Everything you need to know about generator safety

Generators can provide peace of mind that your home will maintain power during blackouts and storms. By delivering power quickly and automatically, house generators enable homeowners to temporarily operate heating and cooling systems, televisions, computers, and other appliances during emergencies. And for critical infrastructure businesses like hospitals, nursing homes, telecommunications networks, and emergency response agencies, a standby generator can be a lifesaving necessity. But when generators are used improperly, they become a potentially deadly liability rather than an asset. 

The dangers of generators

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 900 people in the U.S. died between 2005 and 2017 from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by portable generators. Generator-related accidents and injuries occur most frequently during power outages and storms. It’s easy to overlook safety measures for a piece of equipment you rarely use, and moreover, when you’re attending to cleaning up your home after a storm, being preoccupied can easily lead to misuse. 

CO poisoning: Improper use or venting can cause the generator exhaust to release lethal levels of this colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas.

Shock and electrocution: In addition to normal electric hazards, when a generator user bypasses safety devices (e.g. circuit breakers and grounded plugs), accidents occur.

Fire hazards: When left running for extended periods, generators can remain hot after they’re turned off. Generator fuels (e.g. gasoline and kerosene) can spill on hot engine parts and ignite fires, causing burns and destruction to property.

Noise/vibration hazards: Hearing loss has been linked to the significant noise and vibration created by generators.

Generator safety tips

CO Poisoning Prevention

• Never run generators inside or in any indoor spaces (e.g. garage, crawl spaces, basements, or tents) . Always place away from outside vents to the home, garages and windows.
• Set up and run outside at least 20 feet from windows or doors in your home
• Make sure the generator has a clear space on every side of at least 3 to 4 feet
• Always direct the exhaust away from your home
• If anyone experiences CO poisoning symptoms (e.g. dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue or your CO monitor sounds an alarm, go outside immediately and call 911. 
• Don’t reenter your home until emergency personnel tell you it’s safe to do so.

Shock and electrocution prevention

Plug appliances directly into the generator using manufacturer-supplied cords or heavy-duty extension cords for outdoor use rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check the entire cord to ensure it is free of cuts and that the plug is grounded (three-pronged). The latter is critical protection against shock if water collects inside the equipment.

Never wire an emergency generator into your home’s electrical system without a certified properly installed transfer switch. Back feed from a generator can injure or cause death to a lineman at work.

• Use ground fault circuit interrupters, especially when electrical equipment is used in or around damp locations.
• Never plug a generator into a regular wall outlet, unless an electrician has installed an approved automatic transfer switch device.
• Never use a generator in the rain or wet conditions and don’t touch it if you’re wet or standing in water. Protect the generator from inclement weather with a canopy, if necessary.
• Never use a wet generator until it is thoroughly dry and turn it off right away if you smell unusual odors.
• Before you operate a generator, disconnect your normal source of power to prevent power from the generator being sent back into utility company lines. Not doing so creates a hazardous situation for utility workers.

Fire and burn prevention

• Shut down the generator and allow it to cool before refueling.
• Store and transport all fuels in approved and vented containers designed and marked specifically for their content and never store them in your home or anywhere near living areas.
• Keep fuel containers away from flame-producing and heat-generating devices (e.g. the generator, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters, and matches).
• Never smoke around fuel containers. 

Noise and vibration tips

• Keep portable generators as far away as possible from spaces you frequent and/or wear hearing protection to minimize the risk of related hearing loss. 
• Purchase quieter equipment to help prevent hearing loss (most generators are labeled with a decibel rating).

Although emergency generators can reduce losses and speed the recovery process after a blackout or storm, it’s crucial to always follow safety precautions.