January 29, 2021 – Home Owners, Safety
A portable propane generator can provide safe emergency back-up power during severe weather power outages — but only if it is used properly. Follow these tips to safely operate your portable propane generator during a power outage, or any time you use your portable generator:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions — Read the manufacturer’s guidelines before setting up and running your propane generator for the first time.
Never use a portable generator indoors — Do not run your generator in your home, garage, basement, shed, crawl space, or other enclosed area. Keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home and away from open window, vents or doors.
Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in your home – If carbon monoxide fumes enter your home through cracks in your windows, doors, or attic vents, you want to have an alert system in your home so that you can reposition the generator if necessary.
Follow the maintenance plan – Your portable generator will come with a suggested maintenance plan, recommended by the manufacturer. Follow the plan for peak performance and safety, or contact Paraco to learn about our Exterior Maintenance Plans to cover these propane appliances.
Never operate your portable generator near combustible materials.
Use properly rated extension cords – Be sure that all extension cords are the grounded type and are properly rated for the application. Coiled cords can become extremely hot; take caution to uncoil cords and lay them in flat, open locations.
Do not plug your portable generator directly into your home outlet – Ask a qualified electrician about installing a Power Transfer Switch.
Keep your generator as dry as possible – Generators can produce powerful voltage. Take extra precautions to keep your generator from exposure to rain and snow.