Overcoming Hazards in using Portable Suitcase Generators at Home

Portable suitcase generators are great in times of unpredictable power outages at home. They can power you basic appliances that you can’t live without during emergency situations when a home power generator is called for.

But there are health risks behind that come with the use of generators at home if you are not careful. The prime risk lies in carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from their engine exhaust. Even electrocution or electric shock can attend them if the homeowner is not careful.

Carbon Monoxide Risks

CO gases are invisible and odorless unless contaminated. In confines spaces, fuel-fired generators emit CO gases in a matter of minutes after start. Here are some things to bear in mind.

• Gasoline-fired suitcase generators are better operated in open spaces or at least in a room with enough natural ventilation. Never use them in enclosed garages, shed or rooms inside the house or near the house with vents that allow CO fumes to enter the house. Because you cannot smell or see CO gases, you could be exposed to it without ever knowing it.
• If you find yourself feeling weak, dizzy, or nauseated while working near a generator set, get out of the room right away to seek fresh air. Don’t delay as exhaust CO fumes can kill fast. Even after you’ve turned off a generator, the CO fumes can remain for hours unless adequate ventilation exists.
• Deploy CO alarms near in the house in close proximity to where you might operating a generator. These are battery-operated so do check on them regularly. Ensure that these CO alarms are U/L certified for safety standards. (UL 2034, IAS6-96, CSA6.19.01)

Electrical and Fire Risks

This comes with any electrical generating unit. Here are some things to remember when operating suitcase generators.

• You can be exposed to electric shock or electrocution when operating generators at home. One sure way to get one is using a generator under wet conditions. So to ensure safety, operate generators on dry ground or surface and handle with dry hands or with rubber gloves.
• Connect appliances securely using heavy-duty extension cables that are long enough for the generator to be situated outside the house. Refrain from connecting extension cords one after another to reach the required lengths.
• Don’t backfeed. That’s a term used to describe plugging your portable generator to a wall socket, effectively powering all the AC outlets connect to it. While this might work, it bypasses the electrical safety features of your home protection circuit and presents electrocution risks.
• Since your portable suitcase generator set is fuel-fired, store your spare gasoline, kerosene or any other combustible liquids in a cool place and as far away as possible from heaters or stoves.
• Turn off the generator when re-fueling.

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