By
Keryn Page MISSISSIPPI
STATE --
Use
caution while operating generators in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina to avoid further damage to homes and
health. Herb
Willcutt, safety specialist with the Mississippi State
University Extension Service, said generators can be an
invaluable resource after a disaster, but improper use can
be deadly. "The
first thing to consider is that a portable generator should
be grounded properly, according to the operator's manual
instructions," he said. "This usually means you should use
wire to connect a metal water pipe or ground rod 8 feet down
into the soil to the generator chassis. Otherwise, if
something causes the generator to short out, it can
literally be a live wire -- typically generating 240 volts
-- and deadly to anyone who touches it." Treat
extension cords with care when using them with a generator.
Do not allow an extension cord to be pinched between a door
and threshold. Also avoid placing cords in high-traffic
areas because repeated wear can damage the insulation and
possibly cause a short or electrical shock when
contacted. An
alternative to cords routed through doorways may be to
remove a window screen, run the cords through the window and
close the window to the cord. "Never
wire a generator into the circuit breaker panel of a home so
that it will 'feed power back' to the electric utility
line," Willcutt said. "This is dangerous to utility workers
who may be working on a line and not know that a portable
generator is connected." Be
sure the generator is adequate for the job it is being used
for. "A
gas- or diesel-powered generator will tell you real quick if
it's overloaded by stalling," Willcutt said. "Appliances
that are on the line when the generator stalls may suffer
damage because appliances with motors require extra amperage
to start. A low voltage situation may cause the appliance to
try to start repeatedly, never reaching full operation; this
will cause damage." Similarly,
a generator that has poor speed control or is surging in
revolutions per minute will damage most appliances in a
short time. Before
using a generator to power electronics, refrigerators or
deep freezers, check the frequency on the generator to
protect appliances. "The
generator's frequency should be 60 cycles. Less than this
may damage refrigeration equipment and electronics,"
Willcutt said. "You don't have to have a large generator to
stay comfortable. Run items alternately a few at a
time." Check
the operator's manual for instructions on setting the RPM of
the engine for proper speed -- usually 3,600 RPM for smaller
generators. Use surge protectors for computers, televisions
and other electronics. When
motor loads are being operated on a generator, start the
largest motor first, then add smaller loads. This allows the
generator to adjust to each new load before an additional
load is applied. Provide
adequate ventilation for the generator. Avoid running it in
a utility room, garage or carport, and especially inside the
home. Carbon monoxide fumes from a generator are deadly,
especially in a confined area. When
refueling a generator, always allow it to cool first. If
fuels are spilled, clean them up and get rid of the fumes
before trying to restart the generator. "Check
fuel and oil regularly and power-down all the electric load
to the generator before shutting down for refueling,"
Willcutt said. "Allowing a generator to run out of fuel may
damage electronics and appliances because power may surge
several times as the generator runs out of fuel. Check the
operator's manual for estimated run time before predicting
when refueling will be necessary." Willcutt
said generators are an efficient means to power items
necessary for comfort. However, they are poorly suited where
heavy, resistive loads, such as water heaters and stoves,
are connected. Consider a small hot plate or camping stove
instead of a full stove. Heat water for bathing in pots on a
camping stove or a fish cooker fired by propane. A
more obscure issue when dealing with generators is
security. "In
times of disasters such as hurricanes and ice storms, people
have been known to borrow generators, never to return them
again," Willcutt said. "It might be good to secure them in
some way to reduce the risk of theft." Also
remember to be a good neighbor when operating generators.
"Plan
to power down generators that are noisy after normal bedtime
hours. Also, share your good fortune of having a generator
with your neighbors, who may need to keep a freezer of food
from spoiling," Willcutt said. "Remember the elderly, who
may have electrically powered medical equipment they depend
on." -30- Released:
Sept. 1, 2005
Family,
Youth & Consumer News
Operate
generators with proper caution
Contact: Herb Willcutt, (662) 325-3103
Visit: DAFVM
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Last Modified: Friday, 19-Dec-08 10:29:10
URL: http://msucares.com/news/print/fcenews/fce05/050901generators.html
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