A generator can save you from tremendous inconvenience and can add safety and security to your home during power outages. It must be maintained properly and handled safely for it to do its job. Here are our recommendations for assuring your generator gives optimal service.
- Fresh Fuel
- Engine Oil
- An extra spark plug and spark plug wrench
- 25' or 50' 12-guage extension cords to run from the generator into the house and 25' 12-guage or 14-guage extension cords to use inside the house for lights and miscellaneous small appliances
- Multiple receptacle adapters or outlet strips
- Portable clamp-on lights or table lamps
- Fire extinguishers
- Generator manufacturers owner's manual
It is the owner's responsibility to know how to stop the generator quickly in case of emergency, to understand the use of all generator controls, output receptacles and connections, and to be sure all who operate the generator receive proper instruction.
Children should not operate a generator without parental supervision.
- Check Engine oil level
- Check fuel level
- Check engine coolant if your generator has a radiator
- Generator circuit breaker should be OFF
- Turn the fuel valve ON
- Auto-throttle (if equipped) should be in the OFF position
- Use choke if required
- Start the engine and let it run for two or three minutes without load
- Plug in cords to the generator and turn the circuit breaker ON
- If possible, turn OFF all appliances
- Turn generator circuit breaker OFF
- Turn the engine switch OFF
- Turn fuel valve to OFF position
- In an emergency, to stop the engine, turn the engine switch to the OFF position
