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by: AnnTriune
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Word Count: 520

Having a portable power generator is really a blessing. Even without your main power source, you can still have enough power for your needs. You can prevent food spoilage with a generator. You can also keep essential medical or work equipment functioning. Sometimes though, things could go wrong with generator use. If you aren't careful with generator use, you could endanger your family and property.

Following Instructions

The product manual should be the first thing you look into. Read the manual and make sure you understand everything in it before you install your generator. If you know that you aren't very good with technical details, then ask an electrician to help you. You may have to pay extra for installation but the cost is worth it if it means you are kept safe. Keep the product manual in a prominent place in your home. You may have to refer to it in case you have problems with your unit.

CO Precautions

One of the top dangers of generators is its tendency to emit carbon monoxide. This gas can kill and you may not even know that it is around because it has no color and smell. Prevent carbon monoxide from entering your living space by putting your generator in its own ventilated area. This should be outside your home and garage. You should also make sure that the generator isn't anywhere near your neighbor's windows. Otherwise your neighbors could succumb to CO poisoning.

It is also recommended that you have carbon monoxide detectors. This is just in case CO from your portable power generator still finds a path to your home.

Connections

You shouldn't wire your generator with your main wires. This could lead to a back feed that could travel the whole length of your electrical line. If a lineman is currently repairing a line, the back feed could injure him or take his life. If your generator is too far for a direct connection, always use outdoor extension cords. If you do not want cords snaking in and out, you can ask an electrician to install a transfer switch. This is the safe way of connecting to the house wiring system correctly.

Power Limits

A generator can only take so much demand. You should therefore make sure that your generator only provides power according to its limits. Portable units are not supposed to be used to provide power to all your appliances and lights. Only a few appliances can be used at one time with a portable unit. Otherwise, you could overload your generator. A good appliance tip would be to use your appliances in turns.

Fuel Handling

We all know that we shouldn't fool around with fuel. It's not always clear to everyone however that ways of fuel handling and storage are simply unsafe. Prevent fires and other fuel related accidents by refueling only when a generator is off. Generator fuel should also be stored outside your main living areas. Avoid using glass. Thick plastic containers will do. Keep the lids of the container on tightly and label the containers.

It's hard to live without a portable power generator. You should however, make living with one a safe experience.

About the Author

Find tips on what to look for in a good portable power generator. Select the right residential generator for your needs.

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