How to Use a Generator Safely (Generac Generators)
Thinking about buying a generator or have you just picked one up? At Lenhart Electric, we’re here to guide you on your journey with expert advice about Generac generators. We’ll help you set up and operate your home standby generator smoothly, so you’re prepared to handle any power outage that comes your way.
We’ll walk you through the essentials in this article for both portable and home standby generators. Learn which common pitfalls to avoid and how to use a generator. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents:
- What is a Generac Generator?
- What are the safety precautions for a generator?
- How to use a generator safely: 6 key steps
- 4 things to never do when using a Generac Generator
- Where is the best place to buy a Generac Generator?
- FAQs
What Is a Generac Generator?
Generac generators are one of the best choices for home backup power. Renowned for their reliability, they come in a range of models designed to meet different needs, both portable and more permanent structures on the outside of a home. They’re perfect for handling power outages, severe weather conditions, or grid issues, and can give you invaluable peace of mind.
In the market for a Generac generator? Lenhart Electric is the best place to buy a home standby Generac generator. We’re one of the leading Generac home standby generator dealers throughout central Florida, offering expert advice and top-notch service.
What Are the Safety Precautions for a Generator?
Safety should always be your top priority when operating a portable generator, with carbon monoxide poisoning being a key concern for portable generators.
First and foremost, remember to never use your portable generator indoors or in any confined spaces. Second, you will want to place it away from windows and doors to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
Pro Tip: Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home is a smart and handy safety measure if you own a generator. We recommend having these detectors in place and only running your generator outdoors, as this can keep harmful fumes from entering your home.
Do You Need to Follow Safety Measures with a Home Standby Generator?
One of the main perks of installing a home standby generator is that it requires less hands-on involvement from the homeowner. Your certified Generac Generator dealer and maintenance technician will ensure the proper setup of your generator. After that, it’s a self-sustaining machine that will kick in during the moments you need it most.
How to Use a Generator Safely: 6 Key Steps
Let’s dive a bit deeper and explore a few extra safety tips you should keep in mind when learning how to use a generator.
1. Start By Reading the Manual
Hold on to that manual! Trust us, it’s worth it to take the time to carefully read through it, so you can review all of the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. This will help you gain a clear understanding of how to use your generator based on its unique features.
2. Place the Generator in the Right Location
Wondering where to put your generator? You should always place it in a secure outdoor location, well away from water sources, flammable materials, and far from any doors or windows. As a general guideline, keep it at least 5 feet away from your home.
Portable generators tend to be fire-safe, so you can get away with it being close to your home as long as it’s not placed near doors or windows within 5 feet of it.
3. Keep an Eye on Fuel Type and Levels
If you are using a portable generator, check the owner’s manual for the different fuel types supported, such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, or diesel. Some even support multiple options.
A home standby generator can run off of natural gas or propane, however, it cannot be switched by the consumer. The fuel source will need to be selected upon installation and only changed by a certified technician.
If you are using propane, please also ask your sales representative about a Propane Tank Utility Monitor, which can be tied to an app on your phone to monitor the remaining fuel in your tank.
4. Ensure Proper Start-Up and Shut-Down Procedures
Ensuring proper start-up and shut-down is most important for portable generators. Home standby generators will automatically cycle through, so you won’t have to worry about this.
Before you turn on your portable generator, take a moment to review the manufacturer’s instructions. You should disconnect all devices before starting the generator. Then, set the switch to the “on” position and flip on the main circuit breaker.
When powering down your portable generator, make sure to turn off all appliances connected to it first. This is important as it will help you avoid potential damage.
5. Avoid Overloading the Generator’s Capacity
Overloading a generator’s capacity is a risk posed by portable generators. When learning more about how to use a generator, it’s important to take your portable generator’s capacity into account.
Focus on powering essential appliances first to cover your bases in the locations where you need power most. Prioritizing your power use can also reduce the chance of malfunctions or damage.
6. Stay Vigilant of Distress Signals
Regularly check your generator for warning lights and keep an ear out for strange noises. If something seems off, it could be a sign that maintenance is needed. Contact a Generac Service Technician to schedule an appointment, and we’ll assist in getting your generator back in top condition.
Wondering when to service your generator? Generac and most manufacturers require service once per year to maintain good condition and manufacturers’ warranty.
4 Things You Should Never Do When Using a Portable Generator
- Never Place Your Portable Generator on an Uneven Surface: There is a risk of portable generators tipping over, leading to fuel spills, overheating, or even fires. An unstable portable generator may also cause inconsistent performance or damage to internal components.
To ensure safe operation, always place the portable generator on as flat and dry of a surface as possible, such as a concrete pad, compacted gravel, or a stable section of your driveway. Keeping it level helps maintain proper fuel and oil distribution, reducing the risk of mechanical issues and ensuring reliable power output.
- Never Use the Wrong Cords: When learning how to use a generator that’s portable, it’s important to steer clear of regular household extension cords. Instead, opt for heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords as using the wrong type of cord can lead to overheating or even cause fires.
- Never Refuel the Generator While Running: For safety reasons, never refuel a generator while it’s still hot or running, as gasoline vapors are highly flammable and can cause a fire or explosion. Always turn off the generator when refueling and allow it to cool down completely. Using a funnel can also help prevent spills during refueling, making the process a bit easier.
- Never Ignore Weather Conditions: Make sure your generator is protected from snow, rain, and other severe conditions in order to avoid damage and electrical issues. Read up on your specific generator, as some generators can handle certain weather conditions better than others.
A home standby generator offers a hassle-free backup power solution, eliminating many of the safety concerns that come with portable generators. Plus, with a Lenhart Electric certified generator maintenance technician on call, you don’t have to worry about upkeep. We’ll ensure that your generator stays in peak condition, providing reliable power when you need it most.
Where is the Best Place to Buy a Generac Generator?
Looking for the best place to buy a Generac generator? We’ve got you covered. Lenhart Electric is a certified dealer and service technician for Generac and has been trained on all things generators.
Contact Lenhart Electric today to purchase and install a home standby generator!
FAQs on How to Use a Generator
1. How often does my Generac Generator need to be serviced?
Your Generac generator should be serviced every year in order to make sure everything is running properly. Double-check the manufacturer recommendations for specifics on your model, or contact Lenhart Electric and we can service your generator for you!
2. Is it possible to connect my generator directly to my home’s electrical system?
Yes, it is possible with the assistance of a professional residential electrician. Portable generators connect using the generator interlock kit and home standby generators connect using the transfer switch.
3. What’s the typical runtime for a Generac Generator?
A Generac home standby generator will run for as long as the fuel supply lasts. Always remember to review the manual for your Generac model for specifics or contact Lenhart Electric for support.
Lenhart Electric could also help you safely connect your portable generator to your home using a portable interlock kit. This allows for one extension cord to be run from the generator to an inlet and power up everything. Learn more about generator interlock kits here!
4. What should I do if my generator emits odors or unusual sounds?
If something seems out of the ordinary with your generator, like strange noises or smells, you’ll want to shut it down right away and get in touch with a qualified electrician.
Lenhart Electric Can Teach You How to Use a Generator Safely!
If you’re looking for a reliable home generator, Generac’s are some of the best. Once you’ve scored your own generator, you’ll want to make sure you know how to use it. Explore our helpful tips above to get started.
Request a quote for a Generac home standby generator today or contact Lenhart Electric to hire an electrician near you. We offer residential electrical services in Florida, serving the cities of Wildwood, Ocala, and Leesburg.