10 Tips for Using a Home Generator in Myrtle Beach, SC
A generator is your best savior when it comes to unexpected power outages. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, snowfall, storms, lightening and hurricanes are the major reasons behind power outages in the U.S. Investing in a generator in Myrtle Beach, SC is the key to be prepared for such situations. It will serve as an alternate source of energy, making sure that you don’t have to face any difficulties during unexpected power failures.
Generators are of great help when it comes to power outages but they can prove to be fatal, if used improperly. Carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution and fire hazards go hand in hand with a home generator in Myrtle Beach, SC. Mister Sparky recommends that you should follow these tips to keep yourself safe from the deadly hazards of operating a home generator.
1. Don’t Operate it near Your House
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the biggest hazards associated with the use of a generator in Myrtle Beach, SC. To ensure that you enjoy the perks of a generator without putting your family’s lives at risk, avoid running your generator near your house. If you’re thinking about running it in the garage, don’t!
Generators are not meant to be operated in closed spaces. Move your generator away from your house and make use of longer extension cords. We know that it’s not easy to deal with extension cords and fuel refills in bad weather conditions but trust us, it’s better than watching your family suffer the deadly consequences.
2. Avoid “Backfeeding”
If you’ve read about “backfeeding” power from the generator into the home and you’re thinking to do the same, please don’t! “Backfeeding” involves connecting the generator to an outlet in the house which allows power to enter the main panel and reach all the household appliances. You may think that it is a great idea but over the years, many people have lost their lives because of this.
3. Let It Cool
When you are refilling petrol in your generator in Myrtle Beach, SC, make sure that the engine has cooled down. If petrol accidentally comes in contact with the engine when it’s hot, your generator will end up catching a fire. No wonder, many people die because of this tiny mistake. They don’t let the generator cool down before refilling the fuel tank. Just wait for about 15 minutes and let the generator cool down before filling the tank with petrol.
4. Be Careful With Refills
Another tip for refilling fuel is to make sure that you do not pour petrol into the fuel tank while the generator is running. We are stating the obvious just to make sure that you remain safe. Also, do not overfill your generator. There is a limit on how much petrol you can pour into the fuel tank, depending on the type of generator that you own. For this, you need to take out a few minutes and go through the user’s manual of your generator.
5. Avoid Slopes
It’s best to run your generator on a flat surface. If you do not have a flat floor, make one. Many generators have lubrication systems which have a ladle-like part that takes the lubrication oil and splatters it onto the mobile parts. If the generator is placed on a slope, then some of the engine parts will remain dry because the oil won’t be able to reach them.
6. Stock Up On Motor Oil and Filters
If you own a generator in Myrtle Beach, SC, then stock up on motor oil and filters to save yourself from getting into trouble during an unexpected power outage. You need to change your generator’s oil after it has been running for a long time. You might reach that point if your house experiences power outages frequently. So, it’s best to have extra bottles of motor oil and oil filters at home.
7. Mind the Cord Length
Because of the noise and air pollution, people park their generators away from their homes. In doing so, they make use of heavy duty extension cords but ignore the length limits of the cord. It is advised not to use a cord longer than 20 meters because using a longer cord increases resistance and causes appliances to malfunction. Therefore, you should keep this tip in mind while operating a generator in Myrtle Beach, SC.
8. Beware of Generator Thieves
What’s worse than knowing that someone stole your generator while you were asleep last night? To make sure that you don’t face this dreadful situation, think of ways to keep your generator safe from robbers. Mister Sparky suggests that you should invest in a surveillance system to keep an eye on your generator. You should keep it covered and chain it to a permanent structure such as a pole. You can also buy anchors that will fix your generator at one place and won’t allow it to move. Do whatever it takes to keep your generator safe from thieves.
9. Avoid Reaching the “Empty” Level
If your generator stops working because of zero fuel, that’s definitely not a good sign. When your generator’s fuel tank is empty, the engine stops working and the electrical appliances of your house demagnetize the coils of the generator. Even if you refill the fuel tank and turn your generator on, it will fail to generate electricity. You’ll need to call a professional to repair your generator in Myrtle Beach, SC.
10. Check Your Fuel Quality
The major culprit behind generator problems is low-quality fuel. Manufacturers recommend using fuel stabilizers to reduce the buildup of varnish in the generator’s engine but this won’t completely eliminate the problem. It’s best to take your generator to a professional repair service for a complete engine checkup.
It’s best to follow the above mentioned tips because they will keep you safe from the hazards of operating a generator in Myrtle Beach, SC. In case of any problem, you can count on Mister Sparky Generators for professional generator repair services. Our professionals know what it takes to keep your generator in top condition. For more details, visit our website or call us at 843.213.6610.