Safety Rules for Small Diesel Generators and Portable Gas Generators
Portable gas generators provide a good source of electricity. But if a generator is not properly installed or used, can become dangerous. To keep families safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have made a helpful new video and recommend taking the following precautions:
- Contract a professional electrician to install your generator to be absolutely sure it meets local codes.
- Do not connect your generator directly to household wiring before installing an appropriate transfer switch.
- Power from generators that are connected directly to your home wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone that is touching them, including lineworkers making repairs.
Other tips are:
- Make sure the generator is grounded the right way.
- Keep your portable generator free from moist an liquids.
- Make sure extension cords used with portable gas generators 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 your generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce lethal 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 electrical shock injuries and electrocutions.
- Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always shut down the generator and make sure it is cooled doewn.
- Make sure that all appliances powered by the generator are turned off before shutting down the generator.
- Keep children always away from portable generators .
Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have reduced 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
This entry was posted on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 4:01 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.