Generator Safety

Appliances, lights and water pumps are difficult to do without. Unfortunately, power outages put these conveniences out of service. Many people install generators to keep their households humming along even when utility power isn't available.

Generators must be used properly to ensure the safety of your family, your neighbors and utility workers. Read all the instructions that come with your generator. Never modify your generator. Not only does this void the warranty, it can also lead to serious equipment failure.

Consider the following shocking facts about generator safety:

• Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can be very deadly, so run your generator only outside. Also, store fuel safely.
• Never plug a generator into a regular household outlet — it can "energize" dead power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers.
• Connecting your house without a safety transfer switch can damage your generator when electricity is restored.
• Permanent installations require and electrical permit and inspection.

NEVER connect a generator directly to household wiring. A transfer switch must be used to supply generator power through a household circuit. It must be installed by a licensed electrician and approved by your local utility. Opening the main breaker to isolate household wiring from the utility's wires is neither legal nor safe. The household breaker does not provide a sufficient gap to ensure isolation of the energy, and the breaker may have been damaged as a result of the outage, creating a dangerous hazard that could cause a fire or electrocution. Liability for any injury or death resulting from an unauthorized connection would rest with the person who connected the generator.

Connecting
The safest way to use a portable generator is to connect the generator directly to the load(s) being served. Some users wish to power only their refrigerator and a few lights, while others are primarily concerned with running the fan on a gas or oil-fired furnace. An extension cord from the generator to the needed appliances or fixtures is the most effective method. In the case of a furnace, most furnace fuel suppliers can provide a connection that makes use with a generator fairly simple.

To avoid electrocution:

• Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
• Observe the generator manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
• Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet. This can send electricity throughout your house and out into the utility power lines.

Power or Wattage
The generator should be rated to produce the amount of power necessary for the appliances or fixtures selected. Most of the small, home-use portable generators produce 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading can damage the generator and the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Be especially careful when trying to run electrical motors such as sump pumps and refrigerator compressors. They draw a lot of power.

Items like electrical hot water heaters and electric clothes dryers also draw large amounts of power, so it may not be possible to power them by a typical home generator. To determine your power requirements, simply add up the wattage ratings of the devices that you wish to power, including lights. Typical power requirements are listed below.

To avoid damage to the generator and your motors, unplug all appliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other high wattage items. After the generator is running, turn appliances on one at a time. This also applies to sensitive electronic equipment like computers and televisions, which may be damaged by power surges.

Ventilating
A portable generator uses an internal combustion engine which emits carbon monoxide, so it must be well-ventilated. Be sure to place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house. Consider the fuel capacity of the generator if you want to keep a refrigerator running during the day while you are away from home.

To avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

• Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages.
• Only operate the generator OUTDOORS in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed, or carport.

Never store gasoline in the home. Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers. They should also not be stored in a garage if a fuel-burning appliance is kept in the garage. The vapor from gasoline can travel invisibly along the ground and be ignited by pilot lights or arcs caused by activating electric switches.

Buying
A wide variety of size and quality of generators is available in the marketplace. There are small units that will handle a single light and a radio. There are also large units that, if used with a transfer switch, can be started remotely and power half the circuits in a large home. The size you choose is determined by what you want to power and by your budget. Always remember to use and install your generator according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

For more information, contact the Merriam Fire Department at (913) 322-5530.