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

Howto & Style

Introduction

When using a portable generator to back up power to your home, it's crucial to avoid certain deadly mistakes that can put your family, pets, and property in harm's way. Even experienced users might overlook some of these fatal errors. Here are seven critical mistakes to avoid to ensure safety and efficiency, especially the last two, which are surprisingly common.

1. Never Run a Generator Inside a Building

Avoid areas like:

  • Garages
  • Barns
  • Sheds
  • Basements
  • Crawl spaces

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a real threat, with 2,100 deaths yearly in the US alone from CO, including 85 from portable generator use. Always run the generator outside, away from open doors and windows, and install battery-powered CO detectors inside your home.

2. Keep Generators Away from Combustible Materials

Generators get extremely hot, and exhaust can easily ignite nearby combustible materials. Always place the generator well away from your home or anything flammable. Be especially mindful of the exhaust direction to prevent incidents like melting vinyl siding.

3. Avoid Back Feeding Outlets

Never alter an extension cord to plug one end into the generator and the other into an outlet in your home. This dangerous practice, known as back feeding, creates a "suicide cord" and poses severe electrocution risks for utility workers and neighbors. Instead, have a qualified electrician install a safe connection method.

4. Don't Use a Suicide Cord

A suicide cord has male ends on both sides, which is hazardous because the exposed prongs can become energized. This method is illegal and dangerous, risking electrocution for anyone who comes into contact with it. Always opt for a legal and safe connection method.

5. Disconnect Power Cords Safely

Even with a legal generator connection, always turn off the generator breaker before connecting or disconnecting power cords. This prevents arcing, which can damage the generator, receptacles, plugs, and connected loads. Make all connections with the generator turned off and not running.

6. Keep the Generator Dry

Power outages often happen during storms, making it tricky to keep generators dry. Place the generator on high ground, away from standing water, and connect the power cord before starting the generator. Ensure the generator breaker is turned off before starting the generator and follow a safe disconnect procedure during wet conditions.

7. Never Fuel a Running Generator

Generators heat up significantly, and fueling a running generator can lead to fire or explosion if gas spills onto hot engine parts. Cool the generator down before refueling. Store gas cans away from the running generator and restart safely by following proper reconnect steps.

Keywords

  • Portable Generator
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Combustible Materials
  • Back Feeding
  • Suicide Cord
  • Arcing Hazard
  • Wet Conditions
  • Fueling Procedure

FAQ

Q: Can I place my generator in the garage if I keep the door open? A: No, even with the garage door open, carbon monoxide can still accumulate and diffuse dangerously. Always run the generator outside and away from open doors and windows.

Q: What makes a "suicide cord" so dangerous? A: A suicide cord has two male ends, which can be energized with exposed prongs, posing a high risk of electrocution to anyone touching it.

Q: Is it safe to connect my generator during rain if I don’t have a cover for it? A: While it's recommended to keep the generator dry, you can take precautions such as placing it on high ground, connecting the power cord before starting, and ensuring the generator breaker is off. Avoid running the generator in standing water or low areas that could flood.

Q: Why is back feeding an outlet dangerous? A: Back feeding bypasses household circuit protection, creating risks for electrocution and can harm utility workers repairing power lines. It’s vital to use safe, professionally installed methods for connecting your generator.

Q: What’s the risk of fueling a hot generator? A: Spill gasoline can easily ignite on hot engine parts or from sparks, causing fire or explosion. Always turn off the generator, let it cool down before refueling, and keep the gas can well away from the generator.