generator safety tips 101

Generator Safety Tips

Take steps to operate a generator safely

When the electricity goes out, your initial thought might be to run to the local hardware or big box store and buy a generator. However, using a generator should not be taken lightly, since it can be dangerous and even life-threatening if used incorrectly. There are several steps you should take before ever starting one up.

But first, homework

Before purchasing a generator, the first step is to research the best option for your home and budget. The second, and more important step, is to educate yourself on how to use one safely.  Homeowners can choose from two types of generators: standby and portable. Standby generators are installed directly into the home’s electrical system and are typically powered by natural gas or propane. These generators start automatically when the power goes out.  A portable generator is usually gas-powered and is, well, portable. You can power appliances by plugging them into it. Your generator should have more output than the wattage of the electronics plugged into it. This way, the generator can create the extra electricity it takes for the initial power surge. Make sure there is nothing plugged into the generator when turning it on.

Safety tips

When you refuel a portable generator, make sure the engine is cool. Keep children and pets away from the generator, as it could burn them.  Generators pose electrical risks, especially when operated during inclement weather. Use a generator only when necessary during wet conditions. Protect the generator by operating it under an open, canopy-like structure and on a dry surface where water cannot form puddles or drain under it.

Generators can be deadly

Carbon monoxide fumes emitted by the gasoline engine on the generator can be deadly. Always operate your portable generator outdoors at least 20 feet from your home.  Misusing a portable generator or using a standby generator that is not installed correctly (and does not meet the electrical code) can cause backfeed, which puts others in danger. Backfeed happens when a generator feeds electricity back through a home’s electrical system and meter into the power lines. To prevent this dangerous scenario, standby generators should have a transfer switch installed by a licensed professional. Do not plug a portable generator directly into a home outlet or electrical system. Instead, use a properly rated extension cord to plug appliances into an outlet on the generator for power.

When not in use

Operate your generator once a month for 10 minutes to ensure it is running properly. Keep your generator well-maintained and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Have a standby generator installed in an easily accessible, weatherproof area.

For more electrical safety information, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Don’t let your generator generate trouble

Generators offer a reliable backup source of power during power outages and can provide relief during severe weather such as wind storms or ice and snow.

Having a generator on hand, whether portable or permanent, may sound like a great idea for times when the power goes out, but misusing one is dangerous. Although they can help light your home or cool your perishable food when the neighborhood is dark, if misused, you could have a much bigger problem on your hands.

When using a portable version, there are two ways to connect it to a home. The first way is with a powered circuit panel that has a power transfer switch, which monitors incoming voltage from the utility line. The circuit panel and transfer switch should always be installed by a qualified electrician. The second option is to plug in a limited number of home appliances directly into a fuel-powered portable generator with heavy-duty extension cords.

Never try to power your home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. This is known as backfeeding, and it could electrocute a neighbor or an electric lineman working to restore power. A permanent generator must also have a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician to avoid backfeeding. Because of the harm an incorrectly powered generator can cause, the transfer switch is required by the National Electrical Code.

The primary hazards of using a portable generator are not pretty.

Health and safety risks include carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to the agency, most of the deaths and injuries associated with portable generators are from CO poisoning when generators are used indoors or in partially enclosed spaces. A permanent or standby generator also has significant risks if not installed by a qualified electrician. Installing one is extremely dangerous and definitely not a DIY project.

Portable versions are less expensive than permanent or standby models and power only select appliances. The most expensive permanent generators—standby versions that are permanently installed and power most of the appliances in your home—are convenient but pricey. The average permanent system costs around $10,000.

Here are other important safeguards to take when using a generator:

  • Operate a portable generator in well-ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. The instructions that come with it are not meant for the recycle bin. Read and follow them; they are important.
  • Turn the generator on before using it. Once it’s running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit. Generators are for temporary use and limited load; prioritize your needs.
  • Never use a generator in a puddle or standing water and never touch it with wet hands.
  • To protect a portable generator from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
  • Never use or install a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
  • Turn off portable generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
  • Store fuel for your portable generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.
  • Keep children and pets away from all generators, especially portable ones. Many generator components are hot enough to burn you during operation.

Improper Generator Use Can be Deadly

There are two major types of generators: portable and standby or permanent. During long-term power outages, many rely on portable generators for emergency power.  Their growing popularity has resulted in millions of them being placed in homes and small businesses across the nation. But it’s estimated that only a small percentage are hooked up correctly. Safe Electricity urges consumers to understand the proper safety steps that must be taken.  Without taking the proper precautions, using a generator could endanger you and others; in fact, it could cost you your life or the lives of others, including your family, friends, neighbors, and electric utility crews trying to restore service.

“We cannot emphasize this enough: NEVER use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages (even if the garage door is open), crawl spaces, or basements,” advises Erin Hollinshead, executive director of Safe Electricity. “Make sure the generator has 3 to 4 feet of cleared space around it and place it at least 20 feet away from all doors and windows. Do not use in an area that is wet, and never plug a generator into a wall outlet or connect directly to a home’s wiring.

“Carbon monoxide emitted from generators is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas, making it extremely dangerous, and just being exposed to it for a few minutes can be fatal,” Hollinshead warns.

Permanent Standby Generators

Properly connecting the generator to the system is a critical step for safe and effective use. A licensed professional should install a permanent, standby electric generator and can help with proper equipment for safely using a portable generator.

All standby generators require a permanently (and professionally) installed transfer switch. (High-end generators permanently installed to power some or all rooms of the home typically have the switch built into the system. Other generators require you to manually throw the switch.)

The transfer switch as an important job, and that is to break the path of electricity between the power lines and your main electrical panel.  This is the best way to protect you, your neighbors and electric utility repair crews from ‘backfeed,’ which occurs when an improperly connected generator begins feeding electricity “back” through the power lines.  This can seriously injure anyone near lines, especially crews working to restore power.

“Safety for those who use generators and for those who work to restore power cannot be over-emphasized,” says Hollinshead.  “Consult a qualified electrician to ensure proper installation and electrical grounding, as well as to prevent circuit overloads and to meet local electrical code.”

Portable Generators

Many homeowners choose smaller, portable generators to power essential electrical equipment during outages. Safe Electricity offers these tips for the safe operation and use of portable generators:

  • Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions to properly ground the generator. Be sure you understand them before hooking up the generator.
  • Maintain adequate ventilation. Generators emit carbon monoxide.  NEVER operate a generator in your home, garage, or other enclosed building. Place it in a dry, outside location.
  • Never plug a portable electric generator into a wall outlet or connect directly to a home’s wiring.  This can energize utility power lines and injure you or others working nearby.  Electrical backfeed can also damage the generator and home electrical equipment.
  • Turn off the generator and allow cooling before refueling. Gasoline and its vapors may ignite if they come in contact with hot components or an electrical spark. Store fuel in a properly designed container in a secure location.
  • Protect your appliances. Turn off or disconnect all appliances and lights before you begin operating the portable generator. Once the generator is running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit.
  • Use proper extension cords. Use only safety-tested, shop-type electrical cords designed and rated for heavier, outdoor use to connect appliances.  Many generators are equipped with twist-lock connectors to reduce the chance of accidental disconnections due to vibrations.
  • Shut down the generator properly. Before shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment being powered by the generator.
  • Remember maintenance between uses. It’s important to drain the gasoline from the generator while it is being stored. It’s also a good idea to inspect the fuel and oil filters, spark plug, oil level and fuel quality and start the generator on a regular basis before an emergency happens.

Safe Electricity suggests that these safety guidelines and basic operating instructions be posted in the home and with the generator.

For more tips on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org