Proper Use of Generators

Everyone has experienced a power outage. In fact at one point people didn't even have electricity. These days, however, homes are run very differently. Most families don't heat with wood, and rely on electricity to warm their homes and keep their food fresh. Still, it will happen-- the dreaded power outage. So now what? Unless it's cold outside how do you keep your food cold? What will you do to cook? How will you get warm water? Bathe? Obviously we can do without. These days however we also have the option of using generators.

We have all heard it humming in the neighbor's yard. They have lights and perhaps a TV flickering. Surely heat and refrigeration. You find yourself a bit jealous, but you have heard those things are dangerous. Power won't be out long. Right? Three days go by and you're swimming in your green pool to feel fresh. Maybe the neighbors are onto something. After all, over at the neighbor's house you see no evidence of a tragedy. That's because they are using it properly.

How does one use generators properly? We have all heard not to use one in the house, and that means the basement is forbidden as well, but generator sheds are a great option. Some are built with a ramp to roll it outside, others are built so all four sides open. Either option allows for plenty of ventilation. The unit doesn't need a shed of its own to function but keeping it away from windows and doors, and allowing for ventilation is important.

The family next door has the television and refrigerator on, and also perhaps the freezer, furnace, air conditioner, or even the curling iron. Using generators properly, however, requires you to plug each appliance in at a time, and only what your machine can safely run. Some people run the unit to the circuit breaker. This is a mistake. You really must have a circuit dedicated to the unit, otherwise when power is restored, you are sending power back out into the lines. Even if this doesn't end in death, it can end in a power surge. There goes the television you were so eager to watch.

So to avoid replacing your electronics, use your unit properly. Be sure you have proper ventilation, that it's far enough from windows and doors, and that it is plugged in properly. Extension cords may be annoying, but in the end using them is far less trouble than replacing everything you own.