Portable generators are a crucial tool for many Americans, helping them get through all kinds of emergency situations. But, if not used properly, they can also be very dangerous. They can even be deadly to their users.

These tools are essential for many areas in homes and businesses, so it’s important to know how best to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Follow these nine generator safety tips to get all the benefits without all of the danger.

1. Setup Proper Energy Transfers

Each electrical system is set up to handle a specific amount of power running through it. If the system experiences a higher level of power than it’s designed for it could lead to serious safety problems.

That’s why it’s important to install energy transfer tools when necessary. These applications allow the energy to be filtered down to the correct level.

When you’re purchasing a generator you should make a plan for where you might possibly use it in different scenarios. This will allow you to know where you need the transfers and have those available as well.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

As with any type of machinery, it’s absolutely essential to perform regular maintenance in order to keep it functioning properly.

The diesel generator safety checklist should include checking all fluid levels, cleaning the outside and the inside of the machine, replace belts after extended use, and replace dirty filters.

All of these tasks will help to keep your generator ready for use whenever an emergency strikes.

Letting a machine get dirty, worn out, and full of gunk will definitely inhibit its ability to perform its job. Keeping up on maintenance will prevent all these issues.

3. Install Monitoring Systems

One of the real issues with diesel generator safety is that they are prone to emit carbon monoxide. This gas is extremely poisonous and too much exposure can lead to serious health problems or death.

Luckily, there are ways to avoid this type of exposure just by simply installing a monitoring system.

This system will continually keep track of the emission levels. If those levels exceed a certain limit it will alert you. This is especially important because if caught quickly you can reverse the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Setup Area Properly

It might be tempting to just frantically plug-in your portable generator when the power goes out. But that could lead to serious safety issues.

An easy way to ensure generator safety is to set up the area where it will run before any emergencies occur. It’s important that the generator have proper ventilation to avoid any fires or other safety hazards.

But your generator will also need coverage to avoid getting wet while running. So finding an area that has ventilation but is also covered is key.

5. Clean Fuel Source

In order for your diesel generator to run safely, you need to make sure the fuel source is always high quality.

This starts first with the type of fuel you use, making sure it’s the right type and doesn’t have a lot of extra additives that could gunk up the system.

But it’s also very important to flush the system periodically and put in new fuel. Diesel that sits in a machine for long periods of time without being used can eventually cause real damage to the machinery.

6. Use High-Quality Materials

A portable diesel generator is an investment but it can be a game-changer in those scary emergency situations. For the most diesel generator safety, you should make sure your generator is made of high-quality materials.

It would be terrible to turn your generator on, ready to rely on its power, only to have parts break while it’s running.

The power cord is an often forgotten but very critical part of a generator. You want to make sure the power cord can handle the energy load. And also that it can handle being moved around and won’t tear or break.

7. Follow Instructions

Each generator has generator safety rules that you should follow exactly. It can be tempting to avoid reading instructions because you think you know how the machine will work.

But running any machine improperly can lead to major problems and safety hazards.

Different generators may require slightly different start-up procedures or maybe they have unique maintenance requirements. Whatever it is, it’s best to follow the instructions exactly for the best results.

8. Keep Extra Supplies

Emergencies are completely unpredictable, which is what makes them so dangerous. And also why it’s so important to be as prepared as possible for any situation.

One of the best ways to ensure diesel generator safety is to have a back stock of needed supplies to keep it running.

This means having extra of all of the fluids it uses; oil and fuel in particular. Having these things on hand will ensure that your generator doesn’t run dry and then cause other safety hazards.

The last thing you need to worry about in an emergency is if your generator will work or not.

9. Get Routine Inspections

Along those same lines, in order to ensure that your generator will work whenever you need it, you need to get it inspected by a professional every year.

There are a lot of maintenance items that most people can handle on their own. But there’s a lot that could be missed without the professional training mechanics have. They have a very detailed knowledge of how the machine should work and how to make it as safe as possible.

A professional inspection helps to keep your generator functioning safely and properly.

Follow These Generator Safety Tips

When you need to use your portable generator, it’s likely not in an ideal situation. There are probably so many factors that you’re having to deal with, the last thing you want is to be worried about the safety of using your generator.

Following these generator safety tips will help you to feel confident taking advantage of the extra power and moving through an emergency.

If you’re interested in getting a portable generator for your home or business, contact us today!