If there is a power outage, a natural disaster, or a storm, your generator will be your most valuable appliance. They are, however, potentially dangerous if installed and used incorrectly.

If you have recently bought a generator, contact a licensed Denver electrician to install it for you and walk you through its correct usage. The electrician will also guide you on how to keep your family from potential dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution.

Importance of a Generator

Generators have various benefits, however, their usage depends on different factors and individual preferences. These benefits include:

1. Constant electricity support: the essential part of having a generator is that you’ll never experience a power outage. Even if other areas around you have electrical problems, your house will have electricity from the generator that is just as effective as electric power from the grid.
2. They cut losses: having a generator for your business ensures your business runs throughout even when there are power outages, keeping your products from getting spoiled, among other losses that result from power outages.
3. More productivity: when you have a generator, you become more productive, knowing you are not dependent on electricity infrastructure in your area, especially when there are continuous power issues.
4. You can supply power to areas lacking electricity: if you have a portable generator, you can power it to your other projects that do not have electricity.
5. A source of security: A generator remains an essential backup source of electricity for power outages. This means you’ll have power for essential systems such as security systems, alarms, and other communication equipment, keeping your property from any loss associated with a power outage.

Possible Hazards Caused By Generators

The most common danger from using generators is carbon monoxide poisoning, primarily when people use a generator in closed rooms. However, there are other risks associated with generators, including fires and electric shocks.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent gas, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced at extremely high levels when a generator is active. Although you may not smell or see the fumes, there is a high chance you could still be exposed, particularly if you are operating your generator in an enclosed room. You should visit your nearest health center if you experience any headaches, nausea, or dizziness.

Although carbon monoxide is the most significant cause of generator-related deaths, electrocution and electrical shocks have caused several deaths in the USA over the past few years. 

Electrocution

Ensure the generator is stored in a dry place and away from the rain or any source of moisture, and that your hands do not have water while operating the generator.

Directly plug your equipment into your generator or use a powerful extension that can handle the total voltage of your appliances. Ensure also that the extension cords are in excellent condition and do not have any wear or cuts, to avoid electrocution risks. If you must connect your appliances to your house, contact a home generator electrician in Arvada to connect your generator to your devices.

How Professionals Can Help Prevent Electrical Hazards

By Ventilating Your Generator

When your generator engine starts running, by default, it gets hot as it passes power to your house. When your Denver area electrician ventilates the room, they allow unrestricted airflow, preventing the generator from overheating. Ventilating controls the heat circulating in the room and allows the free flow of toxic gasses and smells which can help safeguard the environment.

By Doing A Load Test

When a local electrician does a load test, they check the generator’s engine capacities to prevent future electrical problems. Once they allow the engine to reach its full potential, they read the results and make any necessary adjustments.

The most important reason for doing a load test is to identify problems your generator could have and to solve them before they develop into more severe issues.

Timely Maintenance

To prevent hazards of a DC generator in the Denver metro area, ensure your generator is fixed as soon as you identify a malfunction. Do not try to open the generator yourself or fix the problem to avoid further damage.

Grounding Your Electricals

Grounding an electrical appliance helps generate a minimal resistance path that connects electricity to the ground. When that happens, any excess voltage or voltage build-up goes to the groundbed and prevents electrocution risks.

• Ensure all your generators are earthed to prevent any chances of electrocution from excess voltage.
• Protect your appliances using guarding to minimize any chances of electrical hazards.

Usually, it is your electrician’s job to ensure the electrical circuit is grounded, so ensure you call them occasionally for a routine check-up. For quick electrical assistance within the Denver area, contact ElectriCall technicians.

Keeping Your Generator From Unauthorized Access

Your resident electrician will advise you to safeguard your generator’s room. By guarding the room, you prevent unauthorized persons from accessing your generators, which minimizes the risk of accidents and faults. 

You must wrap electrical tape around all exposed wires to prevent electrocution. This should be done with the guidance of a trained electrician.

Ensure you disconnect all your appliances and generators before repairing them, and insulate them with glass to minimize current flow.

Ensuring Your Electronic Cords Are Well Maintained

All electronic equipment, including your generator, have wires and cords, and your professional must teach you how to maintain them correctly to reduce damage. In most cases, generators come with grounded cords and instructions from the manufacturers. Ask your resident electrician for guidance on the proper maintenance of electric lines.

• The main aim is to reduce the extensive use of extension cords, avoiding using two electric lines simultaneously.
• When attaching your electrical cables to a wall or surface, never nail them or use pins to connect them. Nails will pierce lines, creating holes that are electrocution danger zones. If you must attach your electrical cords, use electrical tape or hook them.
• Never cover your extension wires with mats or rugs to prevent tripping or causing internal cable issues.
• Do not pull threads from the extension. Instead, hold on to the plug and carefully pull it after you switch off the socket so you do not mess up your cords or pins when unplugging them.
• If your plugin and cables are faulty, replace or discard the extension to avoid any risks of electric shock.
• You must inspect your cables regularly to see if any line is broken or needs a replacement. If it does, seek help from a professional electrician.

By Teaching You On Refuelling. Only Refuel When Your Generator Is Cool

Never try to refuel your generator while it’s hot or running. Refueling a hot generator could result in severe burns due to the combustible fuel released when fueling. Also, ensure any excess energy is stored away from the generator to avoid the risks of your house burning. If you need to learn how to refuel, consult a licensed electrician for guidance.

By Advising On Overloading Your Generator

Different generators come with specific power capacities. Find out the best voltage of a generator as you find the total voltage of your electronics to avoid overloading your generator. If you are unaware of your generator’s capacity, talk to a licensed generator electrician for more guidance. If you need more guidance on how to find the best electrician, here is some help for you.

Using High-Quality Fuel

Unsafe or recycled fuel is one of the most significant causes of malfunctioning generators. Most generator manufacturers suggest using fuel cleaners or stabilizers to reduce dirt build-up, which will ensure you use your generator for a long time and that it runs optimally. 

Conclusion

While generators are typically life savers, some of the risks caused by mishandling them can be life-threatening, so you must remain cautious and keep your generator room free from unauthorized users. Additionally, talk to a licensed Denver electrician to guide you on portable generator hazards and generator safety precautions to avoid any risks from your generator.