How To Use A Generator After a Storm or on the Job

Because of our run-ins with hurricanes here in Florida, we have some practical knowledge of how to use a generator for emergency storm power in addition to how we use them on a job site. Of course, generators have many uses aside from powering the home after a nasty storm. These tips for how to use a generator still apply for any application you’ll likely use it for whether you’re a contractor or a prepper.

How To Use A Generator: What to Know Before You Need It

Buy it Before You Need It

For storm prep, it’s generally a bad time to try to buy a generator after calamity has already struck. If your local retailer isn’t already closed due to a power outage, the chances that the shelves have already been picked clean are pretty good. In our hurricane-prone area, stores start running out by the time we’re 3 days out from landfall. You’ll want to get ahead of this one by picking up that generator ahead of time.

Buying a Portable Generator: What to Look For

But, which one? With so many models available, you’ll need to consider your needs. What size, power, price, fuel type, outlet options, and features work best for your situation? Generally, what applications will you use a generator for? Figuring out the answers to these questions will help narrow down your choices. And, thankfully, we’ve already poured a fair amount of work into some articles that should help you answer these questions.

What Size Generator Do I Need?

Preventative Maintenance Ensures Your Generator is Ready When You Need It

Another key part of preparation revolves around fuel and maintenance. As far as maintenance goes, you’ll want to check the oil and air filter, as per manufacturer instructions. For a more comprehensive list of maintenance procedures, check out this guide.

How to Maintain Your Generator

How Much Fuel is Enough?

You’ll want to have a good idea of what type of fuel economy your generator gets ahead of time. This information can be found in the manual, or through experience with the generator. With this information, you can plan for your fuel needs ahead of time.

It never hurts to have extra fuel on hand – a 3-day supply is a good rule of thumb for storm prep. However, if your generator requires gas, be aware of how time and ethanol can adversely affect the quality of your fuel and your generator engine’s performance. Use a stabilizer and rotate your fuel stock if you like to have some constantly on hand.

Diesel and Propane may not be as easy to get your hands on as gasoline after a major storm. You’ll be competing with deisel vehicles that are likely helping with recovery efforts, so you may want to store more fuel for those generators.

 

Hire a Licensed Electrician for Building Connections

You should never plug your portable generator directly into a wall outlet. This will cause backfeeding, which can run power back to the grid. It can potentially hurt you or someone else. To connect a generator directly to your house, you’ll need a licensed electrician to install a power transfer switch.

How to Use a Generator: What to Know When It’s Time to Run

Run on Dry, Flat Ground

When it’s time to crank up the generator, make sure that you’re operating it on dry, flat ground. You should keep it away from any open doors or windows as well, as generators tend to get really noisy and hot. You’ll want to make sure that you’ve allowed some distance between the generator and anything else. Three feet ought to be good.

Never Run a Generator Inside

Additionally, and this might seem like something that seems like common sense, you should never run your generator inside. Generators, much like your car, kick out exhaust that could potentially kill you if you’re not running it in a well-ventilated area. You’ll want to keep your generator at least 20 feet away from any open doors or windows.

Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

Avoid getting your generator wet. This probably shouldn’t need to be written down, but from a safety standpoint, water and electricity don’t play well together. You can run it from under a canopy, but again, you’ll want the canopy or covering to be open on all sides and well-ventilated.

GenTent Review: All-Weather Cover for Your Portable Generator

Starting Up

While starting your generator up, you’ll want to follow an operating procedure that will not only keep you safe but also protect the life of your equipment. Before cranking it up, make sure that the generator’s circuit breaker is flipped to the “off” position. Then, you’ll want to turn the fuel valve, which controls the flow of fuel to the engine, to the “on” position.

After turning the engine’s “start” switch to the on position, crank up the generator. Let the generator warm up for a few minutes, then switch the circuit breaker on.

Plug In with Heavy-Duty Extension Cords

At this point, you can plug things in. Make sure to use an approved heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord with a grounding pin. The heavier the cord gauge, the more efficiently it will transfer energy. Cords that are too small will starve the motors and cause them to fail.

Careful with Those Electronics

Not all generators deliver consistent power levels and electronics are at risk when voltage isn’t stable. Most generators will tell you on the package or in the manual if they’re rated for electronics. If they’re not, resist the urge to try and watch the game on your TV or tablet. Listen to it on the radio instead.

Cool Down Before Refueling

When the job is done, or if you need to stop to refuel, flip the circuit breaker off, then turn the generator off. Finally, reset the fuel valve to the “off” position. If refueling, let the generator cool down for at least 15 minutes before refilling the tank. Refueling a hot generator can be dangerous.

If you’ve got any other tips and tricks for how to use a generator, feel free to add them to the comments section below.