Can You Place a Standby Generator In A Garage In Trexlertown, PA?
Can You Mount a Residential Automatic
Standby Generator Inside Your
Trexlertown, PA Garage?
Important Reasons You
Should NOT Do This!
A backup generator is a useful appliance that helps you weather storms and survive comfortably during power outages. Due to their enthusiasm for the device, many of our customers wonder if they can mount their residential automatic standby generator in their Trexlertown, PA garage.
Although this is a common question, the answer is a qualified “No.”
It is very dangerous to mount a backup generator indoors. Even portable models stored in a shed or garage should be removed from storage and placed outdoors before use. All generators emit dangerous pollutants while operating and should only be run outdoors.
Most homeowners mount their residential automatic standby generators in the backyard or on the side of the house, often near the exterior air conditioning unit.
Below is what you need to know about operating your backup generator.
1. Residential Automatic Standby Generators
Can Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Residential automatic standby generators, like any petroleum-powered motor, emit carbon monoxide. This is a toxic, colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate indoors and cause health problems or even a fatality if breathed in.
This means that generators powered by gasoline, petroleum, natural gas, or diesel fuel should all be operated only outdoors. Carbon monoxide needs plenty of ventilation.
Breathing in carbon monoxide fumes prevents the body from using oxygen properly, eventually damaging the brain, heart, and other organs.
Early signs of exposure include flu-like symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, weakness, headaches, confusion, and chest pains.
Extensive exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, loss of consciousness, or even death.
To avoid exposure, use the generator only outdoors and point the exhaust pipe away from where people are congregating.
2. Residential Automatic Standby Generators
Produce Flammable Exhaust
Residential automatic standby generators produce considerable amounts of flammable exhaust gases, which can build up in a garage if not vented properly. Some of these gases can ignite at temperatures just above 300 degrees. When they are contained within a house or garage, a spark from the running generator can lead to an explosion and fire.
This means that generator exhaust is still dangerous even if you take care not to breathe it in. It should never be allowed to accumulate, so you should always operate a residential automatic standby generator outdoors where it has plenty of ventilation, and its exhaust can dissipate into the atmosphere.
Another thing to consider is that gasoline fumes are far more flammable than liquid gasoline itself. This means that when your generator tank is low – or “running on fumes” – a single spark is enough to ignite the fumes when you open the tank to refuel. Be exceedingly careful to shut off the generator and to keep open flames away from it.
3. How To Properly Operate a Residential Automatic
Standby Generator In Trexlertown, PA
The first and most important step when operating a generator is to mount it outdoors. You should place it well away from residential areas so the exhaust has space to dissipate before occupants breathe it. Point the exhaust port away from the house or from outdoor gatherings of people to prevent fume and carbon monoxide exposure.
Next, ensure the residential automatic standby generator is mounted on level ground. This ensures optimal function and prevents certain components from vibrating during operation. Vibrations can cause parts to wear out early and shorten generator life.
Place it on a raised concrete pad to prevent flood waters from reaching it and to provide stability it might not have in muddy or wet areas.
Use only fresh gas, which contains stabilizers that resist moisture and prevent corrosion. Never modify it to run on alternative fuels, which could void its warranty.
Finally, always turn off the generator and wait for it to cool down before refueling. The heat from the appliance could ignite gas or propane fuels if the machine is too hot.
Install A Residential Automatic Standby Generator
By Calling Shafnisky Electric
A standby generator guards your appliances against damage from electrical surges, keeps electricity flowing steadily to your household, and prevents the return of current from overwhelming sensitive electronics.
The generators Shafnisky installs detect when the power goes out, engage themselves within moments, and transfer current to the generator instead of the grid. Once power returns, the generator shuts off and returns to standby mode, awaiting the next power outage.
It even turns on briefly every week to charge the battery and make sure all fluids are fresh.
We at Shafnisky Electric have been serving Lehigh County for over 35 years. When you need a proven electrical company to install a residential automatic standby generator in your Trexlertown, PA home, contact us at (610) 435-2237 to request a free, no-obligation estimate.