Below is a list of essential practices to follow when using a portable generator during a power outage. Common mistakes in powering your home with a portable generator can create serious hazards to yourself and others as well as cause significant damage to your home. More information can be found at these links: How To Use a Portable Generator During a Power Outage? – Generators, Power Station, Tools & Outdoors and How to Use a Portable Generator Safely During an Emergency
1. Don’t Kill or Harm a Utility Worker: Before connecting the generator to the house, turn off the main breaker power switch plus all the circuit breakers! Use a generator interlock kit or transfer switch to prevent back-feeding. Consider having an electrician install the basic items for connecting the generator directly to the electric panel. This results in a very safe, effective and convenient method for utilizing a generator in an outage. Once safely connected, selectively turn on only those breakers for the circuits that you wish to power and that your generator can handle.
2. Don’t Kill or Harm Yourself or Cause Damage:
• Never use a “Suicide Cord” which has two male plugs for connecting the generator.
• Never connect to a running generator first as that will electrify the plug at the other end of the cord which significantly increases the risk of accidental electrocution.
• Avoid plugging directly into a wall or dryer outlet to prevent overheating causing fire risks if the wiring is not rated for the generator’s output, as well as increases the risk of accidental electrocution from the suicide cord.
• Never Connect to nor Disconnect from a Running Generator: Avoid arcing by never disconnecting power cords that are supplying loads. Also, the best practice is to connect before starting the generator. Stop, then disconnect.
• Don’t touch a running generator with wet hands.
3. Do Run Generators Outdoors ONLY: Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by positioning the generator at least 20 feet from all doors/windows/eaves – never run in a garage. Also, aim the exhaust away from the home and away from combustible materials. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
4. Do Keep Generators Dry: Operating generators in the rain can lead to electrical shock. Use some type of cover or canopy when using the generator while it’s raining or is threatening rain. However, it’s best to wait for storms to pass and the return of drier conditions. Keep the generator and all connections dry.
5. Do Refuel the Generator Safely: Before refueling, turn off and cool down the generator for about 15 to 20 minutes. Also, avoid overfilling the gas tank.
6. Do Store Fuel Properly: Use approved containers stored away from living spaces in an area with good ventilation. Don’t overfill gasoline containers to allow room for expansion. Keep containers away from heat sources, including direct sunlight. If possible, propane tanks should be stored outdoors and secured in an upright position. Outside propane tank storage containers can be found online.
7. Do Check Your Equipment: Ensure that all items being used for your emergency power are in good working condition. That includes starting generators frequently plus inspecting all electrical cords/plugs for exposed wire or frays.
8. Don’t Overload the Generator: Match the wattage capacity of the generator to the appliances you wish to power. One method to avoid overloading is to cycle between appliances and not have them all running at the same time.
9. Do Take Precautions When Sharing Power with Neighbors: Use heavy-duty extension cords, dedicated outlets, or power distribution boxes when sharing a generator with neighbors. Avoid extension cords running across roadways unless they are covered by a protective shield to avoid damage. Also, don’t use power strips. Rotating usage may be necessary depending on the generator’s capacity.
10. Do Read and Follow the Manufacturer’s Operating/Maintenance Guidelines: THIS CAN’T BE STRESSED ENOUGH! Prevent shocks and carbon monoxide buildup by following the manufacture’s guidelines for safe operation and safe fuel storage. Ensure ventilation around and grounding of the generator.
