Being safe in a storm or emergency means making sure the equipment you own is working and running properly and safely. Regular generator checks and maintenance can go a long way when an emergency is just around the corner. The peace of mind knowing you will have the power you need because you put in the extra steps to check on your equipment will prove more than worthwhile. Although you may have your equipment running, there are safety precautions as well!
Generator Size Matters
When looking for a generator, it’s important to remember how much power you believe you will need when powering specific appliances within your home. This is important to remember; so that you aren’t without the power you need when an emergency is around the corner. Add the power requirements of the appliances and light fixtures you will need during an outage, and figure total amps by dividing watts by volts. Make sure to get a generator that produces more power than you may need, as they can draw a lot of power to start and decrease in power over their lifetime.
Periodic Maintenance of Generators
Owning a generator and not taking the proper steps to care for it may end poorly when the time comes for your equipment to work and provide power for you and your family. It’s important to make sure your generator is taken out of storage and run for a few minutes to ensure it works properly and is lubricated for when you need it most. Changing the engine oil, spark plug, air filter and oil filter (if equipped with one. Most Single Cylinder Engines do not have an oil filter. ) are all steps if they have never been replaced and your generator has not been used for long durations. Also, plug equipment or appliances into the generator receptacles, to make sure the receptacles are working properly.
Generator Fuel Safety
If your generator is gasoline-powered, it’s important to consider your fuel when storing in between uses. In order to protect the life of your machine, treat the fuel you use with a stabilizer and avoid long-term storage of un-treated fuel. If your generator will likely be stored for six months or more in between uses, completely drain the fuel tank and carburetor. This will reduce future, costly repairs and down time, and increase the reliability that the engine will start, when needed, in an emergency.
General Generator Safety Tips
Generator misuse can kill in as little as 5 minutes. The number one rule for generator use is to NEVER run it in an enclosed space or indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly, place the generator 20ft away from your home, with the exhaust facing away from windows and doors. Don’t run a portable generator in rainy conditions; buy a tent to keep it sheltered! Don’t try refueling a generator that recently turned off. Spilling fuel on hot engine components can ignite. Don’t back-feed your home! This practice means plugging your generator into a wall outlet. It presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and also neighbors who are being served on the same transformer.
Correct generator size along with the proper maintenance and safety tips will have you well in working order the next time you are caught in an emergency. Being able to make sure your equipment operates, while also following safety precautions can ensure your family will be safe and reassured when the power is restored from our line of Honda portable generators.