety (Jackson, 2020):

1. Make certain that the generator’s location is such that it provides proper ventilation.
2. Install safety alarms. They should indicate when the amount of carbon monoxide exceeds the safe quantity.
3. Frequently check the amount of the CO as indicated by the alarm machine. And replace batteries occasionally.
4. Make sure that the generator is dry when it is operating. The presence of water can affect the unit’s working. And the presence of even a little amount of fuel can spark up a fire.
5. Use gloves when operating the generator. And make sure your hands are dry too.
6. Confirm that the cords you are using are free from wear and tear and other cuts. Because an exposed cord can cause sparks.
7. Put the fuel away from appliances that are hot or can get hot when operating.

To connect the generator with house wiring, use the services of a professional electrician. Don’t try to play with these wires to save some bucks. An electric shock can prove detrimental to your health. Also, it can affect the whole wiring system of the house.

Conclusion

The safety of your house and health is always our priority. That is why we recommend you take serious considerations before using a generator. Because an unaccounted-for generator can bring countless disasters.

For this purpose, we have jotted down these safety tips. They will help you prevent the loss of life and your property due to an uncaring attitude. So follow these safety tips and save yourself from any harm that might occur due to negligence.