Emergency generator safety is not something you want to put on the back burner. Whether your generator is in your home or business, the following tips can help protect people and property from harm.

Operate in a Well-Ventilated Area

Never set up an emergency power generator indoors or within a tent. Generators require plenty of ventilation for safe operation and you can suffer toxic exposure to exhaustion gases if the generator is not properly ventilated.

Keep the Generator Dry

It is vital to place the generator on a hard, dry surface. You should shield it from above to block rain and snow, as well as from the sides to stop splashes from passing vehicles, etc.

Test and Maintain the Generator

Strictly adhere to your emergency generator maintenance schedule. You should regularly test your unit and promptly repair any components that are damaged or worn out.

Limit Access to the Generator

Make sure that children, pets, and unauthorized users do not have access to the generator. Ideally, you should lock the generator behind fencing so that only a handful of people can service the generator.

Stay Alert for Overload

You should make sure that you don't overload your generator. Closely monitor the system and make sure that you properly calculate the required wattage for every device you connect. When starting your generator, make sure you do it under no load. Only connect devices when it is generating sufficient voltage, frequency, and operating at the proper speed.

Properly Shut the Generator off

You will need to disconnect all electrical loads from the generator before turning it off. You should also allow the generator to spin for a few minutes under no load before you turn it off. You should turn the emergency generator off every 24 hours and allow it to cool down. Once cool, inspect the system for signs of damage.

Store Fuel Properly

Always store additional fuel well away from the generator. You will want to make sure that you are compliant with NFPA 110 and all applicable regulations.

Listen for Problems

Listen to your generator when it is operating properly. Make a mental note of the normal sound of the unit. This will help you hear problems if parts start to fail.

Invest in Surge Protectors

Sudden spikes in voltage and frequency can cause irreparable damage to sensitive electronics. Always connect computers, appliances, and other devices to a surge protector. Failing to do this can be a costly mistake that is easily avoidable.

Safety comes first at Gen-Tech and we encourage you to contact us at (623) 937-1719 for more information on emergency generator safety. It's our pleasure to answer your questions so that you can keep the power flowing in an emergency.