The demand for portable generators has increased substantially in
recent years. There are myriad reasons for this increase. Emergency
portable generators can have significant benefits to individuals and
communities, helping to save lives, and lessening the hardships caused
by natural disasters and lengthy power outages. Consumers should,
however, be aware of the dangers associated with improper use of
electric generators. We will highlight a few of these in the following
paragraphs.
Portable Generators Produce Poisonous Carbon Monoxide
Carbon
monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas discharged in generator
exhaust. Inhalation of carbon monoxide is often lethal, and a number of
deaths occur each year as a result of consumer generator use.
In
2004, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) studied deaths from
generator use following four major hurricanes that struck land in the
state of Florida. Powering air conditioners and other appliances during
nighttime hours was the primary factor identified in generator-related
deaths in the CPSC Florida study, and in each of the cited cases,
improper location of the portable generator became key to the tragic
outcome. In 2000, two children swimming behind a family houseboat on
Utah's Lake Powell drowned after losing consciousness when a portable
generator beneath a swim deck produced dangerous fumes. Once again,
poorly planned placement of a consumer-use generator was cited as the
primary cause of the tragedy.
Because of many similar incidents,
the Consumer Products Safety Commission promulgated in December, 2006
that all new generators sold after March of 2007 be affixed with labels
setting forth technical and performance data, in addition to the
following warning:
"Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN
MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison
you cannot see or smell. NEVER use (generator) inside a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and windows are open. ONLY use outside and far away from
windows, doors, and vents."
The CDC reported that a small portable
generator will produce the carbon-monoxide level of six idling cars, a
reality that surprises many consumers. Carbon-monoxide levels can be
compounded with generator use because the gas is heavy and tends to
linger, making it difficult to expunge from an infected area. This means
that generators are never safe to use indoors, including inside of open
garages, and that during operation they should be located as far from
residential units or buildings as possible. In particular, operation
near windows, screen doors, vents, and air conditioning ducts should be
avoided. Operators should also note wind direction, and locate
generators so that prevailing air currents carry fumes away from nearby
buildings or residences.
Though all portable generators produce
carbon monoxide, certain models create less CO emissions than others.
For example, generators equipped with overhead valve (OHV) engines, a
standard design in modern models, produce less carbon monoxide emissions
than models sporting older side-valve, pushrod engines. Any consumer
who intends to use a portable generator in locations with restricted
airflow should seek a model creating the fewest emissions possible.
Portable Generators must be Dry and Free from Debris
Safe
emergency portable generator use requires planning. Since portable
generators are often used in inclement weather, or during the night when
visibility is restricted, understanding how and where to use them in
advance is critical. It is best to operate generators only in open
areas, and, whenever possible, in locations where the generators will be
protected from falling debris like leaves and twigs, and from blowing
rain, sleet, or snow. A portable generator should never be wet during
operation. An operator should likewise never be standing in water or on
damp ground when he or she starts a portable generator. Portable
generators should always be grounded according to manufacturers'
recommendations. Methods of grounding vary by generator model, but in
general will require that a generator be connected to a fixed metal
object (for instance, a cold water pipe - spigots for hoses or
sprinklers on the outside of the house can be effective choices for
generator use).
If heavy debris falls onto the engine of a
portable generator, covering it or restricting air flow, the unit can
overheat, producing dangerous levels of heat that in extreme instances
can even ignite debris. If possible, an operator should dislodge
undesired debris from a generator using pressurized air rather than
scooping the debris out by hand.
We recommend placing a portable
generator atop a concrete pad which rests at least 15 feet from all
residences or buildings. Ideally a small roof should cover the pad,
leaving a minimum of three feet of clearance on all sides of the
generator for ventilation purposes. Other suggested generator locations
are beneath a canopy, or inside an open or well-ventilated shed or
carport.
Portable Generators must be Properly Connected
A
portable generator should never be plugged directly into a residential
electrical system (i.e., a wall outlet). Appliances should either be
plugged straight into a generator outlet, or into a generator-ready
extension cord (often referred to on packaging as "generator cords").
Since portable generators will be placed outdoors, operators need to be
sure that any extension cord employed has been manufacturer-rated for
outdoor use, and that it carries the Underwriters Laboratories
endorsement for the maximum wattage produced by the generator model.
