Page 12 - Silver Lakes February Issue 2023

ESTATE NEWS

USING A GENERATOR AT HOME

aving a generator in one’s home • Do not operate generators inside a
is becoming a common feature in building or room as this may result in
Hthose South African households carbon monoxide poisoning.
that can afford it, given the continuous • Ensure that generators are serviced
power outages we have all been regularly and exhaust fumes are
subjected to. However, generators can be reduced where possible.
dangerous and must be treated with care. • Ensure good neighbourliness – sound
The primary hazards to avoid when using pollution in built-up or residential areas
a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) are of concern and it is advisable to
poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, investigate approved sound-proofing
as well as electric shock or electrocution, methods to assist in maintaining
and fire. Here are some safety tips: • Never try to power the house wiring by good relationships with your direct
plugging the generator directly into a wall neighbours.
• Follow the directions supplied with the outlet. This is known as “backfeeding.” This
generator. practice puts workers, your neighbours
• To avoid electrocution, keep the and your household at risk of electrocution
generator dry and do not use it in rainy and/or fire.
or wet conditions. • Remember: even a properly connected
• Operate it on a dry surface under an portable generator can become
open canopy-like structure, such as overloaded, resulting in overheating or
under a tarpaulin held up on poles. generator failure. Be sure to read the
Do not touch the generator with wet instructions.
hands. • If necessary, stagger the operating times for
• Be sure to turn the generator off and various equipment to prevent overloads.
let it cool down before refuelling. • If your generator is connected directly to
Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could your house, ensure that the installation
ignite. is done by an authorised and qualified
• Store fuel for the generator in an electrician. Also, ensure that an electrical
approved safety can. Use the type of certificate of compliance (COC) is issued
fuel recommended in the instructions confirming your installation has been done
or on the label on the generator. legally and safely.
• Local bylaws may restrict the • Exhaust/Outlet fumes are to be closely
amount of fuel you may store, or the monitored. Ensure that outlets are well
storage location. Ask your local fire ventilated and lead outside.
department for guidance.
• Store the fuel outside of living areas in
a locked shed or other protected area.
To guard against accidental fire, do not
store it near a fuel-burning appliance,
such as a natural gas water heater in a
garage.
• Plug appliances directly into the
generator, or use a heavy-duty,
outdoor-rated extension cord that is
rated (in watts or amps) at least equal
to the sum of the connected appliance
loads.
• Check that the entire cord is free of
cuts or tears and that the plug has all
three prongs, especially a grounding
pin.

10 | INTRAMUROS FEBRUARY 2023