Electrical
January 1, 2024
“Is My Generator Safe?”
This is a very good question and one that you should probably get answered now. No, we’re not saying “now” as in next week or in a few months. An unsafe generator is a dangerous thing to be using, and it could mean the loss of valuable possessions like your heirlooms, furniture, and even worse.
Generators turn fuel into electricity and they’re extremely helpful during the storms that hit our area. Generators in Tallahassee, FLcan be an effective way to continue one with your life, even when power fluctuations hit and disorient your community. This is why you’ll want to ensure that you have one, and that it also functions safely.
Not only can our team set you up with a generator that perfectly fits your property, but we can help you ensure that it’s safe.
Unsafe Situations
Here are just a few reasons that might make you aware that your generator isn’t very safe. These all require immediate attention and remedies that our professionals can help you with.
- Improper use. Generators turn fuel into electricity–and that’s it. They’re not meant to use any other material or produce anything else. They also have a limit to how much power they can create which can cause problems if you overload it. Make sure you’re using your generator properly and to its factory specifications.
- It’s running indoors. Many folks rely on portable generators to keep things running during a bad storm, but these are designed for outdoor use. You should never run a generator in your basement or garage since it produces dangerous fumes and is a fire hazard.
- It’s old, outdated, or leaking. Even the safest generator can turn into a nightmare when it’s been worn down and broken after 10 years of dutiful service. Make sure you’re keenly aware of how old or outdated your generator is. And if it’s ever leaking gas, that’s a sign that you need immediate support.
How to Tell It’s Safe
So, how can you start detecting these problems? Here’s a start.
- Look for problematic signs. Use your eyes, ears, and nose around your generator to ensure it’s not making any strange sounds or giving off fumes inside of your home.
- Make sure it’s a safe distance away. Automatic standby generators and whole-home systems usually don’t count for this problem, because they’re always installed away from the home–but if you use a portable generator, make sure it’s a safe distance away. 20 Feet from any structures is usually a good starting point.
- Invest in maintenance or repairs. Never neglect your generator and ensure it’s always in good shape when it’s running.
Generators come in all shapes and sizes. While we’re proud of the systems we install and maintain for our customers, we can’t control the unit that we find in your home. We’ll still help you with any issues your generator might have, and we’ll even replace it if that’s what’s required, but it’s up to you to operate it safely and successfully!
