Always remember, generators can be your best friend but they don’t take time in becoming your worst enemy. So, safety with generators should be the top consideration while using them.
A Bit from The Past
Depending on how deep you want to know about the history of generators which not many people know, generators evolved from an invention of Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry.
They gave us the invention on which we rely as soon as we need backup in a power cut, or at construction sites before power is set up.
Why Do We Need to Know About Generators?
Generators, as we know work on electromagnetic inductions. But that’s the least of our interests unless studying physics. So why do we need to know about the generator?
Generators are used at big and small scales both. They provide the power for most power networks across cities. Small scale generators provide a good backup for household power needs or small businesses.
We need electricity supply continuously at some places and hence using a generator is more of a necessity. Generators are supposed to help us. Yet in the past, we have seen accidents with generators can also happen. These accidents can cause great damage to life and property. Hence understanding and safety with generators is very much needed.
The Accidents We Need to Avoid
While portable generators are used where temporary electric power is needed, yet they can be extremely hazardous and even life-threatening.
- The main hazard is poisoning from Carbon Monoxide released from the generator.
- Electric shock from the generator.
- Fire can also be caused by the generator.
Generators can produce a high level of Carbon Monoxide which you cannot smell but it is a poisonous gas that can make you feel sick or weak and if not taken care of can lead to death.
All these problems only occur when a proper measure is not taken while using the generators.
Generators have countable problems and with proper maintenance, these problems can be avoided. Here are some problems and their solution in detail for your safety.
The Main Problem- Carbon Monoxide
Dealing with this problem is easy if the right steps are followed.
Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. You should never install generators in closed spaces like basements, garages even if they have ventilation.
Installing a CO alarm that is certified according to the requirements of the latest safety standards for preventing leak by detecting the amount of CO in the atmosphere around.
Locate the generator in outdoor spaces away from any windows which might help CO get inside.
Electrical Hazards
The other problem is electric shocks which can occur from the generator
For this, never use generator in rain or wet conditions. Always keep the generator away from the moisture and install it at dry surfaces.
Keep your generator covered when you are not using it. Never keep it near stagnant water.
Other than this, don’t attach your generator directly to the main switch. Always use a transfer switch. Take the help of a qualified electrician for the installation of generators.
Power Cords Mishap
Use appropriate cables for your generator. Never use cheap replacements from a hardware shop as it may cause a short circuit in the wires and result in an accident.
You should place the power cords carefully so that no one trips over the wires and don’t damage the generator
Fire Hazards
Most generators take diesel, kerosene, gasoline, petrol as fuels. And most fire hazards occur when these fuels catch fire, so it is important to keep these fuels safely and not inside the home but somewhere safe and outdoor.
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Precautions We Should Take
All these problems only occur when a proper measure is not taken while using the portable generators. we should consider the following measures to ensure safety with generators.
The best location:
Open and Ventilated
Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. You should never install generators in closed spaces like basements, garages even if they have ventilation.
Installing a CO alarm that is certified according to the requirements of the latest safety standards for preventing leak by detecting the amount of CO in the atmosphere around is important. Locate the generator in outdoor spaces away from any windows which might help CO get inside.
Dry Conditions
If a generator comes in contact with wet conditions it puts the risk of electrocution. So you should not keep generators in any wet place. It should be away from the rain completely. You should not touch it with your wet hands.
Never use generator in rain or wet conditions.
Always keep the generator away from the moisture and install it at dry surfaces. Keep your generator covered when you are not using it. Never keep it near stagnant water.
Stable Support
It is important to keep the generator on a stable platform so that it does not fall. Falling can damage the generator. It should also be kept at a level where it is away from the reach of kids or pets.
Fueling The Generator
The fuel which is recommended by the company should be used to power the generator. If any other wrong fuel is used it can cause damage to the generator. During fueling, your generator should be switched off and it should be cooled down.
Storage and Keeping Safe
When you are not using your generator, you should store it in a dry place so it does not come into contact with moisture. It is advised to drain out the fuel before you store the generator. Store the fuel outside of living areas
Generator enclosures should also be used to ensure proper & safe functioning of generators.
It Is Always Better to Play Safe Than Be Sorry.
Generators were created for the ease of humans. We can easily get electric power at remote places or when there is no power. But this useful product should never turn into a product causing harm.
All the above-mentioned problems can occur with anyone at any time so it is better to keep safety with generators and follow all the precautions because “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”.
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