4 Costly Flaws to Avoid With Your Home Generator
A generator is indispensable when it comes to having a power backup for your home, in situations of blackouts. Generators power up the entire household during blackouts at times of natural calamities or any other cases of accidents or faults and failures. However just installing a generator is not enough. If one does not take adequate measures to ensure safety in handling generators, it can lead to unwanted mishaps. It is very important to be cautious and take proper safety measures with a home generator.
Here are 4 mistakes one should avoid with his/her home generator.
- Do not overuse extension cords
If your generator has a smaller capacity than 220 volts, extension cords are your only solution. It is important that you do not overuse the extension cords as these can lead to grave accidents. Always stock up on 12-gauge cords, which are enough to handle most 110-volt appliances. However, if your generator has a greater capacity than 220V, you can have a transfer switch installed with the help of your electrician.
- Do not install a generator very close to your home
A stationary or standby generator comes with specifications, and there are local codes as well to consider how far from home the generator unit should be installed. However the same do not apply when you are using a portable generator. That’s when you need to be careful so as to not place the generator too close to doors and windows. This is because it emits carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas. Do not run it in the rains, and do not keep it in a garage either. You should ideally place a portable generator on in a dry place and beneath a canopy-like structure.
- Know the fuel considerations
If your generator is a standby one and runs on local natural gas supply, it is fine. But whenever your generator needs fuels like gasoline and diesel, you should ascertain that you have enough quantity of it at hand at the very onset of a natural calamity. It may not shape into something catastrophic, but it’s best to not take chances with the fuel supply. Also ensure that the generator cools off before you re-fuel it. It is of utmost importance that you should use good quality fuel to run your generator, to avoid contamination of the tank and malfunctioning. For example, if you run a predator generator 4000 for your home, you should know about the predator generator 4000 oil type that aids in its smooth functioning.
- Do not skimp on maintenance
When you own a generator, you must take adequate steps to maintain it as well. You need to identify issues with the generator and fix them in early stage. You should also ideally burn off unburned fuel, change filters and fluids, check engine and starting and cooling mechanisms. Consider taking professional help so that your generator remains in good shape and serves you without accidents.
