Are you using the wrong extension cords on your generator? Generator safety 101

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  • Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
  • Generators are crucial during power outages but can be dangerous if not used correctly. see why having the right extension cord is essential.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 21

  • @twostep1953
    @twostep1953 13 днів тому +2

    Fuel stabilizer (I think it was a half bottle per 5-gallon can) and I'm using fuel that is 18 months old. Admittedly, it ran a little rough but it was fine. Immediately add it in the gas can and swirl. It's too late if it's been sitting for a while and you try to add it in the generator's gas-tank. Try to make sure the gas-tank never runs dry; so much harder to re-start. Always use the oldest first (you know that). I usually get 8-hours per 5-gallons, but plan on 6 hours. I have 25-gallons on hand.
    Pay attention to the 25-hour, 50-hour, 75-hour generator run-time and change the oil, air-filter, etc., according to your manual.
    Don't make my mistake! Drain it properly and shut it down at the end of the hurricane / cold weather season; then set it up properly before the next one. It took me 76 pulls on the cord ("recoil start") to get it started last time (all the while worrying that I might break the pull-cord!). If you leave it set up during the season, start it up once per week for a little bit. EVERY TIME you start up the generator, make sure there is nothing plugged in; you don't want your refrigerator kicking on while you are trying to pull-start your generator! I leave the 12 gauge cord plugged into the generator, but inside the house disconnect the 14 gauge cords from the splitter.
    Again, learn my from mistake. Spend the money and buy 12-gauge with triple-tap (three plugs) built in. I had a space heater on during the Big Texas Freeze, and the cheap separate three-plug on my high quality 12-gauge wire got too hot to touch. Caught it in time, but dang that was dangerous. I use 12-gauge from the generator to the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, with built in splitters, and then 14-gauge to lights, fridge, etc. You can even have your normal power-strip after that; bed-side lights and phone chargers don't pull much power. I must have $400 in power cords. In my opinion, it's better to have 100-foot cords and need 75 feet, than have a 25-foot connected to a 50-foot cord. Keep excess cord loose - not rolled up in a tight circle - so it won't over-heat. I exceed the recommended length of cord, but make sure to not put a full load on anything. I recommend the type which lights up to show it is getting power; makes trouble-shooting so much easier. I like Yellow Jacket Lighted Power Block (3-plug); the price has gone up 25% since Biden took over.
    All of this was stone-soup, little by little. If I had it to do over again, I'd spend the money on an electrician to tie in the generator to the house and skip all the cords on the floor. We have a Ryobi 6,500 watt running (8,125 w starting) generator (195 pounds with wheels), and supported two fridges, plus three room-size space heaters and lights, etc. I've never tried a window A/C unit. We use window screens, plus two big fans in a push-pull set-up on opposite sides of the house.
    I wanted a propane-fueled generator; SO much cleaner to deal with. Until everything in Houston shut down, and there was only one store which was open to sell propane; versus the half-dozen lucky gas stations I found. Now I want a duel-fuel with push-button start. I don't have any experience with it, but the Westinghouse 9,500/7,500-Watt Gas / Propane (LPG) powered Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start sounds good (202 pounds with wheels). I'm getting too old to yank that cord.
    Let the generator cool for 5 minutes before refueling; splashed gasoline on a hot engine or muffler is not good. I - with a white-hot burning passion - DEPISE Scepter gas cans because it is so hard to squeeze the handle (push forward with the heel of your hand), and it's a real pain to twist and turn to get out the last bit of gasoline. They do not vent properly; mine looked like over-filled balloons. If you squeeze the handle to relieve the pressure, you get a spray of gasoline! You have to undo the spout (lefty loosey) just a little bit. I love Easy Can gas cans (squeeze with fingers and thumb); they just work. Don't forget your funnel, and bring paper towels to clean up when you spill (and I always spill...).

  • @nancyk8153
    @nancyk8153 16 днів тому +3

    Great advice, many people aren’t aware of these tips

  • @zaphod22
    @zaphod22 15 днів тому +3

    When buying cords make sure to buy models that can carry 120/240v - 30 amp or 120v - 20amp. I purchased both for my m 6.5 Kw. Also, treat gasoline with stabilizer. In addition, I use Sta-Bil Starting Fluid for instant staring.

  • @philliphall5198
    @philliphall5198 16 днів тому +6

    I place a shop fan blowing on the engine to cool it and to blow exhaust away from house 😊😊😊

  • @jwrevdave
    @jwrevdave 15 днів тому +3

    I use non-ethanol gas in ours and if I store it I put stabilizer in it. And I get fresh gas every three months. I put the old gas in my truck. I also run the generator for 30 minutes once a month.

    • @myasisdragon37
      @myasisdragon37 14 днів тому

      For those looking for non ethanol gasoline, some Murphy stations have it. It will be the blue label next to the diesel pump.

  • @anthonyyaboytone5
    @anthonyyaboytone5 16 днів тому +6

    Don’t forget to add that red liquid in the generator and gas tanks. Fuel stabilizer to prevent your generator from clogging up.

    • @Edgarrmz07
      @Edgarrmz07 16 днів тому

      Name please?

    • @truonghthe
      @truonghthe 15 днів тому

      @@Edgarrmz07 it called fuel stabilizer, commercial has many name but the general name is fuel stabilizer.

  • @johnathanrmstrng186
    @johnathanrmstrng186 10 днів тому

    I'm glad they are putting pressure on them but the power always goes out for a week or 2 after a hurricane this is people wanting instant gratification. It's a good thing that Texans are known for having a frontier way of living.

  • @thowe7988
    @thowe7988 15 днів тому +1

    Change oil annually or after 40hrs of run time.

    • @Glocktard
      @Glocktard 13 днів тому

      Yes, also have a good amount of oil on hand.

  • @Game_with_me-r6j
    @Game_with_me-r6j 12 днів тому

    Can it charge a Tesla?

  • @Jeff-xy7fv
    @Jeff-xy7fv 14 днів тому

    I was expecting this video to give a warning not to use homemade cords with male plugs at both ends, used for backfeeding the generator into the panel.

  • @theberryschannel9196
    @theberryschannel9196 11 днів тому

    10 gauge for a generator

  • @J4-kjtdr8775
    @J4-kjtdr8775 16 днів тому +1

    What about the old fuel, can you just dump it on the corner of the lawn ?

    • @rickytran2378
      @rickytran2378 16 днів тому +5

      I can't tell if you're joking or not. I hope you are

  • @alex772350
    @alex772350 16 днів тому +1

    connect it to ur breaker box n power ur whole house or ac at least 😅

  • @johndoe-zz1nr
    @johndoe-zz1nr 16 днів тому +2

    Is this an advertisement for Generac