How to start the generator Overview
Owning a generator can be essential, especially during emergencies and power blackouts. A generator should run efficiently when in use.
Following the instructions labeled by the manufacture is vital when handling your generator. In this article, discover how to start your generator.
Products required
Different generators run differently. Some generators run on fuel, some use petrol while others use diesel. Regardless, before starting a generator, you need the following products:
Fuel (petrol or diesel)
Oil
Oil
For your generator to work efficiently, you will insert oil in the engine to run efficiently. The oil lubricates the parts in the engine enabling them to run proficiently.
Fuel
Fuel runs the engine and the generator itself. Before starting a generator, fuel must be present. Without it, the generator may not run, not even start.
How to start a generator
Step1. Ensure the generator is in a well-ventilated area
Before starting your generator, ensure that it is placed in a well-ventilated area. If it is a room, ensure that all windows are open to allow gases emitted from the generator to escape the room. Preferably, find a proper shelter outside the house where the generator can run. It may reduce the risk of carbon monoxide suffocation.
Step2. Check fuel and oil level
Oil and fuel enable the generator to run efficiently. Before starting the generator, ensure the oil and fuel levels are in check, at least 20% of the tanks. Ensure to have a backup of fuel and engine oil in case of any emergency.
Step3. Ensure the generator is off and disconnected from any appliances before start
It is vital to ensure that the generator is off and completely disconnected from any appliances before starting.
Switch off the generator or put it on neutral. Starting the generator while it is connected may temper with it, especially if your appliances have a high power demand.
The connecting cable might also be removed to achieve this disconnection.
Fuel runs the generator. Be sure to turn on the fuel switch to allow the fuel to flow from the tank into the generator for use.
Step5. Move the choke rode
The choke rod is moved from left to right in many generators. If you have a problem identifying the rod, read the manual, all instructions are outlined on how to operate the generator.
Step6. Turn on the engine switch
Ensure to turn on the engine switch before starting your generator. This will enable the connection of the engine with the rest of the generator.
Step7. Start the generator
Commonly, most generators have the recoil start. It entails a rope and grip as the rope is pulled out for the generator to start. Pulling the rope might require more than one or two attempts.
How to use a generator
Before starting the ways of using the generator, it is important to understand how the generator operates. In this section, the user will be based on the portable generator.
Usually, it converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, which depends on gas to kickstart the process. It usually has five parts an internal combustion engine, an alternator, a starter, tank fuel, and outlets.
After understanding this, it is crucial to analyze the steps needed to use the generator.
STEP ONE: ESTIMATION OF YOUR HOME POWER NEEDS
Create a list of elements that you need to power with your generator. Things like refrigerators, lights, media equipment, and other vital changes need to be considered first.
Checking the owner’s manual information will help you determine the wattage and how it takes to run the services. Estimating the power need and understanding what is required during and after a power outage is important.
STEP TWO: PLACING THE PORTABLE GENERATOR
Put the machine at least 20 feet away from the house on level ground with its exhaust facing away from the windows of the house and the doors. Investing in the generator cover is also important in this case.
STEP THREE: PLUG IN THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR
Always use a heavy-duty exterior extension cord made for the generators. Run the cord through the outlet of the house to set up outside. In this case, don’t plug the generator into a wall outlet.
STEP FOUR: STARTING OF THE GENERATOR
Before starting the machine, ensure that the gas tank is full and no cords wrought into the unit. Confirm if the generator needs gasoline, propane, or a combination of them all. In short, have the best fuel for the generator. Always store the fuel away from the generator.
Turn the fuel valve on, then set the ON/OFF switch to the ON place. Pull out the choke handle to the right position; then push and hold the start switch, and then it starts.
Push the choke handle into the run point and allow the motor to run for a while before plugging items in.
STEP FIVE: PLUG IN THE DEVICES AND APPLIANCES
After plugging in, start with items that need a lot of power, like the refrigerator, connecting it to the extension cord, and the rest will follow.
STEP SIX: REFUEL THE GENERATOR.
In this case, when there is a need for the addition of fuel, first turn off the applied and electronics and give time for the generator to run for a while and turn off the generator, do flipping of the fuel switch and remove the extension cord.
Give time for the unit to cool down before you start adding fuel.
CONCLUSION
It is important to understand precautions when using the generator. The following are the tips on how to use the generator safely.
Never operate the generator in or too close to the house, never back feed the power to the house, allow the generator to cool down before adding fuel, usually store and pour the generator in a safe place, ensure the surface of the generator is flat, ensure you have extra oil in the house, reduce the cord length to reduce damage to the appliance and understand the right fuel for the generator.
Related Articles