Safe Operating Tips for Standby Electric Generators

• Hire a qualified electrical contractor to install the unit.
• Do not work on live circuits or perform work that you're not technically qualified to do.
• Handle output cables or terminal box wiring with caution; they can be deadly.
• Check that you have the following components in addition to the generator itself: a transfer device or panel, and proper connection cords and receptacles.
• Ensure all components of the generator carry safety approved labels.
• Disconnect from utility service before starting.
• Ensure the unit is properly grounded before use.
• Do not use a portable generator in a flooded basement. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
• Be sure your hands are dry and you are standing in a dry place when operating a generator.
• Never remove or tamper with safety devices.
• Remember the generator is a fuel driven device that requires proper ventilation to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never operate a generator in your house, garage, or other enclosed building. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas.
• Keep children away from generators. Many engine parts are very hot during operation, severe burns may result if touched.
• Stored fuel creates a fire/explosion hazard. Under the National Fire Code, only five litres of fuel may be stored in a residential dwelling, or 30 litres in a garage/shed. Call your local fire department for requirements in your area.
• Never re-fuel a generator when it is hot, or while the engine is running.
• Good ventilation for your generator is critical, since overheating will damage the generator and render the warranty invalid.

Additional tips for larger standby generators

Larger standby generators usually develop 8,000 watts or more. They are engine driven or tractor driven (using the power take-off or PTO on the tractor) and may have automatic or manual starting systems.

• Keep all guards and shields in place to protect the operator from moving parts.
• Never shut off the generator when under load.
• Following severe weather, always check for downed wires. Running a generator could energize them.
• Always repair or service your generator with the engine stopped and the starting system disabled. On an automatic start generator, this means locking out the switch gear and automatic transfer switch on the generator you are repairing or servicing. This makes sure that the generator does not try to start if an outage occurs when you are doing your work.
• Before you service a generator driven by a PTO, turn off the tractor and disconnect the PTO.
• On PTO driven units, always set the tractor brake before starting the generator.
• Use extreme care in wet conditions. The output voltage of a generator can cause a fatal electric shock.