We have compiled these tips from several sources and our customers’ experiences. These tips are not intended to be more than general information. For optimum performance and safety, read and understand your owner’s manual. Connection of generators to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician.
Needs to do:
Sizing
Picking the right size generator is the first step. Make a list of the appliances you wish to run. Do you need 240 volts to run the well pump? Keep in mind two factors will affect sizing; how many appliances you need to run at the same time and how many hours per day you intend to run the generator. The maximum load required at any one time will determine the correct size of generator. Through careful power management you can keep the house warm and the food cold without having a giant generator.
Installation
Generators should only be wired to the house with a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician. Back feeding power to the house is dangerous. Power can go back onto the power company’s lines and injure the people who are trying to restore power to your house. A transfer switch eliminates the possibility of sending power back on the power company’s lines. When the power is restored, the transfer switch isolates the generator from the power company, which protects the generator from damage.
Smaller generators make be hooked directly to an appliance using an appropriate extension cord. Always make sure the generator is large enough to power the intended appliance(s).
It is recommended to only operate your generator outside, away from combustible materials. Generators produce carbon monoxide and heat and should never be used inside.
Preparation
In advance of a power outage you should have some fresh fuel and engine oil on hand. However, fuel has a short life span, so we do not suggest storing more fuel than necessary. Of course, always use a quality fuel stabilizer for all power equipment.
Maintenance
The biggest problem with portable generators is a lack of use. Every time the power goes out we have several calls from customers who have difficulty starting their generator. When asked when the last time they started the generator the answer is usually “the last power outage”.
To minimize problems associated with generator storage we recommend:
1 Start and run the generator monthly
2 Drain the fuel from the carburetor during extended storage
3 Stabilize the fuel to extend its life
4 Change the oil according to the manufacturer, typically every 50 hours of operation after the break in period
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