What to Know About Generator Safety If You Have One in Your Home

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The benefits of owning a home generator also bring with them a responsibility for paying attention to generator safety. The fact is, our national power grid isn’t as dependable as it once was. Power outages have doubled over the past decade, a consequence of changing climate that has produced more severe storms, as well as higher electrical demand stressing aging wires and utility substations.

Portable vs. Standby

Home generators are more useful — and more widely used — than ever. Some homeowners opt for portable units to power just a few necessary items during a brief power outage. Others go further, choosing a permanently installed standby generator fueled by a connection to the home’s natural gas utility, which can keep an entire house powered for extended periods.

Staying Empowered to Ensure Generator Safety

No matter which option you choose, generator safety must be a priority. Here are critical matters to keep in mind while keeping yourself powered up:

  • Portable generators must be outdoors at all times and must remain 15 feet or more from the home. Carbon monoxide present in the generator's exhaust can be deadly.

  • Only heavy-duty, weatherproof outdoor extension cords are safe for use with a portable generator.

  • Don’t expose a portable generator to rainfall or snow. In wet conditions, the unit should be sheltered by a patio canopy or other outdoor covering and kept away from puddles. During ongoing severe weather, the best policy is to use a portable generator only when absolutely necessary.

  • Standby generators are complex devices that must be installed by certified electricians only. Don’t attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the unit yourself.

  • By design, standby generators are outdoor units built to resist weather and temperature extremes. Enclosing the generator inside a shed or other structure is not required and may accumulate hazardous fumes or cause the unit to overheat.

  • A fence surrounding the unit is appropriate to keep children and pets away.

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular generator maintenance and perform routine test operations as recommended (usually once a month).

For expert advice about generator safety and usage, ask the professionals at Air Assurance.