Generator Safety

Invisible dangers you need to know about

Generators are a handy addition for any home or outdoor project. But they can also be very dangerous if they aren’t used properly. Some of those dangers are:

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Electric Shock and Electrocution
  • Overheating and Fires

Always follow all manufacturers’ instructions and contact a qualified electrician or electrical inspector if you have questions

CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas found in engine exhaust.

Where there’s exhaust, there’s CO

Protect yourself and those around you:

  • Keep your portable generator outdoors in an open space. Garages, or even partially enclosed areas, can trap CO gases and put you at risk of deadly vapours.
  • Keep the generator away from windows and doors that lead into a house or building. Even if your generator is outside, its exhaust can still enter indoors through vents, windows and doors.
  • Dizzy, nauseous, headachy or fatigue? These are symptoms of being exposed to CO. Seek medical attention immediately. Get a battery operated CO detector. They’ll pick up on any CO leaks inside your home or building, and warn you before any serious exposure

CONNECTING A GENERATOR

NEVER connect a generator to an existing house wiring system.

  • The right way to connect a portable or stationary generator to your home’s wiring system requires installation of a specific transfer switch.
  • Transfer switch must be CSA approved
  • Installing the transfer switch and generator requires an electrical permit
  • The installation must be approved by an electrical inspector
  • Contact NTPC to get more information about an electrical contractor or inspector in your area

NEVER plug a portable generator directly into a regular household electrical outlet

  • If you use your generator in this way you may cause feedback which can trip your fuses, or cause a fire if you don’t have the proper grounding.
  • Feedback is a serious electrical danger to your appliances, your home and to utility workers.

ALWAYS plug appliances directly into the generator

  • Or, use a CSA-approved, 3-pronged outdoor extension cord that is in good condition. The cord must be of the proper gauge to handle the current load.
  • Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) portable extension cord if using a portable generator to power electrical tools for outdoor use.
  • Don’t overload the generator. Keep under the maximum number of plugs outlined for your generator. Look at the Wattage load of the appliance to ensure generator is not overloaded.
  • Turn generator off to fill with fuel and do not overfill. Let the generator cool down before fuelling to prevent fire.
  • Have a low temperature rated fire extinguisher ready near the generator.