Page 38 - Energize August 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Top safety tips for operating your generator

Keep the lights on and your family warm with these safety tips for operating your generator.

by Mark Odell, Husqvarna a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding’,
this practice puts utility workers, your
he latest round of daily load- neighbours and your household at risk
shedding this winter, ranging of electrocution. It also bypasses some
Tfrom Stage 2 to Stage 6, has left of the built-in circuit protection devices
many South African households and so you could end up “frying” some of
businesses in the dark and out in the your electronics. If you are operating a
cold. Alternative sources of electricity business, it’s VERY important that you
– and generators in particular – seem do not run a welder or an inverter off a
to be our only hope for the foreseeable generator as it will lead to catastrophic
future to counteract South Africa’s failure of the generator.
unstable power grid. But many may still
be hesitant to make the investment due Water and electricity don’t mix
to safety concerns. To avoid electrocution, never touch the
Generators have long been the top generator with wet hands – keep your
choice as an alternative source of energy. generator dry and do not use it in rainy
While there are potential safety hazards, or wet conditions. If you are outdoors,
as is the case with most heavy machinery, operate the generator on a dry surface Mark Odell
they are the most robust and reliable under an open canopy-like structure,
option to offset the frequent disruptions such as a tarp held up on poles. If you to add more fuel, make sure that the
to our electricity. must use an extension cord, it should be generator is switched off and cooled
Thousands of households and a heavy-duty cord rated for outdoor use down. And to prevent youngsters from
businesses have turned to generators (in watts or amps). Check that the entire accessing the fuel, store it in a locked
to keep their lights on and appliances cord is free of cuts and that the plug has cage or cabinet.
running. The majority of generators are all three prongs, critical to protecting
fuel-driven, and they can be dangerous, against shock if water has collected Keep the area clear
but by following the safety instructions inside the equipment. Generators are small engines and as such,
that appear on every machine, you can give off a lot of heat. Wear protective
have power and stay safe. Storing and using fuel gloves before touching your generator
If you have a petrol or diesel generator, and prevent fires by keeping it well clear
Six safety tips to follow when you will need to keep extra fuel on of any other items. And always keep a fire
operating a generator hand. Double-check that you are using extinguisher close at hand.
Never run a generator in a closed space the correct type of fuel as specified
or indoors in the instructions and store it in an Maintenance
Generators must only be operated in open appropriate safety container in a cool, And finally, like your car, service your
areas with good airflow to prevent carbon well-ventilated place (definitely not generator regularly to keep it in optimal
monoxide build-up. You should never run next to the generator). When you need condition and running smoothly. This will
your generator in a partially closed room, also further ensure your safety when you
garage or inside your house. The ideal are using it.
situation is to run your generator in a well-
ventilated, covered area that is at least five For more information or to view
meters from your house or office with the Husqvarna’s range of robust and reliable
engine exhaust directed away from any generators, visit www.husqvarna.co.za.
windows and doors.
Mark Odell is a product manager at
Don’t attempt to “backfeed” Husqvarna South Africa.
Never attach a generator directly to
the electrical system of your home or Send your comments to
office by plugging the generator into rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

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