10 Tips for a Clean Backup Generator Installation

Generator Installation: Safety First 

Having a home backup generator can be critical to your family's ability to weather a storm. However, proper installation and smart operating procedures are just as critical. Missing the mark on either can have deadly consequences. 



In the wake of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana, there were more deaths from improper portable generator usage than from the storm itself. We've got a few tips for you to help ensure a safe and successful generator installation for your home or business.

1. Location Location Location

The deaths related to generator usage mentioned above were due to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are opting for a whole house generator this doesn't really apply. But if you are going with a portable model listen up. 

You can't, absolutely can't, run the generator in your home. Not even in the garage, not even for a short amount of time.



Whole house generators will typically be installed in your back or side yard, like an A/C unit. But portable generators can be placed anywhere. It's critical to have them in an area with sufficient ventilation.

Having a professional help with the install or set up of either type of generator will ensure safety protocols are being followed.

2. Don't Try To Backfeed Power

Not only is this dangerous, but it's also illegal in many countries. Backfeeding is a term used to describe what happens when power from a generator is fed back into downed utility lines. This can cause problems for you, your neighbors, and anyone unlucky enough to think they are working on dead cables.

Whole house generators will have built-in safety mechanisms. They are triggered when power is down and automatically shut off when it comes back on. Portable generators don't have these mechanisms, so use your best judgment and take our advice. 



Don't try to backfeed with your backup generator.

3. Keep It Cool

Portable home generators are gravity fed and require manual fuel refilling. Once you have them set up and installed safely, let them cool down before refueling. 



If you choose not to do this and spill gas on a hot machine...well you can guess what happens next. You could start a fire! It's just worth it to wait till the unit is cool to refuel.

4. Pour and Store Safely

Once your home generator installation is complete you'll need to keep fuel on hand. Most states have fire codes that limit how much you can store. It is a huge fire hazard after all. 



Keep your fuel in receptacles you can actually lift with some ease. To pour without spilling you will need to be able to lift the containers. 

5. Install on a Level Surface

Lot's of home generators have mechanisms built-in to help keep moving parts lubricated. If you install your generator on unlevel ground, these mechanisms can't do their job. 



If you don't have a level spot to install, you must make one. Having professionals install your equipment is a great way to ensure all safety protocols and generator installation guidelines are met. 

6. Keep a Healthy Supply of Materials

Generally, a new home generator will need its first oil change after 25 hours. After that, plan on refilling every 50-60 hours. In an extended state of emergency, you may be hard-pressed to find the equipment you need. 



This is why we recommend having enough materials on hand to get you through. Keep a healthy store of oil, filters, and fuel on-site. This will better your odds at making it through the storm relatively unimpacted. 

7. Know What Cords You Need 

Since you have to keep your generator a safe distance away, you'll need appropriate extension cords to power your appliances. Whole house standby generators are automatically wired in to run your most-used appliances, so no worries there. 



The portable home generators, however, are not hard-wired. You'll need the heavy-duty 12-gauge cords to run most appliances safely. Check out this article about power cords to learn more about do's and don'ts.

8. Keep it Safe

In addition to a safe home generator installation, you'll want to think about keeping your home generator safe from theft and the elements. 



In times of emergency, people may act out of desperation. Take to secure your home generator during and after use. Another reason why a pro installation is a lifesaver, they will do all of this for you.

9. Keep an Eye on Gas Levels

Some home generators will keep running even as it runs out of gas. This is not necessarily a good thing. Appliances still running can drain the magnetic field from the generator coils when this happens.



It's an easy fix in non-emergency times, but better to just turn off appliances before the generator runs out of juice. Let it cool and then refill.

10. Call the Pros

You absolutely could DIY your home generator installation. There are a lot of moving parts with home generator installation. There's electric, plumbing, placement, and regulations to be considered.



With so much on the line, we recommend calling in the pros. They can make sure your equipment is safe and properly installed, as well as providing ongoing customer support.

We've Got Your Back

Our team of professionals is ready and waiting to help you with your generator installation today. See for yourself why our customers love us and continue to give us five-star ratings. 

What are you waiting for? Contact us at Buell Electric today for a free quote on residential or commercial generator installation.