---
title: Electrical Safety Tips When Using a Portable Generator
description: Be prepared and keep these electrical safety tips in mind the next time you use a portable generator.
---

[Experts In Your Home Blog ](https://blog.expertsinyourhome.com)

# [Electrical Safety Tips When Using a Portable Generator](https://blog.expertsinyourhome.com/electrical-safety-tips-when-using-a-portable-generator)

 Written by [Home Services Expert](https://blog.expertsinyourhome.com/author/home-services-expert) | Sep 22, 2014 4:00:00 AM

Sometimes, you can almost hear the collective sighs of relief throughout Northern California when the power goes out and people power up their generators.

These electrical wunderkinds can be a literal port in the storm, providing temporary electricity to lights, refrigerators, freezers, computers, water pumps and our all-important cell phones. Despite their usefulness, power generators can be hazardous and even life-threatening and therefore [require special handling](http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Portable_Generator_Safety_Tips.pdf).

The three primary risks power generators pose are carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock (and electrocution) and fire. While these risks are potentially life-threatening, our intent is not to frighten you or persuade you not to use a power generator; we wish to [educate you about electrical safety](http://www.nsc.org/pages/home.aspx) and proper usage so that you can reduce these risks to a negligible level.

First, read the owner's manual. Familiarize yourself with the generator's components and run through a mock generator drill. If something doesn't add up, don't hesitate to [contact](https://www.expertsinyourhome.com/contact) a local [Chico electrician](https://www.expertsinyourhome.com/electrical) at Experts In Your Home. We're here for you and to educate you about electrical safety. Keep the owner's manual in a safe place. You probably won't use your generator often, but when you do have to press it into active duty, the manual will help refresh your memory.

## **Reduce carbon monoxide hazards**

- Place your generator outdoors and in a spot where the exhaust streams away from your home's doors and windows. Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless and odorless, but don't be fooled; it's also potentially deadly.
- Never use a portable generator indoors, including a garage, basement or crawlspace, or even in a partially enclosed area, such as a carport.

## **Prevent electrical shock and electrocution**

- Keep the generator dry at all times and place it on a stable surface. Touch the generator with dry hands only.
- Never plug the generator into a wall outlet. Known as backfeeding, this practice can cause electrocution – not only to you but anyone who comes into contact with it, such as utility workers. There are two ways to connect a power generator to your home:
- You can buy a 25-foot generator cord and plug it into the 20- or 30-amp outlet on the generator. The opposite end splits into three outlets, where you can plug in three appliances or electrical devices. This is a fine option if you wish to target three – and only three – appliances; please don't even think about taking a shortcut and stringing another extension cord into the mix.
- You can have a power transfer system installed by a [licensed electrician at Experts In Your Home](https://blog.expertsinyourhome.com/go-ahead-just-call-a-local-electrician-for-your-electrical-repair). The "system" may conjure up an image of a big, bulky and complex piece of machinery, but it basically includes a transfer switch, power cord and a small power inlet box. A power transfer system is the better, safer choice if you wish to power up more than three appliances and/or your entire home because the system energizes entire circuits, not appliances. This means that it supplies power to hard-wired appliances like ceiling fans and furnaces, which usually don't have plugs.

## **Prevent fires**

- Do not store generator fuel in your home. Label and store it in an outdoor, well-ventilated shed and away from other fuel-burning appliances.
- Shut off the generator and let it cool down thoroughly before refueling it. You could unwittingly start a fire if you accidentally spill fuel on hot engine parts.
- Don't overload the generator with fuel.

Like many electrical devices, power generators can be lifesavers – as long as they're handled with care. Let Experts In Your Home show you the way to electrical safety – so that we can hear a sigh of relief coming from your family's direction some day, too.

#### Get your FREE electrical safety tips guide by dowloading this offer:

 

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