Before you purchase and operate a portable generator, it’s vital to understand the conditions required to properly run it in order to avoid safety hazards. You’ll notice that there are many more safety concerns and precautions when using a portable generator versus a standby generator, so please read carefully.

1. You should always run a portable generator outside in an open and dry area. 

2. Keep it away from water. In case of rain, you may want to buy a portable generator tent, which will keep the generator dry and the area well-ventilated. 

3. Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Equipment must be thoroughly dried out and properly evaluated before use. Power off and do not use any electrical equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.

4. You should also be careful never to touch the generator with wet hands, as this could put you at risk of electrocution.

5. For maximum safety, have a transfer switch installed before operating the generator. A transfer switch allows you to connect the generator to your circuit panel without using extension cords, which keeps the risk of electrocution much lower.

6. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy-duty one that is rated at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads and free of cuts or damage. Disconnect the power in your home before operating the generator. 

7. You should also make sure your generator is properly grounded before running it, which also helps prevent electrical shocks.

8. One of the most dangerous things you can do when operating a portable generator is to back feed your house, which is to say plugging the generator into a wall outlet in an attempt to power your home’s wiring. This not only poses an electrocution risk to you, but it may also put utility workers or neighbors at risk. Backfeeding also has the potential to fry some of your electronics or start a fire because it bypasses your home’s circuit protection devices. 

9. Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. NOTE: Open windows and doors may NOT prevent Carbon Monoxide from building up when a generator is located in an enclosed space.

10. Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.

11. Do not use a generator outdoors if its placement near doors, windows, and vents could allow Carbon Monoxide to enter and build up in occupied spaces.

12. If you or others show symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning—dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness—get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.

13. Generators become hot while running and remain hot for long periods after they are stopped. Generator fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) can ignite when spilled on hot engine parts.

14. Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool.

15. Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents, and vented.

16. Keep fuel containers away from flame-producing and heat-generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters, and matches). Do not smoke around fuel containers. Escaping vapors or vapors from spilled materials can travel long distances to ignition sources.

17. Do not store generator fuels in your home. Store fuels away from living areas.

18. Performing a check run on your generator about once a month is important as well. This keeps the engine healthy and allows you to check to make sure everything is running properly. You’ll want to check oil and fuel levels every time you run the generator. If anything seems amiss, have a professional take a look at the engine.

If you’re ever unsure how to use your portable generator, PLEASE call a qualified electrician for instruction