With unpredictable weather patterns on the rise, ensuring the safety and reliability of your power sources is more important than ever. Whether you’re considering a home standby generator for seamless automatic operation or a portable generator for its versatility, understanding the proper safety protocols is crucial. This guide offers vital tips to safely manage both types of generators during an outage, helping protect your home and family from potential hazards.
Generator Safety
As power outages become more frequent due to extreme weather events in Washington and Oregon, it is crucial to understand how to operate both home standby and portable generators safely. This guide will provide essential safety tips and operational advice to ensure you and your family remain safe while using generators during an outage.
Home Standby Generators: A Safe and Reliable Solution
Home standby generators offer a dependable power source during outages, automatically starting up when power is lost. Compared to portable generators, they require less frequent refueling and ensure the continuous operation of critical appliances and systems. However, it’s important to regularly check these units during extended outages to ensure they function correctly and safely. Regular maintenance checks, especially after every 100 hours of use, are crucial to prevent operational issues.
Portable Generator Safety: Mobility with Caution
While portable generators provide a flexible power solution, they also pose more safety risks due to the need for manual operation. Ensure your portable generator is placed outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never operate a portable generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Regularly checking oil levels and refueling only when the unit is turned off and cool will help avoid accidents and maintain safe operation.
Operational Checks During Extended Outages
During an extended outage, monitor your generator’s performance closely. For both types of generators, checking the oil and ensuring the unit is running at a safe temperature are key to avoiding damage. For home standby generators, ensure that the automatic transfer switch is functioning correctly and that the unit is not overloaded.
Installation and Maintenance: Key to Safe Operation
Proper installation by a professional is essential for safe home standby generator operation. Oregon Generators offers comprehensive installation services that meet all local code requirements, ensuring your generator is set up safely. Regular maintenance by a professional can also extend the life of your unit and ensure it operates safely when you need it most.
Ready for Reliable and Safe Power Solutions?
Don’t wait for the next power outage to find out your generator isn’t ready. Contact Oregon Generators today to ensure your generator is installed correctly and maintained for safe operation. Our team of experts is here to provide you with the best solutions for your power needs.
