Safety Rules for Small Diesel Generators and Portable Gas Generators
A small portable generator provides a good source of power. But if your generator is not properly installed or operated, can become dangerous. To keep your family safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have made a helpful new video and give the following advice:
- Contact a professional electrician to install your generator to be absolutely sure it meets local regulations.
- Do not connect your generator directly to home wiring before installing an appropriate transfer switch.
- 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 include:
- Make sure your generator is grounded the right way.
- Keep your portable generator completely dry.
- 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 the 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.
- Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
- store the fuel for your generator safely, away from living areas and other fuel-burning appliances, in clearly labeled containers. Before re-fueling, always shut down the generator and let it cool down.
- Make sure that all appliances that are powerd by the generator are turned off before shutting down the generator.
- Keep children always away from your generator .
Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards 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