If your electricity goes out because of a hurricane, tornado, or any other reason, a generator can help. It’ll restart your lights, fridge, or help charge your phones and laptops. But it’s important to understand how to properly use one. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Choose the Correct Generator
To find the right generator for you, follow these steps:
- Add up the power requirements for all the devices you want to use. This should be on a label either on the back or sides of the appliance.
- Add up the wattage of the lightbulbs you'll use.
- To find the total amps you need, divide the watts by volts.
- Pick a generator that makes more amps than you need. Some machines take up to three times as much power when they start up. Others will also lose effectiveness over time.
The best choice will be a permanently installed stationary generator. If you want to have a generator permanently installed to your home's wiring, an electrician can install a power transfer switch.
If you're unsure about what size generator you need, ask an electrician for help.
How to Use a Generator
When you need to use a generator, the most important thing is to follow the steps that came with it.
Only use a type of fuel that's recommended in the instructions on the generator. Always store this fuel in an approved safety can.
If you're not sure how much fuel you can store or where you can store it, ask your local fire department. Some places have laws about this.
It's also important that you store the fuel outside of any living spaces. Make sure it's locked and protected in a safe area like a shed. Never put it anywhere near a fuel-burning tool (like a natural gas water heater in your garage).
For the safety of yourself and others:
Don't back feed. Never attempt to power your house by plugging your generator into a wall outlet. This can be very dangerous. You’ll put you, your neighbors who are connected to the same transformer, and utility workers at risk for electrocution. You could also risk frying your electronics and starting an electrical fire.
Know the risks. Always read the instructions carefully. Even generators that are connected the right way can become overloaded, overheat, or even fail.
Stagger the times you use equipment. You may need to space out the times that you use different devices. Decide which things you need to plug in first and then swap out other devices. This can help avoid overloads.
Generator Safety Tips
Where is the safest place to put a generator?
Portable generators give off high levels of carbon monoxide equal to hundreds of cars. If you run your generator indoors (even the basement or garage) or too close to where you live, it could lead to burns or carbon monoxide poisoning. This odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas can be fatal. In fact, death from carbon monoxide can happen within just 5 minutes if the levels are high enough.
Some newer portable generators have a sensor that shuts the machine off if carbon monoxide levels get too high. Others have engines built to give off less carbon monoxide in general. While these safety features can help save lives, it’s ultimately up to you to make sure you’re using the generator correctly.
If you start to feel dizzy, sick, or weak while you use a generator, get fresh air immediately. Make sure to also install carbon monoxide alarms in the main areas of all levels in your home and outside of sleeping areas. This can help save lives.
If your alarm goes off, move into an area with fresh air as soon as possible and call emergency personnel for help.
Make sure to also test the batteries regularly.
How far away from the house does a generator need to be?
Place your generator at least 20 feet away from your house. Make sure that the engine exhaust is pointed away from all windows and doors.
Is it OK to run a generator in the rain?
Don’t run a portable generator in the rain. If you can’t avoid it, buy a tent specifically made for them. It keeps your generator covered but still ventilated. Never touch a generator with wet hands.
How long can you run a generator safely?
Don’t use your generator too long. Generators are a temporary source of power. You shouldn’t use it as a permanent source of power.
Is it safe to run a generator unattended?
Follow safe steps if you must leave the generator alone. If you can’t keep an eye on the generator, make sure to keep it secured on a flat surface so it won’t tip, slide, or roll. Lock the wheels or put wedges under the tires so it doesn’t move. Keep the generator out of pathways so people don’t run into it.
Other Tips to Use a Generator Safely
There are many other ways to ensure that your generator runs safely:
Make sure an expert installs your generator. A qualified electrician should install it. It should have a mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory (like UL, Intertek, or CSA).
Use the right tools alongside your generator. Consider a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. It’ll alert you if carbon monoxide levels get too high.
Before you refuel, let it cool. If you need to refuel a gas-powered generator, turn it off first. Let it cool off before you refill it. If you spill gasoline on a hot engine, it could ignite. If it’s cool, this lowers the risk of burns while you fill it up.
Stock up on fuel. In emergencies, you’ll want to make sure you have enough gasoline for your gas-powered generator. Make sure you’re prepared and store the gasoline in an ANSI-approved container. Keep it in a cool, well-ventilated area. You can also add stabilizer to the gas to help it last longer. Be sure to not store the gas near any possible heat or fire sources inside or outside of your living area.
Install a transfer switch. This connects a generator to your circuit panel and will power your hardwired appliances. This will allow you to avoid extension cord and the safety risks that come with them.
Prevent electrical hazards. If you’re not able to get a transfer switch, you’ll still be able to use the outlets on your generator. But you must follow certain steps to stay safe. If it’s possible, plug appliances directly into the generator. If you need to use an extension cord, use a heavy-duty one made for outdoor use.
Make sure that the rating (either in amps or watts) is at least equal to the sum of the electrical load from each of the connected appliances. Check the entire extension cord for cuts and make sure it has all three prongs. These safety measures will protect you from shock if water collects in the equipment.
Make sure the generator is grounded properly. If it’s not, the generator could become electrically charged and electrocute someone.
Use hearing protection. Generators vibrate and can be noisy. Too much noise can lead to hearing loss and fatigue. Wear hearing protection to keep your ears safe.
Run your generator every now and then. Since you’ll keep your generator in storage for a while, it’s important to run it every couple of months to make sure it still works. This will help you stay prepared in case you need it during an emergency. Never keep gasoline in the generator when you’re not using it. This can damage it.