How Your Generator Can Help in a Blackout

Backup Generator vs. Portable Generator 

A whole-house generator usually referred to as a backup generator, cannot be transported. It provides backup power for your complete home during a power outage and is connected to your home’s natural gas supply. Families with members who depend on life-supporting medical equipment or those who reside in harsh areas where power outages are frequent may find this type of generator to be appealing.

On the other hand, portable generators are a less expensive option and are only meant to be used as an emergency backup for vital devices and appliances. Portable generators must be stored outside in a dry environment and run on gasoline. The improper use of one can be exceedingly harmful and result in electric shock, electrocution, fire, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning through the exhaust.

How to Safely Use a Portable Generator 

You can feel comfortable securely using a portable generator during your subsequent power outage by paying attention to these pointers and the owner’s manual.

• Never operate a generator indoors, including in a garage or other partially covered area. To prevent harmful gases from entering your home, generators should be installed outside, in a dry location at least 20 feet away from windows, vents, and doors.
• Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your house. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. If you begin to notice any of these symptoms, go outside right away to get some fresh air.
• All lights and appliances should be unplugged or turned off before using a portable generator. Use an extension cord that is heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, and capable of handling the electrical power of the appliance to connect it directly to the generator. Prioritise what needs to be plugged into a generator in order to prevent overloading it (for example, refrigerators, medical equipment, laptops, cell phone and heating or cooling devices). Never connect two extension cords together.
• Fuel must be available continuously for portable generators to operate. Never overfill the tank because fuel expands. Fuel is also quite combustible, thus the generator must be totally cooled before receiving more fuel. Long-term storage causes fuel to start deteriorating. Stabilisers for gasoline (available at home improvement retailers) will prolong the life of the fuel (between 18 months to two years). Fuel needs to be kept in authorised containers in a cold, dry location.
• Turn off and unplug all appliances from the generator before shutting them down. Drain all of the fuel after it has cooled before storing it.
• Perform upkeep in between uses. To make sure your generator is prepared before the next power loss, regularly check its oil and fuel filters, spark plugs, and oil level, and look for cracks or leaks.