Using a generator...

[smkiya]

So in preparing for the storm we bought a generator. In a previous thread someone mentioned filling the cars and using the gas from there. It was also mentioned not to store gas cans in the garage (we don't have a shed). We were going to run the generator in the garage with the door open. How do most people use theirs?

 

[sam_gordon]

So in preparing for the storm we bought a generator. In a previous thread someone mentioned filling the cars and using the gas from there. It was also mentioned not to store gas cans in the garage (we don't have a shed). We were going to run the generator in the garage with the door open. How do most people use theirs?

I use generators for work, but haven't used one for home. I store gas for my lawn mowers in the garage, where else would you store it? Sure, a shed is good assuming you have one, but if you don't?

Anyway, I personally would run a generator outside and run extension cords through windows. This way you can (almost) close a window. Running cables through doors is problematic.

Just my opinion.

Also, pay attention to the rating limit on the generator. It should be expressed in watts. I would suggest staying within 80% of the top rating. If you know the wattage of what you're plugging in, just add it all up. If you know the amperage of what you're plugging in, multiply by 120 and that's the watts. (ie: 5Amps * 120V = 600Watts). That's simplistic but should get you through.

All devices should have a sticker (usually near where the power comes in) that lists watts, amps, or both.

 

[cajunmommy]

Please don't set it up in the garage - Carbon Monoxide fumes need to be vented. Generators set up under carports during Isaac even proved to be problematic.

It needs to be away from the house.

See the FAQ linked here. http://www.briggsandstratton.com/su...-questions/Hurricane Safety - Generator Tips/

Stay safe!

 

[vicki_c]

Yes, do not run the generator in the garage, even with the door open. There is not enough ventilation and you will be risking carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, where you set it up outside, make sure it is not near open windows, doors or any other ingress into the house.

We are getting a big generator on Monday and I already downloaded the manual from the Internet - it has lots of safety and useage information - how much load it can take (some things take 3x the power when starting up), etc. I would read your manual.

 

[mikehn]

I store gas cans in the garage, along with my vehicles that are also full of gas, so I dont know what difference it would make.

I would not run a generator outside during a storm (and also have electrical cords plugged into it) That just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[mikehn]

double post

 

[smkiya]

Thanks everyone. I do plan on reading the manual and researching other important safety info. Hopefully we won't need it, I'm just curious about other people's experience and usage of generators during storm power outages.

 

[Nancyg56]

Please do not run it in your garage. Also, make sure that if it is near a window the exhaust is pointing away. Be careful.

 

[js]

If the garage is away from a home and the garage door stays open, why is it not good to run the generator in the garage? Would it be better for it to sit outside in the terrible storm?
I'm in NY and we have a generator so I'm following this thread.
Also, OP, we have a lawn mower and my dh keeps the gas in the garage.

 

[vicki_c]

If the garage is away from a home and the garage door stays open, why is it not good to run the generator in the garage? Would it be better for it to sit outside in the terrible storm?
I'm in NY and we have a generator so I'm following this thread.
Also, OP, we have a lawn mower and my dh keeps the gas in the garage.

I don't think a separate garage is necessarily a health problem. Until you have to enter the garage to put gas in it. Any kind of not totally open space can still have a dangerous build up of carbon monoxide. We also keep some gas in the garage, so I don't think that's much of a problem either.

Last time we used a generator (we borrowed one for an extended outage last year), we put it on our deck and ran the extension cord through the top of one of the windows and kept all our windows and the sliding door on that side of the house closed. It worked just fine. Our new generator is a lot bigger, so it will probably be run out in the driveway - that's where most of my neighbors run theirs.

 

[LilGMom]

As someone that grew up and lives in an area hit by numerous hurricanes in the past I'm pretty familiar with the little preparations that have to be done prior to, during and after the storm.

It is not recommended that you run a generator in a garage if the garage is attached to your house. The fumes can, and will, seep into the house and not just when you open the door to put gas in it. If you have a fenced yard I would suggest putting it in the backyard and run extension cords from it through a window. You can have the window very close to being shut with just an exension cord running through it. You can even purchase little window locks that sit in window track from most hardware stores if having your windows lockable is a concern. I would also recommend that you become familiar with the generator prior to needing it. Not much worse than standing in the rain and being frazzled from a storm and trying to figure it all out. If you are boarding up windows don't use tape of any type, use secured boards or installed storm shutters.

If you have an iPhone there is a pretty good free app out there called "First Aid" (by the American Red Cross Health & Fitness) where you can have your phone get alerts for your area, and has it has a decent amount of storm readiness tips.

 

[sam_gordon]

I would not run a generator outside during a storm (and also have electrical cords plugged into it) That just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Where else would you run a generator? I don't understand what disaster could happen.

 

[LilGMom]

I store gas cans in the garage, along with my vehicles that are also full of gas, so I dont know what difference it would make.

