Blog - Outside Gear

Before firing up your generator, flip off the main breaker, unplug your gadgets and big appliances, kill any unnecessary circuits, and disconnect outdoor gear. This stops your generator from accidentally powering the grid and frying your electronics with a surge. Big ticket items like fridges need a lot of juice, and leaving lights on outside just wastes energy. Keeping outdoor tools unplugged saves your generator from unnecessary stress. Dive into more tips to keep things running smoothly and safely.Key TakeawaysTurn off the main breaker switch to prevent generator power from entering the main grid and ensure safety during operation.Unplug sensitive electronics like computers and televisions to avoid damage from power surges during generator startup.Switch off high-powered appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, to prevent overload on the generator.Disable non-essential circuits, including outdoor lights and decorative appliances, to reduce overall power demand on the generator.Unplug any outdoor equipment, like lawn mowers and pool pumps, to prevent exceeding the generator's capacity.Main Breaker SwitchTo safely connect your generator, first turn off the main breaker switch.This prevents electricity from your generator entering the main grid, which can be dangerous.The main breaker is usually a big switch in your electrical panel – simply flip it to the 'off' position.Sensitive ElectronicsUnplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and medical equipment before hooking up your generator. These devices can get damaged by sudden power changes.Device TypeRisk LevelRecommended ActionComputersHighUnplug and store safelyTelevisionsMediumUnplug before switchingMedical EquipmentCriticalKeep disconnectedPower switches to a generator can cause electrical surges. Such surges might wreck your computer's motherboard or make medical equipment fail. To protect your devices, always unplug them first. This step keeps your valuable equipment safe from electrical mishaps.High-Powered AppliancesBefore using your generator, turn off appliances like fridges, air conditioners, water heaters, and washing machines. This prevents overloads and keeps your equipment safe.Check each appliance's wattage before you plug them in. Here's what to watch for:Refrigerators: Use 600-800 watts, surging to 2,000 watts.Air Conditioners: Require 2,000-4,000 watts at startup.Water Heaters: Need about 3,000-4,500 watts.Washing Machines: Use 1,000-2,000 watts, with extra at startup.This approach helps maintain your generator and appliances efficiently.Circuit Breakers for Non-Essential CircuitsSwitch off non-essential circuit breakers to protect your generator and focus power on what matters most, like medical devices or heating. This action keeps your generator running smoothly by reducing its load.Non-Essential CircuitImpact on GeneratorOutdoor LightsHigh Power DrainDecorative AppliancesMinimal UseExtra RefrigeratorsUnnecessary LoadEntertainment SystemsPower DrainNon-Essential HVACIncreased DemandTurning off circuits like outdoor lights or extra fridges helps streamline power usage. This way, essential systems get the energy they need, making your home safer and more comfortable during a power outage.Any Outdoor EquipmentUnplug all outdoor equipment before hooking up your generator to prevent overload and potential damage. This includes:Lawn mowersElectric grillsPool pumpsAny other high-power devicesDevices like electric grills and pool pumps use a lot of power, sometimes more than your generator can handle.Electric grills and pool pumps consume significant power, potentially exceeding your generator's capacity.For instance, electric grills might need 1,500 watts and pool pumps up to 2,500 watts.Always check that your generator can manage the total power demand to keep things running smoothly and safely.People Also AskHow Do I Safely Connect My Generator to the House?To safely connect your generator to the house, use a transfer switch. This device prevents backfeeding electricity into the grid, which can pose serious hazards.Ensure the generator's wattage matches your home's needs, usually around 5,000-7,500 watts for essential appliances.Position the generator outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide buildup, and always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for connection.Test the setup to ensure proper functionality before relying on it during an outage.What Is the Risk of Not Turning off the Main Breaker?Not turning off the main breaker can lead to backfeeding, endangering utility workers and damaging your generator.Backfeeding occurs when power flows back into the grid, creating severe safety risks. Additionally, it can overload your generator, causing it to overheat or fail.To avoid these dangers, always ensure the main breaker is off before connecting your generator. This step is crucial for safe operations and protecting both your home and the electrical grid.Can I Run My Generator Indoors?No, you can't run your generator indoors.Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in enclosed spaces. For safety, always place your generator outside, at least 20 feet away from any doors or windows. This distance helps minimize exposure to fumes.Additionally, consider using a carbon monoxide detector indoors to monitor air quality. Always prioritize safety when operating any fuel-powered equipment.How Long Can I Run My Generator Continuously?You can typically run your generator continuously for about 8 to 12 hours, depending on the model and fuel type.Most portable generators use gasoline and can run for around 10 hours at half load. Diesel generators often last longer, reaching up to 12 hours or more.Always check your manufacturer's specifications for exact runtime and fuel capacity.Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance, so keep filters and oil levels in check.What Should I Do if My Generator Overloads?If your generator overloads, immediately disconnect all appliances and shut it down to prevent damage.Overloading occurs when you exceed the power capacity, often indicated by tripped circuit breakers or flickering lights.Check the generator's wattage rating, usually found on the label, and ensure your total load doesn't exceed it.You might consider using a load manager to balance power distribution, reducing the risk of future overloads.Always consult the user manual for specific guidance.Wrapping UpBefore hooking up your generator, flip off the main switch, unplug tech gadgets, big appliances, and outdoor gear, and shut down extra circuit breakers.Doing this keeps both your generator and home wiring safe. Turning off the main switch stops dangerous backfeeding that can hurt utility workers. Power-hungry devices like fridges can overload it, while sensitive tech might get fried by voltage jumps. Shutting non-essential circuits cuts the risk of overload. Disconnecting outdoor gear ensures everything runs smoothly and safely when you need it most. Remember, these quick steps are key for a hassle-free and secure setup.