A standby generator is a great investment for any home or business. Whether it is a sudden electric current surge or a weather-induced power outage, a standby generator can provide a power backup. It ensures that all your important equipment is getting power during emergencies. If you are planning to invest in a generator or already own one, there are some simple generator safety tips to keep in mind. This will ensure that your generator will work when you need it the most.
Generator Safety Tips
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death in a matter of minutes. Moreover, it gives no warning with smell or taste. So, it is crucial to allow adequate ventilation to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Large commercial generators should best be placed outdoors or inside a generator room designed specifically for the purpose. Ideally, a generator should be installed in a place where exhaust is directed away from doors, windows, and vents. Proper ventilation is important not only for purging harmful gases and odors but also for controlling engine and alternator heat.
Electrocution
Your standby generator is paired with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which connects your generator to your home. It acts as the brain of your electrical system and automatically shifts between the electricity coming from the utility and the generator power. When the power is restored from the main power grid, the standby generator is prompted to shut off. So, there is no need to start or shut down the generator manually. However, without an ATS, someone has to manually switch on the generator in the event of a power outage and manually turn it off once power is restored.
Failure to turn off the generator can cause backfeeding, which means unfiltered electricity flows through the circuits and can lead to the overload of some of the equipment that is on those circuits. This can also prove lethal to any workers working on these power lines. So, ATS is not only for your convenience but for safety as well. Another important generator safety tip is that all electrical connections, such as cables, wires, and terminals, should be properly insulated and covered.
Fire and explosion
Do not smoke in the vicinity of the generator. Any oil or fuel spills around the generator or leakages from the generator’s fuel system or supply lines can pose a risk of an explosion. The presence of any combustible material in the vicinity, too, can lead to an explosion. It is extremely important to have a fire extinguisher readily available. Choose the fire extinguisher based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, as some extinguishers can cause damage to the wiring insulation of the generator.
Generator safety from general hazards
Installation, repair, and maintenance of the generator should always be carried out by a certified technician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. The area around the generator should be kept clean and clutter-free. The operating personnel should always remain alert when the generator is running.
Regular inspections of the generator
The best way to ensure that the generator operates efficiently and safely is through periodic maintenance checks. Some of the important tasks performed during routine inspections include changing the oil and oil filters, refilling fuel and coolant, inspecting the air intake system, inspecting for leaks, checking for loose or corroded connections, performing function tests, cleaning the generator, and more. During routine maintenance, the technician will also uncover potential problems that must be repaired promptly to prevent them from progressing into major problems.
If you are looking for generator repair and maintenance services, contact our team of experienced technicians now. We will also provide a comprehensive generator safety guide to keep you and your loved ones safe.
