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Generator Safety

Generators are blessings during power outages, but can result in disaster if you are not careful. The fact that you are in the market for one of our switches, means you are most likely the owner of a generator. We have compiled a list of generator safety tips for our customers to take note of.

Here are 20 essential safety tips you should heed before you start up your machine:

Common Sense Safety Tips

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You need to read the manual that comes with the generator and learn how to operate it before you attempt to.

• Keep kids and pets away from the generator. Messing with the wrong switch or cord can cause serious injury.

• Be careful touching the generator when it’s running. It gets hot and can easily burn you.

• Always unplug the machine after you’re finished with it.

 Setting up the Generator Safely

• Never run your generator inside your house or garage, if it’s attached. Generators emit carbon monoxide (CO).

• Install CO alarms in your home just in case—the gas could enter your house through windows, doors, or other openings. CO has no smell and is impossible to detect on your own.

• Distance the generator at least ten feet from your home, and face the exhaust away from it.

 Be Safe With Fuel

• Only use fuel approved by the manufacturer.

• Store your fuel outside of living areas in non-glass containers. Keep it away from fuel-burning appliances.

• Always check fuel levels in your generator before using it.

• Before refueling, turn the generator off and let it cool first. If you spill fuel on the engine while it’s hot, you could ignite it.

Fire Safety

• Never overload your generator. Take the time to calculate the wattage of your appliances and your machine before usage. If you overload it, you could blow a fuse, damage your appliances, or even start a fire.

• If you use a portable cover for your generator, make sure it’s fire resistant.

• If you plug appliances into the generator, use thick outdoor-rated cords. If you overload the cords, you could start a fire.

• Don’t run the cords underneath rugs or carpeting. Heat could build up, or cord damage could go unnoticed.

 Electrical Issues:

• Never plug your generator into an outlet. This is called backfeeding. It creates a risk of electrocution for neighbors and utility workers.

• Always make sure your hands are dry before you operate the generator.

• Keep the generator dry. Only use it on dry surfaces, or install a canopy or cover if you want to use it in the rain or snow.

• Try to avoid connecting your generator to your household’s wiring, but if you do, have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch first.

Once you learn and understand these guidelines, you’re ready to start using your generator