Generator Safety

Following these simple guidelines will help to protect you and your generator from harm.

Operating your generator safely

• Always read the owners manual before operating your generator.
• Always run the generator outside, away from doors and windows.

  Never operate an internal combustion engine inside your home, basement, garage or any other enclosed area.

• Keep all doors and windows closed, including your garage door.

  Since combustion engines create carbon monoxide, which can be lethal, good ventilation is critical. Properly locate the generator outdoors away from doors and windows. An open door or window will allow dangerous exhaust fumes to enter the building.

• Provide the generator with sufficient air space.

  The generator needs a minimum of 3 to 4 feet of spacing on all sides (including the top). A generator needs an unlimited supply of fresh air for proper cooling during operation.

• Keep the generator dry and always operate it on a level surface.
• Never add fuel to your generator when it is running.
• Always store additional fuel in approved gasoline containers.

Safely connecting your generator to appliances

• Make sure the appliance is in good working order.

  Faulty appliances can create the potential for electrical shock. If an appliance begins to operate abnormally, turn it off immediately. Disconnect it, and determine if the problem is the appliance or if the rated load capacity of the generator has been exceeded.

• Make sure the electrical rating of the tool or appliance does not exceed the capacity of the generator.
• Use quality extension cords.
• Consider having an appropriate transfer switch professionally installed in your home.

  A transfer switch is required by the National Electric Code for any connection of power to a home. It also helps to keep you and others safe from back feed.
  
  Back feeding causes power to feed back into the utility lines. It can cause severe injury or death to linemen working on power lines. In addition, when the Power Company restores power, it can feed directly into your generator, causing severe damage to your portable generator.
  
  A transfer switch protects you and others from back feed. Always use a transfer switch or extension cords to power your appliances.