NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Whether it’s after a wildfire, hurricane or ice storm, massive power outages seem to be happening more often. So it’s no surprise that portable generators are popular items.
They sound like a great idea. And if you've got one, good for you. Now all you need to do is make sure it will work before you ever need it.
Extreme weather can bring rain, flooding, snow, ice and power outages.
A portable generator can help power what you need, but only if the generator fires up when you need it.
“Generators can go months or even years without being used. But keep in mind the fuel in them can go bad over time. That can clog the engine’s carburetor or fuel lines and it may not start when you actually need it,” said Consumer Reports' Paul Hope.
Hope generated some easy DIY generator tips: To prevent those clogged fuel lines keep the generator's fuel tank empty and have at least 10 gallons of fresh gasoline on hand.
“Always add a fuel stabilizer to your stored gas to help it last as long as possible," Hope said.
Store your generator in a clean, dry, and ventilated spot that’s not attached to the house. This will prevent odors and toxic fumes from entering your home.
“Storing a generator in your home or too close to it is dangerous because not only can vapors escape from gasoline but gasoline is flammable and that could start a fire,” Hope added.
And if you have some extra money, Consumer Reports says the safest and easiest way to use your portable generator is with something called a transfer switch that an electrician installs alongside your main circuit breaker.
“A transfer switch lets you power whole circuits on your home’s panel without running individual extension cords to each appliance. They also let you power
things that may not have a plug like a furnace or a water heater,” he said.
In fact, Paul installed something similar -- called an interlock device -- in his own house, and says it makes facing a power outage a little less stressful.
And a final word on safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors. And always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the
engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors.