Whenever possible, operators should also avoid routing extension cords
in a manner that would create tripping hazards or covering extension
cords with combustible carpets or padding which can cause heat build-up
and perhaps even fire. Particular care must be taken when using an
extension cord in wet conditions. If an extension cord is hot to the
touch, it has been overloaded and must be either replaced or its load
reduced. Operators should periodically inspect all extension cords for
frays, cuts, cracks, exposed wiring, and plug damage, and replace any
which have been compromised. An operator should always power on a
portable generator before connecting a load to it (this is true whether
appliances are to be connected directly or via an extension cord), and
when connecting appliances, an operator should first connect the
highest-wattage ones.
Rather than plugging appliances into a
portable generator directly or via an extension cord, a user may wish to
employ an electric transfer switch (which should be installed by a
licensed electrician or somebody familiar with building codes in the
operator's area). A transfer switch serves as a bridge between the
generator and main circuit-breaker panel of a building or residence. It
allows a portable generator to send power directly and safely into a
home electrical system. The National Electrical Code (700-6) provides
that transfer equipment must be designed and installed to prevent
inadvertent interconnection of normal and emergency power sources. In
other words, an electric transfer switch needs to stop a
potentially-lethal problem known as back feed -- electricity being
created by a home generator that enters outside power lines where it
poses an electrocution risk to unsuspecting power-company workers. In an
attempt to ensure that transfer equipment is installed according to
code, some local government agencies require that the installer obtain a
permit prior to installation. A qualified electrician will know when a
permit is needed, and how to go about obtaining one. One type of
transfer switch, referred to as a double-pole, double throw model, won't
engage unless outside utility power has been safely disconnected.
Models of this kind are an excellent way to ensure that rules of safety
are observed.
Operators need to keep something else in mind:
Because utility workers are completely vulnerable when working on downed
lines, lines that they believe are without power, many municipalities
have criminalized the reckless use of portable and home generators.
Violators can be subject to harsh fines, and even incarceration if
convicted. Improper or reckless employment of portable or home
generators can also void homeowners' insurance in the event of property
damage or personal injury. Given the number of drawbacks, engaging a
licensed electrician to install transfer equipment is a sound
investment.
Operators should take care not to overload a portable
generator. In addition to its running watts, all generators have a
maximum or surge-watts rating, reserve power which is intended to start
appliance motors, and is not available for more than a few seconds at a
time. During normal use, appliances connected to a generator should not
consume above 80% of the generator's maximum running watts. This reduces
the chance of unintended damage or overheating. The watts used by an
appliance will often be listed on a data plate attached to its back or
underside. If a data plate cannot be located, a wattage meter which is
inserted between an appliance and wall outlet is a good way to determine
its exact wattage demands. A list of the average watts used by many
common household appliances is also available on our website. Lists like
ours are not intended to be comprehensive; however, such lists give
some indication of the number and size of appliances a portable or home
generator model ought to power safely.
Other Safety Tips for Portable Generators
Portable
generators use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day; for this reason,
an extended blackout will require substantial fuel reserves. Gasoline,
diesel, and other fuels burned by portable generators are highly
combustible, and storing substantial amounts of them can be hazardous if
done carelessly. We recommend that gasoline be stored in a container
meeting American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements, as
well as any applicable state requirements (the state of California, for
example, has more stringent requirements known as "CARB"). ANSI
coordinates the development and implementation of voluntary safety
standards by United States manufacturers. An ANSI-compliant container
will always be prominently marked as such.
It is advisable to use a
stabilizer, such as STA-BIL, in gasoline or diesel which will be stored
for emergency purposes. The shelf-life of pump gas is roughly six
months, and for diesel, roughly a year. Stabilizers can frequently
double a fuel's effective shelf-life. Some stabilizers can endow
gasoline with a life span of up to two years, and diesel considerably
longer. T-REX recommends that, ideally, gasoline supplies be used and
replaced annually. It is good practice to use fuel stored for emergency
use in other gas-powered equipment -- like chain saws and lawn mowers,
ATVs or motorcycles. This guarantees that fuel supplies are replenished,
and that gasoline is always ready for use when needed. Having a few
extra quarts of oil, air and fuel filters, and spark plugs is also
advisable.
There should never be open flames near a portable
generator during operation. Flames, including lighted cigarettes, should
also be kept away from a generator fuel supply. In particular a candle
should never be used to provide illumination when preparing a generator
for operation or powering it on.
