E7

By DEBBIE CAFAZZO
Scripps Howard News Service

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Carbon monoxide poisoning. Electrocution. Fire. With all the possible safety hazards that can occur if you misuse a portable generator, you have to wonder why homeowners take the risks.

"Lights being off, using candles - it gets old quickly," says Duff Jones, owner of Ron Jones Power Equipment, a Spanaway, Wash., supplier.

"It doesn't take long to get unhappy."

But you can be snug and safe with your generator, as long as you follow the rules. First, let's look at the dangers.

Carbon monoxide

The gasoline-powered motor that runs a generator is an internal combustion engine, much like a miniature automobile engine. Like a car engine, the generator motor gives off carbon monoxide - a deadly, colourless, odourless gas.

If you start to feel sick or dizzy while using a generator, get some fresh air immediately.

Never run a generator indoors. Keep it outside, away from doors, windows and vents - both yours and your neighbour's.

Experts advise that you also avoid running the generator in a garage - even with the door open. Likewise, avoid placing your running generator in a basement, crawl space or any enclosed area.

On the other hand, experts also say to keep your generator dry and level.

So where should it go?

Richard Friel, an electrical inspector for Tacoma Public Utilities, suggests sheltering a generator under a large tarp, canopy or lean-to. He said some people have tried to run generators in their garden shed, but often that results in the machine choking on its own fumes and shutting off.

Keep the generator level by using a concrete slab or leveled concrete blocks.

"And be sure to find a big chain," Friel adds, noting that generators are the frequent targets of thieves.

Electrical danger

An improperly installed generator can "backfeed" into outside utility lines and electrocute utility workers or others who come into contact with downed lines.

For this reason, you should never plug a generator into a wall electrical outlet.

Plugging a generator into a wall outlet could also barbecue your home's wiring. Keep your generator dry, and dry your hands before touching it.

Fire and other dangers

The muffler and other parts of the generator heat up with use. So avoid touching it while it's running.

Turn the generator off and let it cool before adding fuel. Gasoline that spills onto hot engine parts could ignite, so be sure to wipe up any spilled fuel.

Sizing it up

Generators are rated by watts.

It's important to buy a generator that offers enough wattage to start your equipment, as well as run it. Electric motors may require two to six times their running power to kick on.

For example, a furnace fan for a gas or oil furnace may consume anywhere from 300 to 875 watts while it's running. But turning the fan on may require 800 to more than 3,000 watts.

A refrigerator might need 3,000 watts to start its motor, but only use 800 while it's running. Consult the manufacturer if you're uncertain of a device's electrical requirements.