You might be living in an area where there’s little chance that there will be a power interruption. But what will you do if it does happen? When the power goes out, many of us turn to portable backup generators. These units can keep your fridge and lights on when the power isn’t, but they are tricky to safely operate.
And so, your VCS mechanical family thought, maybe this might also be a good time to talk about some of the important safety tips you have to know and practice if you own a backup power generator at home. For business owners, this is not a problem at all since they have in-house technicians to do the job.
According to the American Red Cross, when it comes to portable power generators you should always follow these three primary safety concerns:
Beware of potential carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust. That’s why pros always recommend that you get educated first by letting them give you all precautions before using it.
The possibility of electric shock is prevalent. For newbies, a little research about portable generators is a big help.
These portable units are at high risk of fire.
How do you address these concerns?
When choosing the best location to place your generators, keep these in mind:
Keep your generator 20 feet away from the house.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space above and on all sides for proper ventilation.
Never operate a generator in an enclosed space.
Always direct the exhaust away from your house.
Keep generators away from the door, windows, and vents.
The following are guidelines on how to use your generators:
Use grounded cords and make it a habit to inspect cords for damages prior to using them.
Always use the proper cord for the wattage being used.
Make sure you start/ stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected.
Keep your generators dry, don’t operate when wet, and refuel when cool
Always use GFCI protection
Do not plug a generator directly into your home, connect items being powered directly to the generator
Another tip that you should remember is never to use gasoline, propane, charcoal-burning, or natural gas equipment inside your home. The fumes from these devices are very toxic and dangerous.
The National Safety Council also provided reminders to keep you and your family safe while using a portable electric or gas generator. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them to the letter. Also, maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
There you have it! It’s always nice to be prepared when the need arises and one of them is being prepared for a power outage. Your appliances being affected by power interruptions can affect their functionality that can damage it for got. Also, if you need repairs and maintenance services for your refrigerator and HVAC, we at VS Mechanical is just a message away to provide you with quality services.
Comments