A portable generator should not
be refueled while running. If possible, refueling should occur after the
generator engine has been allowed to cool, to prevent inadvertent fire
should fuel make contact with a hot surface. To avoid refueling spills,
it is always wise to store alongside a generator a funnel that can be
used for pouring fuel and a rag to clean up spills. It is also advisable
to have a flashlight and fire extinguisher within reach.
Keeping a
portable generator in good working condition is important to ensure
that it operates efficiently and safely when needed. Most manufacturers
recommend that portable or home generators be started and allowed to run
for five minutes every three months to insure that they remain ready
for use. During down time, fuel tanks should be kept full (topped off).
This prevents condensation from accumulating inside the tank, and
diluting fuel. Water-saturated fuel can produce starting problems, and
the engine may sputter during operation. Unfortunately, few people who
purchase portable generators for emergency power needs heed this simple
advice. Ignoring it can mean that a generator will not operate when it
is most needed. We also advise generator owners to have their units
serviced annually by a qualified technician.
It is a sound
practice to keep small children away from portable generators. Even if a
generator is being operated in a safe and well-ventilated area, its
engine parts can become burning hot during normal use.
Finally,
certain portable generator models are safer than others. Emergency
generators are not intended for daily use, but are built to provide
continuous occasional power in an emergency, or during a natural
disaster or blackout. Inexpensive models can be more susceptible than
top brands to heat failure, and heat failure in extreme instances can
start fires. There are many inexpensive generators on the market --
while inexpensive does not mean bad or unreliable, lower-priced brands
may not last as long, or be as safe, as their higher-priced
counterparts.
Summary
Here is a summary checklist of safety tips for portable-generator operators:
oOperators
should always read the operating instructions or user's manual before
starting or using a portable generator. For best results and ultimate
safety, an operator should adhere to these instructions. Generator
owners should never remove warning stickers or safety devices from their
models.
oA user should be familiar with the sound of his or her
portable generator during normal operations. This allows for quick and
easy identification of a problem during use; if a problem is detected,
operators must immediately power down the unit.
oA portable
generator should be used only outdoors and as far away as possible from
open windows, air conditioners, vents or air-conditioning ducts.
oUsers
should check wind direction to ensure that during operation, exhaust
emissions are being blown away from buildings and residences.
oThere should be plenty of ventilation on all sides of a portable generator.
oA
portable generator should be operated only in clean, dry locations. A
permanent or temporary shelter may need to be built to house a portable
generator during its operation. An operator should never touch any
generator unless his or her hands are dry.
oA portable generator should be properly grounded before use to prevent inadvertent electric shocks.
oAn
undersized or frayed extension cord should never be used with a
portable generator. If an extension cord becomes hot to the touch during
use, it has been overloaded and the operator needs to replace it
immediately with a larger cord, or power down the generator. Operators
should always route extension cords to minimize tripping hazards.
oA
generator should never be connected to an existing residential wiring
system unless a DPDT electric transfer switch is used to prevent back
feed, and isolate generator power from external lines.
oThe main
circuit breaker in a home or building should be turned off before any
appliances are connected to a portable generator.
oOperators
should ensure that generators are not overloaded by too many or
too-large appliances; it is a good safe practice never to attach enough
appliances to exceed 80% of a generator's running watts.
oFuel for the portable generator should be stored in a safe ANSI-compliant container.
oThere should never be open flame near a portable generator during operation or fueling.
oA user should power down and, if possible, allow to cool, a portable generator prior to refueling.
oA
generator should be serviced at least annually even if it has not seen
use. Unless an owner is qualified, it is best to engage a specialist for
generator service or repairs.
_______________________
This
article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve
as a substitute for, or replacement of, the operating instructions or
user's manual of any generator, regulations or guidance promulgated by
government agencies, or recommendations made by qualified electricians.
Generators should be used only in accordance with manufacturers'
instructions.
This article was prepared by the management of T-REX
Generators. T-REX Generators is a virtual warehouse mega-store
specializing in portable generators and generator accessories. We carry
portable generators for natural disasters and emergency preparedness,
job sites, recreation, and home back-up power needs. By supplying
superior generators from industry-leading manufacturers, and maintaining
a low-cost structure, T-REX is able to assure consumers that every
generator purchased from us is a top value. For more information, visit
our website at
http://www.trexgenerators.com.
This article was written by James F. Jensen.
