What You Should Know About Portable Generator Safety

Portable electric generators provide a good source of electricity, but if improperly installed or used, can become dangerous. To keep families safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a helpful new video and recommend taking the following precautions:

- Hire a professional electrician to set up your generator to make sure it meets local codes. Do not connect your generator directly to home wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed.

- Power from generators connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along power lines and severely harm anyone that is touching them, including lineworkers making repairs.

More tips include:

- Make sure your generator is grounded properly grounded.

- Keep the generator completely dry.

- 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. A portableYour 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. , because generators can produce very quickly highlethal levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore you must install carbon monoxide detectors in all enclosed nearby places to monitor the levels}.

- you must use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

- Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas and other fuel-burning appliances, in clearly labeled containers. Before re-fueling, always shut down the generator 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 .

Although electricity is a powerful tool, it can also cause serious injuries. Better safety rules have reduced electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. 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.