7 Backup Generator Mistakes. (Have You Made One?)

Summary

This video covers seven critical mistakes to avoid when using portable generators for home backup power. These tips ensure safety for you, your family, and your pets, focusing on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, electrocution, and dangerous DIY setups like 'suicide cords.' The video emphasizes proper generator placement, safe power connections, avoiding wet generators, and careful fueling procedures. By following these guidelines, you can safely restore power during outages while minimizing risks. The creator also previews upcoming videos on backup power installations and testing new battery stations.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Never run a generator inside enclosed spaces like garages, barns, or sheds due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• 🚪 Always place generators outside and away from open doors or windows to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
• 🔥 Never run your generator near combustible materials as the exhaust can get extremely hot and cause fires.
• 🔌 Never back-feed an outlet in your home to avoid electrocution risks and potential harm to utility workers.
• 🚫 Avoid using a suicide cord (a cord with two male ends), as it poses severe electrocution hazards and is illegal.
• ⚡ Always disconnect power cords safely by turning off the generator breaker to avoid dangerous arcing and equipment damage.
• 🌧️ Never operate a generator in wet conditions. Keep it on high ground, away from standing water, and make connections before starting the generator.
• ⛽ Never fuel a running generator to prevent fires or explosions caused by hot engine parts or sparks.
• 🔋 Always allow your generator to cool down before refueling to avoid any risk of fuel ignition.
• 🛠️ For safe home generator connections, consider installing a 30-amp inlet box and interlock kit with the help of a qualified electrician.

Q & A

What is the most important rule when using a portable generator?

The most important rule is to never run a generator inside a building, including garages, barns, sheds, basements, or crawl spaces, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous when running a generator indoors?

Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless, and colorless gas that diffuses evenly throughout a room. It can cause poisoning without any warning signs, which is why it's important to always run generators outside.

How far should you place a generator from your home to avoid fire hazards?

You should place the generator well away from your home, keeping it at least a few feet away, and ensure the exhaust is not directed toward the house or any combustible materials.

What is a 'suicide cord,' and why is it dangerous?

A 'suicide cord' is a modified extension cord with two male ends. It is dangerous because it can create an electrocution hazard, exposes live blades, and can present a risk to utility workers and neighbors connected to the same power grid.

Why is backfeeding an outlet with a generator dangerous?

Backfeeding bypasses safety devices in the household electrical system and can present an electrocution hazard to utility workers and neighbors, as well as create dangerous arcing within the system.

What precautions should you take when connecting or disconnecting power cords from a generator?

Always turn off the generator breaker before connecting or disconnecting cords, and ensure the generator is not running. This avoids dangerous arcing that could damage the generator or connected appliances.

How can you safely run a generator during stormy weather?

To safely run a generator in bad weather, keep it on high ground, avoid standing water, and connect power cords before starting the generator. Ensure the generator breaker is off when connecting and disconnecting.

Why is it dangerous to fuel a running generator?

Fueling a running generator is dangerous because the hot engine parts or sparks from generator connections could ignite spilled fuel or gasoline vapors, leading to fire or explosion.

What is the proper procedure for refueling a generator safely?

To refuel safely, first turn off the generator breaker in your home panel, then turn off the generator and let it cool down. Once cooled, refuel the generator, restart it, and follow your switching procedure to restore backup power.

Why is it recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors when using a generator?

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential to alert you of any dangerous gas levels that may leak into your home, even when the generator is running outside, ensuring your family's safety.