Safety Rules for Small Diesel Generators and Portable Gas Generators
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 | Great Sites
A small portable generator provides a good source of power. But if your generator is not properly installed or operated, can become deadly. To keep families safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have made a helpful new video and give the following advice:
- Hire a professional electrician to install your generator to make sure it meets local regulations.
- Do not connect generators directly to household wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed.
- Power from a generator connected directly to your home wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers working on it.
Other tips are:
- Make sure the generator is grounded properly grounded.
- Keep the generator free from moist an liquids.
- Make sure extension cords used with a small portable generator are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator. Your generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
- Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore you must install carbon monoxide detectors in all enclosed nearby places to monitor the levels.
- To help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
- Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas and other fuel-burning appliances, in clearly labeled containers. Before you re-fule your generator, always turn it off and let it cool down.
- Turn off all appliances that are powered by the generator before you shut down the generator.
- Keep your children always away from portable generators .
Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have minimized electrical hazards that cause injuries and porperty damage and even deaths. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards. Also it is very important to use safe equipment from a reliable manufacturer, like a Coleman Powermate Generator. More information you will find on the small diesel generators website