A generator can be a lifesaver for your home or business during a power outage. Portable generators are popular with homeowners for their ease of use and small size. They can power crucial electrical equipment, such as home medical equipment, refrigerators/freezers, water pumps, portable heaters, and fans.
It’s essential that you take precautions when using portable generators; they can be hazardous. Safe, mobile generator use not only keeps you and your property from harm but also protects those working to restore power.
Tips for safely using your Portable Generator
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions Before running the generator.
- Use generators outside! Never use generators inside your home or business; this includes your garage, crawl space, enclosed basements, or any enclosed area. Generator engines emit carbon monoxide fumes that can build up. Opening a door or window or using a fan does not provide enough fresh air ventilation to remove the fumes.
- Use battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home and near the area where your generator is running.
- Generators run on gasoline, which emits flammable fumes. Wait at least 2 to 5 minutes for your generator to cool Before refueling with fresh gasoline. Use a fuel stabilizer if you don’t plan to use your generator for more than 30 days.
- Never plug your generator directly into your home’s wiring. Have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch. This can energize power lines and endanger line workers.
- Never operate under wet conditions. Generators produce powerful amounts of voltage. Protect your generator from exposure to wet conditions such as rain and snow. Make sure yard sprinklers do not get your generator wet.
- Never operate your generator near combustible or flammable materials. Keep the area around your generator clean and debris-free. Never place items on top or underneath your generator.
- Never let children play on or around the generator. Keep pets away from the generator and any extension cords.
- Follow the manufacturers’ maintenance schedule to keep your generator in peak performance and operating safely, so it will be ready to use when needed.
- Have a charged fire extinguisher on hand when operating a generator.
Download the Generator Safety Brochure (PDF)
Generator Safety
Generators are beneficial during power outages, but they can also be dangerous here are a few brochures and tips about generators.
- Portable Generator Safety (PDF) – Safety tips for generator operation
Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless through a transfer switch. This can energize power lines endangering electric utility workers. Connect
appliances directly to the generator. Operate your generator outdoors, NOT in a garage, carport, or storage room. And always read the instructions first.
- Use your portable generator outside to avoid dangerous exhaust fumes.
- Generators must be connected to your home through a transfer switch. Transfer switches should be installed by a qualified electrician in compliance with all local and national codes.
- Be sure the generator you have selected has ample capacity to supply the lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect. Consult an electrician for assistance if needed.
- Purchase your portable electric generator from an established dealer who can provide service and maintenance if needed.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly.
- Do not operate your generator while standing in wet conditions. This could cause an electrical shock to anyone who comes in contact.
- For personal safety, make sure your generator is grounded so it does not become electrically charged.
- Only connect appliances directly to a portable generator. Do not connect the generator directly to the wiring system in your home or other building through outlets or your meter. This may damage your wiring system or backfeed electricity, endangering utility workers restoring your line.
- Do not attempt to fill the generator’s fuel tank while it is operating as the gasoline may ignite.
- Do not tamper with the engine speed adjustment. This could cause overheating and cause a fire.
- Have a charged fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.