What is a power outage? Well, it is simply known as the loss of electrical power supply to an end-user. Power outages can last for days or weeks, and it is completely dependent on the damage to power failure. However, you can keep your home or workplace up and running during power blackout issues by using a generator.
Generator will work as an instant power supplier in the moment of a power outage. As it is a power supply machine; it can cause many serious incidents if you don’t use it properly. Therefore, it’s essential to know How to Use a Generator During a Power Outage. In this context, you’ll learn how you can run your generator reliably during a power outage.
How to Use a Generator During a Power Outage
Whether you’re using 50 Amp Generators or any powerful generator, you need to know the proper usability. That is because improper and inexperienced use of generators can be extremely dangerous. Here we’ll show How to Use a Generator During a Power Outage.
Step 1:
First, you will need to determine what amount of power you will need. You must know how much power each item needs that you’ll plug into the generator during a power outage. Never plug in more items than the generator can handle because overload can cause damage.
Step 2:
You’ll need to place the generator properly, and the perfect place can be the area away from the door, windows, and vents. Always remember that you can never use the generator inside your house or garage. A generator produces carbon monoxide, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Step 3:
You will need to keep the generator on a suitable surface and remember to place it in dry ground. The use of a concrete pad can be a perfect solution for it. However, try to cover the generator with an overhand open canopy during rain.
Step 4:
Now, you need to check the oil or fuel supply and add oil as needed. Before pouring oil or gas, make sure that the generator motor is cool. Never refuel the generator when the engine is hot because it can cause fire hazards. Plugged off all the appliances while pouring oil on a generator.
Step 5:
To ensure an interpretation-free power supply, you must use a heavy-duty grounded extension cord. You must use a high-quality extension cord for plugging appliances and all other items into your generator. It will be a safe option to connect your appliances with a generator.
Step 6:
Store the generator fuel in a tightly closed container outside your home and in a secure area. Moreover, never connect the generator to your home’s power system because it can cause very dangerous situations.
What Amount of Power a Generator Will Produce
What amount of power a generator will deliver completely depends on the generator’s size. However, most of the time, generators are sized based on the number of watts of electric power they deliver. If you are using a small generator, it will deliver 3,000 to 4,000 watts. It is good enough to power up a medium-sized refrigerator, a TV, a few appliances, and a few appliances.
If you wish to run a window air conditioner and more appliances, then you can go for a 5,000 to 6,000 watts generator. Moreover, a 7,000 to 10,000 watts generator will let you run everything in a medium-sized house. Now you know what amount of power a generator will produce.
Safety Tips When Use a Generator During a Power Outage
Though a portable generator is a lifesaver home appliance, it can also cause major issues if you don’t follow safety tips. Incorrect use of a generator can lead to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrocution. According to genproenergy, you can prevent all types of generator-related issues with proper use and maintenance.
When you will use a portable generator, try to use transfer switches, carbon monoxide alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause odorless, tasteless gas and cause nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
You just have to set up the generator outside and far away from doors, windows, vents. Keep your generator dry and use heavy-duty extension cords. And never power your house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet because it can lead to electrocution risk to utility workers.
Conclusion
Power outages are a common problem that we all suffer from during the storm season. However, you can get a power supply by using any type of generator, but you must know the usability. Whether it is cold weather or hot weather, proper use of a portable generator can provide a power supply during a power outage.
To get all the benefits of generators during a power outage, gain proper knowledge on How to Use a Generator During a Power Outage. However, you can follow the usability procedure that we have shown above. Follow the guideline and get a reliable power backup during outages.
