Tips And Advice You Need To Know About Generators - How To Use
Power generators are incredibly beneficial and, in many cases, can be an absolute life-saver. We have, at least here in the west, become incredibly reliant upon indoor electricity and mains connected to power. Unfortunately, we cannot rely upon mains power as much as we would like to believe we can, and all it takes is a small mishap to put power out for a huge chunk of the country. Because of this, you should always have a generator in your tool shed or garage, ready to come to the rescue.
In this article, we are not going to tell you why you should have a power generator, but instead, we are going to tell you how you can operate one, and a few pieces of tips and advice that you might need to know if you intend on using one.
Here are some tips and advice that you need to know about power generators.
Using the Transfer Switch
If you intend on powering your home with a generator, this is a vital piece of information. Your home’s transfer switch will essentially allow you to shift the power from your mains electricity to the power generator, and thus, power your home. Your home may not already have a transfer switch, and if it does not, we would sincerely recommend that you install one. You can have an electrician come to your house and do it for you in a reasonably short amount of time, and we believe you most definitely should.
Operating a Generator
This is a part that does not need much explanation. Generators are incredibly easy to operate, and sometimes only need you to pull a cord. Your specific generator will have instructions that come along with it, and in them, you will find the operator’s manual. If your generator does not have instructions, then you will be able to find instructions online by simply keying in the make and model of your generator, along with the phrase ‘how to use’. Always operate your generator safely, with care, and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cool Down Before Refilling
Before you refill your generator with fuel, you should let it cool down. You do not want to, and we repeat, ever fill your generator up while still warm. We would say that a reasonable amount of time to allow it to cool down would be at least an hour. Once your generator has cooled down, refill it much the same way that you filled it, to begin with. Get into the habit of giving your generator time to cool down, so that you do not break it, compromise it, or risk having to buy a new one.
Length of Cable
It is always recommended that, while you will obviously have to put your generator a distance away from your home, that the cable never exceeds 100 feet. As the cable gets further and further away, the voltage drops, which could potentially cause your generator to blow. Always be very meticulous about the distance of the cabling, so that you do not damage your generator. Generators can be very expensive, and thus, should be looked after carefully so that they do not become damaged or compromised. The length of the cable should be carefully measured and never exceed 100 feet.
Quality of Fuel
If you put low-quality fuel into your generator, you may find that it does not work as well or breaks down completely. You should be very careful about the quality of the fuel that you put into your generator so that you can ensure only the highest quality goes in and that the generator’s health is not compromised. The quality of the fuel that goes into your generator must be high, which can in turn be expensive. Even so, do not skimp out and potentially cost yourself a fortune when you have to replace your generator.
Distance
Generators produce carbon monoxide, and so, manufacturers regularly warn consumers not to power their generators close to their homes. This is something ignored frequently, which contributes to the yearly deaths of people who operate their generators in their garages or actually inside their homes. Keep your generator at a distance, but do not exceed 100 feet. The distance of your generator is something that is very important to watch, as already mentioned, not just for the health of your generator, but also for your own. Do not allow it to operate inside your home.
Power generators can be an absolute lifesaver when your mains electricity has gone down. They must be operated carefully, however, so as to ensure you are protected, and so is your generator and home. Thanks for joining us today.
