If you’re using a generator to power your home during an outage, you may be tempted to leave the house while it’s still running. But is it safe? The answer, as with many matters involving electricity and appliances, is that it depends on several factors.
Generally, leaving a properly installed and maintained generator running while you’re away can be considered safe. However, there are several precautions that should be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of your home.
Firstly, the generator should be properly installed and set up by a professional. This ensures that it’s been inspected and meets all safety regulations. If your generator is installed improperly, it can pose various risks such as fire hazards or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Secondly, the generator should be placed outdoors and at a safe distance from your house to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and potentially lethal gas emitted by generators as they burn fuel to produce electricity. It is recommended to place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home, away from windows, doors, and vents.
Additionally, your home should be equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors. These devices can alert you if CO levels begin to rise, providing an early warning and giving you enough time to react, even if you are not at home. portable backup generator.Many of the newer models of detectors have connectivity features, allowing them to send alerts to your smartphone.
Another safety measure to consider is the use of a transfer switch, which is installed near the electrical panel in your home and connected to the circuits you’ll want powered by the generator. This switch prevents back-feeding of electricity, which could potentially electrocute utility workers repairing power lines.
Lastly, you need to ensure your generator is not likely to run out of fuel while you’re away. Running out of fuel could damage your generator and connected appliances. Automatic standby generators, which are permanently installed and operate using a natural gas or liquid propane supply, have the advantage of being able to run for extended periods without refuelling.
In conclusion, it can be safe to leave your house with a generator running provided it is professionally installed, located a safe distance from your house, and your home is equipped with CO detectors. However, utmost care should be taken to regularly maintain your generator and ensure it has an ample fuel supply. Stay safe and ensure you take all precautions when using a generator.