With the hurricane season upon us, many people in the area are making plans to use generators to create emergency power during periods of power outages. Emergency generators are popular after disasters. They can help save food in freezers and refrigerators, but they can be dangerous if not used properly.
Using generators outdoors is most important. If generators are used in an enclosed area, operators and others can experience carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning range from dizziness and disorientation to death if not caught in time.
Generator Capacity
The capacity of a generator is usually stated in watts. For example, you may have a 2,000-watt generator. This is the same as a 2-kilowatt (K.W.) generator, because 1,000 watts is equal to 1 K.W.
Just remember – bigger is not always better. In the case of generators, the smaller might mean the better choice. Run time is a major concern. If you don't have power in your neighborhood, your local gas station won't either. No power means no way to pump gas at the gas station! The gas supply on hand must last as long as possible
How much generator power do you need?
Watts is an electrical term determined by multiplying volts times amps. For example, if an appliance requires 120 volts and uses 10 amps, this appliance requires 1,200 watts. This information is on the nameplate of the appliance. By this formula, you can determine what you can run on your generator. For example, an appliance that requires 1,200 watts and one requiring 600 watts could be run on a 2,000-watt generator. However, appliances with motors require more current to start than they do after they are running. A suggestion is to start a refrigerator, allow it to begin running and then plug in another appliance.
Safety Tips
Dr. Lynn Hannaman, professor in the LSU AgCenter’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, offers the following simple tips for using generators safely:
- Gasoline engines produce carbon monoxide. Don’t run them in an enclosed area.
- Check the oil level in the engine before using and regularly (for example, when refueling).
- Let the engine cool off before refueling.
- The generator should be kept a safe distance from structures because of engine heat.
- Place the generator on a level surface to keep oil at proper level in engine.
- Water will damage generators as well as produce an electrical hazard, so keep the generator dry.
- A voltage drop may occur if too long an extension cord is connected to the appliance or if one with too small a wire size is used. If the extension cord becomes very warm, it is inadequate.
- Connect the generator directly to the appliance. You should not try to hook generators to your home electrical supply box.
- Ground the generator as stated in the instructions. If you use an extension cord, use one with a ground plug.
- Have the generator running before the A.C. circuit on the generator is turned on or before you plug in the appliance.
- An appliance that has a heating element, such as a toaster or hair dryer, consumes a large amount of current. It’s best to avoid using these types of items.
- If an appliance has gotten wet or damaged, it may not be in good working order. Using the appliance may damage the generator.
- Some generators have the ability to produce 115/120 volts or 220 volts. Select the outlet that corresponds to the voltage requirement of the appliance.
As we continue to prepare for hurricane season, let’s stay healthy when using generators. Be sure you know how to properly connect and operate your generator before the power outage and before other tragedies occur.
For more information relating to hurricane preparedness, contact Margaret at the LSU AgCenter Office located at 511 Roussell Street in Houma or call (985) 873-6495. E-mail questions or comments to MBurlew@agcenter.lsu.edu.