Generac Generator Safety: The Do’s & Don’ts in the Tri-State area

Follow These Generac Generator Safety Tips in Blairstown, NJ

When you purchase a new generator, the first thing you should do is read the manual carefully. It will outline the dos and don’ts of generator usage as well as important service and maintenance tips that maintain the performance, reliability, and safety of your generator and extend its lifespan. Following these tips will lower your risk of needing expensive generator repairs or having to replace your generator before its time. Read on for some crucial Generac generator safety tips in Blairstown, NJ, from Seidel Electric.

The Importance of Portable Generator Safety

Following portable generator safety instructions is crucial to ensure safe operation, prevent injury and illness, and avoid hazards like fire or property damage. Some benefits of proper generator safety are:

• Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning, which could lead to illness or even death
• Reduces risk of fire, explosion, electrocution, and electric shock
• Shields your appliances and electronics from damage caused by power surges or overloading the generator
• Enhances reliability and efficiency, and maintains optimal generator performance and lifespan
• Ensures compliance with the terms of your generator warranty, local building codes, and other regulations

The Most Crucial Safety Precautions for Generators

Always default to manufacturer guidelines and the instructions in your generator manual to ensure you are operating your generator safely. Some basic generator safety tips and the most important precautions you should consider are:

• Ensuring Proper Generator Setup and Storage – Only use your generator outdoors. When setting it up, put it on flat, dry, level ground and maintain three to four feet of space on all sides, including above the generator. Connect appliances directly to the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, three-pronged extension cords. When not in use, store your generator in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated outdoor structure like a garage, shed, or generator enclosure. Keep it off the ground and covered with a breathable material.
• Keeping Up With Routine Generator Maintenance – Follow the manual’s instructions for generator maintenance. Schedule professional generator service and maintenance every year or after 100 hours of runtime. Regularly test fluid levels, change or clean filters, and test batteries. Run your generator for 20 minutes with at least 20% load every 20 days.
• Generator Carbon Monoxide Prevention – Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector and alarm on each floor of your home according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not ever run your generator inside your home, not even in a garage, basement, crawlspace, or shed. Do not put the generator closer than 20 feet to your home or near windows, doors, or vents.
• Generator Fire and Electrocution Safety Mitigation – Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet, as that increases the risk of fire. Do not cover the generator with a plastic sheet, tarp, or towels, as that could cause overheating or fire. Do not leave a generator in the rain or use it with wet hands. Instead, use a ventilated generator tent or approved cover to prevent electrocution. Do not exceed the generator’s rated capacity.
• Safe Operation and Fueling of the Generator – Only use the recommended fuel and oil type for your generator. Turn the generator off and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before refueling. Do not move the generator while it is running. Check fuel and oil levels regularly. If you smell a burning odor, see smoke, or hear any strange noises from your generator, turn it off immediately and call a qualified generator repair technician. Store fuel in approved containers in a cool, well-ventilated area outside of the home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Generator

To protect yourself and your family, be aware of the common safety mistakes people make when using generators:

• Using a generator inside or too close to living spaces
• Placing a generator on uneven surfaces, in the rain, on pools of water, or under a tarp or cover
• Adding fuel while the generator is running or hot
• Plugging a generator into a wall outlet
• Using undersized, indoor, or damaged extension cords
• Running a generator under too low a load for too long
• Using old fuel
• Neglecting generator maintenance or annual service
• Ignoring the warning signs of a generator problem
• Attempting DIY generator repairs

Why Choose Seidel Electric to Improve Generator Safety

Seidel Electric has been providing reliable, high-quality electrical and generator services since 1944. Our team of electricians and electrical contractors can help you choose the right Generac generator for your home, and provide initial setup and installation, routine maintenance, service and repairs, and personalized guidance on generator use and safety.

Contact Seidel Electric Now

We are a certified select Generac power pro dealer, and the number one Generac dealer in the tri-state area. Call us now or reach out to us online if you have a question about generator safety or need generator repair in Blairstown, NJ, or the tri-state area.

FAQs About Safe Generator Usage and Maintenance

What is a Generac generator? Generac generators are backup power systems that automatically supply your home with electricity within seconds of a power outage. They enhance home safety, comfort, and convenience and ensure peace of mind in extreme weather and storms. 

How often should I perform maintenance on my Generac generator?

We recommend that you schedule routine generator service and maintenance every 100 hours of runtime, or annually, whichever comes first. However, if you live in an area that regularly gets extreme weather, or if you use your generator regularly, you should also schedule seasonal maintenance. You should also regularly check oil and fuel levels, change the oil and air filters as needed, and inspect batteries and spark plugs regularly. 

Can I connect my generator directly to my home’s electrical system?

You cannot plug a generator directly into your home’s wall outlet, as that is illegal and dangerous. You can call us and schedule an appointment for one of our electricians for generator installation. We can install a certified transfer switch or interlock device. This safely connects your generator to your electrical panel.

How long can a Generac generator safely run?

The runtime depends on the size and model of your generator. Air-cooled home standby generators can run continuously for 24 hours, after which point they must be shut down for at least 30 minutes so that you can inspect the oil and fuel levels and look for any signs of problems.