What You Should Know About Generator Safety

Generators are lifesavers during power outages, but these machines can also be dangerous when not handled with care. It’s vital to know how to operate and maintain them safely to avoid the risks of electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other hazards. Explore what you should know about generator safety, including essential tips and precautions to ensure that you can use your generator safely and effectively whenever you need it.

Know Your Generator

Before you start using a generator, you must know the generator’s capacity, including its wattage rating. Ignoring your generator’s wattage can lead to an overload or overheating, which can damage your generator as well as your power system and anything running off the generator’s power. Make sure you know exactly how much wattage you need to power your appliances, devices, and everything else before you start running your generator.

Use the Generator in Open Spaces

Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas that quickly becomes lethal at high levels. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most important generator safety concerns you should know about. To avoid exposure to carbon monoxide, use your generator in an open, well-ventilated area. Never run it inside your home, garage, or shed. Instead, keep it outside and away from windows, doors, vents, and air conditioning units.

Keep Up on Maintenance and Fueling

Proper maintenance of your generator is essential for its efficient functioning and longevity. Be sure to clean your generator’s air filter and change its oil regularly. Keep a hearty supply of fuel on hand in case of emergencies, but try not to store fuel for so long that it goes bad. If needed, you can use fuel stabilizer to lengthen your fuel’s storage period and keep it fresh for longer. Finally, never refuel your generator while it is still running. Turn it off and let the engine cool first to avoid the risk of fire or explosion.



Get Service From the Experts

Working with a team of expert service technicians helps you keep your generator running safely and efficiently for a long time. NW Generator Pros offers emergency generator services to handle any issues that may arise. With fast, expert repairs, ongoing maintenance services, and an experienced team of contractors, we can help you with any generator issue or project you face. Get in touch with our team today and let us help you make the most of your generator solution.