Connecticut residents have become so accustomed to storm-related power outages that a portable generator is now a must-own piece of power equipment for many homeowners.
First-time buyers already congratulating themselves for being ready for Hurricane Sandy shouldn't get too cocky. A portable generator, if used improperly, is potentially lethal. This isn't a lawn mower you're about to start.
Here are a few tips to make sure you get through the storm safely with all the lights and power you need:
>> Never, ever, operate a portable generator in a garage, even close to an open garage. And please don't even think about starting a portable generator in the house. Keep the generator at least 15 feet from the house to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from getting inside.
Also keep portable generators away from any opened windows — and that includes the neighbors'.
>> Read the generator's manual. The more you know about the portable generator, the more likely you'll use it correctly and it will provide many years of low-maintenance emergency power.
>> A key to long engine life is oil: Make sure you're using the right type and changing it according to manufacturer's specifications. SAE10W30 is often recommended for general-purpose, all-temperature use.
>> Never connect a portable generator with an power cord directly to an electrical outlet in the house. This power will "back feed" into the utility lines running to your house, which could possibly kill a utility crew called in to restore power to your neighborhood.
>> Use the proper power cord. The power supplied by a portable generator is measured in watts. A power cord is measured in amps. Choose a power cord that matches the most powerful outlet on your generator. So if it has a 50-amp outlet, buy a 50-amp power cord. Use a heavy-duty cord, at least 12 gauge, that's less than 100 feet.
>> Start the generator and let it run briefly before plugging in your appliances.
>> Turn off the appliances, then plug them in one at a time. Let the appliances power up and stabilize before plugging in another.
>> Don't overload your generator. Keep in mind that if your refrigerator runs on 800 watts it might need 1,600 at startup when the compressor kicks in. (Look for the refrigerator's watts rating on an interior side wall.) When an appliance does not provide watts, use this formula: Multiply an appliance's volts by amps.
>> Overloading a generator could damage your appliances. Don't run appliances or other electronic equipment unnecessarily.
>> Never refuel a running generator, even a generator with a still-hot engine because heat from the engine parts or exhaust could ignite the gasoline. Shut it off and let it cool for at last 10 minutes.
>> During prolonged outages, change the oil. Consult the owner's manual for proper intervals. If your generator doesn't have an hour meter, which indicates how long the generator has been running, try to keep track.
>> When you lose power, so do most nearby gasoline stations. So try to preserve fuel by using only necessary appliances and lights. Turn the generator off overnight (your neighbors will be happy, too). A refrigerator/freezer will be fine for without power.
>> When the storm ends and power returns, drain the fuel from the generator. Some people keep the remaining gasoline in the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. (If you do, drain the carburetor float bowl and the sediment cup of the generator has one.) But it's safer to drain it.
"You're supposed to drain the gas because it will ruin the carburetor," says Brian Langille, president and CEO of Reliable Electric Motor of Hartford. "When people bring [the generator] in to us to repair, we know immediately that they've left gas in it. In the end, if it's a small enough generator, you usually get to the cost point where it doesn't even make sense to rebuild."
>> Finally, change the oil. Then, every month, feed the generator a half-gallon of gas and run it for at least a half-hour. This will help prevent a blockage in the carburetor. Then you'll be ready for the next weather
