Safety Rules for Small Diesel Generators and Portable Gas Generators

Portable gas generators provide a good source of electricity. But if your generator is improperly installed or used, can become deadly. To keep your family safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have made a helpful new video and give the following advice:

- Contact a professional electrician to set up your generator to make sure it meets local codes.
- Do not connect your generator directly to home wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed.
- Power from generators that are connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along power lines and severely harm anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers working on it.

More tips include:

- Make sure your generator is grounded the right way.
- Keep the generator completely dry.
- Make sure extension cords used with portable gas generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator. Your generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
- Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. , because generators can produce very quickly highlethal levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore you must install carbon monoxide detectors in all enclosed nearby places to monitor the levels.
- you must use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before you re-fule your generator, always turn it off and let it cool down.
- Make sure that all appliances powered by the generator are turned off before shutting down the generator.
- Keep your

children away from your generator at all times.

Although electricity is a powerful tool, it can also cause serious injuries. Better safety rules have minimized electrical hazards that cause injuries and porperty damage and even deaths. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards. Also it is very important to use safe equipment from a reliable manufacturer, like Generac Portable Generators. More information you will find on the small diesel generators website