Backup Generator Do’s And Don’ts

Backup Generator Safety Tips Houston Homeowners Should Know

Backup generators are a lifesaver for homeowners when the power goes out. Most heating systems require electricity to run blowers, pumps and other components even if the natural gas or propane supply is intact. A forced-air gas furnace is useless without electricity to run the blower, igniter and other elements.

Follow these safety tips and guidelines every time you use your generator to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others.

 

Backup Generator Do’s and Don’ts

An at-home generator is a back-up system installed outside of your house. It serves to protect your home and family from a power failure by turning on automatically if the grid is compromised by either a natural or man-made disaster. If you’ve decided to install a generator and make this home improvement, you are on your way to keeping your family safer and more comfortable, despite the unpredictability of life and nature’s potential wrath. As with most things, there is a right way and a wrong way to proceed. Before you buy, make sure to jot down these must-know, backup generator do’s and don’ts.

Generator do’s

• Keep the generator outside. Never use it indoors.

• Install a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm.

• Keep the generator dry. Do not use in rain or wet conditions. Protect from moisture by operating on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure.

• Dry wet hands before touching the generator.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or use a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated in watts or amps at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially an earthing pin.

Generator don’ts

• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as backfeeding. This is extremely dangerous and is an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbours served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.

• Avoid creating a fire hazard. Store fuel for your generator in properly labelled non-glass safety containers. Store out of the home and away from fuel-burning appliances such as natural gas water heater in the garage.

• Before refuelling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Fuel spilt on hot engine parts could ignite.

Generator Safety Tips

Backup generators can cause serious injury if not installed and used properly. Backup generators are not designed to be plugged into a normal power outlet. Backup generators can cause serious injury if not installed and used properly. Backup generators are not designed to be plugged into a normal power outlet. Call (713) 812-7070 us for your home service and repair needs.

 

For more related articles and info visit http://ift.tt/29PFTRa