I would not run a generator outside during a storm (and also have electrical cords plugged into it) That just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

** Bolding is mine **
Most generators, if purchased in the seven +/- years have a plastic cover that covers the outlet area where you plug the cords into it. The flip cover will also rest over the cord when one is plugged in. I wouldn't recommend multiple short extension cords and instead spend the money for a good 40+ foot one. That length allows you to plug into the generator, have the generator a good 10 feet +/- from the house, and have the cord run into the house from a window or exterior door. Plug the interior cord and appliances in after the generator is up and running and has the exterior cord plugged in.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'd have the generator in the driveway with a couple good long entension cords running into the garage. Close the garage door down on the cords.

 

[S. C.]

Please don't set it up in the garage - Carbon Monoxide fumes need to be vented. Generators set up under carports during Isaac even proved to be problematic.

It needs to be away from the house.

See the FAQ linked here. http://www.briggsandstratton.com/su...-questions/Hurricane Safety - Generator Tips/

Stay safe!

Yes, do not run the generator in the garage, even with the door open. There is not enough ventilation and you will be risking carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, where you set it up outside, make sure it is not near open windows, doors or any other ingress into the house.

We are getting a big generator on Monday and I already downloaded the manual from the Internet - it has lots of safety and useage information - how much load it can take (some things take 3x the power when starting up), etc. I would read your manual.

Please do not run it in your garage. Also, make sure that if it is near a window the exhaust is pointing away. Be careful.

I don't think a separate garage is necessarily a health problem. Until you have to enter the garage to put gas in it. Any kind of not totally open space can still have a dangerous build up of carbon monoxide. We also keep some gas in the garage, so I don't think that's much of a problem either.

Last time we used a generator (we borrowed one for an extended outage last year), we put it on our deck and ran the extension cord through the top of one of the windows and kept all our windows and the sliding door on that side of the house closed. It worked just fine. Our new generator is a lot bigger, so it will probably be run out in the driveway - that's where most of my neighbors run theirs.

As someone that grew up and lives in an area hit by numerous hurricanes in the past I'm pretty familiar with the little preparations that have to be done prior to, during and after the storm.

It is not recommended that you run a generator in a garage if the garage is attached to your house. The fumes can, and will, seep into the house and not just when you open the door to put gas in it. If you have a fenced yard I would suggest putting it in the backyard and run extension cords from it through a window. You can have the window very close to being shut with just an exension cord running through it. You can even purchase little window locks that sit in window track from most hardware stores if having your windows lockable is a concern. I would also recommend that you become familiar with the generator prior to needing it. Not much worse than standing in the rain and being frazzled from a storm and trying to figure it all out. If you are boarding up windows don't use tape of any type, use secured boards or installed storm shutters.

If you have an iPhone there is a pretty good free app out there called "First Aid" (by the American Red Cross Health & Fitness) where you can have your phone get alerts for your area, and has it has a decent amount of storm readiness tips.

** Bolding is mine **
Most generators, if purchased in the seven +/- years have a plastic cover that covers the outlet area where you plug the cords into it. The flip cover will also rest over the cord when one is plugged in. I wouldn't recommend multiple short extension cords and instead spend the money for a good 40+ foot one. That length allows you to plug into the generator, have the generator a good 10 feet +/- from the house, and have the cord run into the house from a window or exterior door. Plug the interior cord and appliances in after the generator is up and running and has the exterior cord plugged in.

Good info!

 

[Sadie22]

Our generator is not operated during a storm, but only after the storm when the wind and rain have stopped. It plugs into an outlet on the outside of the house. It's only large enough to power necessary things on a few circuits, not the whole house.

We store gasoline in approved metal cans in the garage, but we could siphon gasoline from a vehicle if absolutely necessary, I suppose. We've never had that need.

 

[kirstenb1]

We've had one for several years. DH built a little shelter for it, with one side open. He buried the line in conduit underground and it leads right up to the house. I think the electrical runs under the house, then up through the breaker box inside. We don't have any extension cords that go to it. Then when the power goes out, dh fires up the generator, and I know we flip the breakers we need to run (I almost never have to run it, so dh made me set of directions, because there are some safety issues)

 

[vicki_c]

All the stores are sold out of gas cans, can you believe it? DH just headed down to West Marine because they said they have some. People are so crazy. DH works at Target and said people were cleaning them out of batteries and water at 9 am. I am,not one of these panicky people, but all these other crazies make me be one! I guess there won't be anything left by the time I go to the store tomorrow.

 

[RitaZ.]

In regards to siphoning gas out of your vehicles, I doubt you'll be able to do it with newer vehicles. After Wilma, we tried to siphon gas out of our vehicles and weren't able to do it. There was some kind of valve or something that prevented/blocked the hose from getting to the gas. Just store your gas cans in a safe place and you'll be fine.

As everyone else has said, read the manual to make sure that you know how to operate it. People run into problems when they don't know how to properly operate their generators.

Stay safe!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

We bought our 1st generator today and I have to admit it makes me nervous.

With hurricane Irene we had no power for 4 nights so this time taking no chances.