YOU & YOUR GENERATOR DURING THE RAINY SEASON

Generators can be lifesavers, especially in Nigeria where the power situation is getting worse by the day.  Also, when the power goes out, having a generator means that you can continue to enjoy. 

But there is a darker side to generators that many people fail to consider. Understanding their risks and issues as well as their benefits is the best way to ensure you and your generator remain safe during this raining season.

Here are some of the risks you are exposed to and the steps you can take now to help prevent them:

Risk and prevention for YOU

Shock Hazards: Since generators are often used in the rain, it’s important to take extra precautions to avoid electrical shock risks, which are increased in wet weather. Always,

·         Store your generator under a covered area like a carport or open-sided shed or portable canopy so you’re standing on dry ground when operating it. Ensure your generator is well grounded and put on shoes with rubber soles when operating.

·        

 Carbon monoxide poisoning: This is a major problem during raining season when people keep running their generators inside the house and even sleep off as the case may be. They have their homes closed up tight against the rain, wind and thieves. To avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning – which can be deadly

·         NEVER operate your generator inside the house, not even in a garage.

·         When placing it outside, make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from any vents, doors or windows – yours as well as your neighbors’.

Fire: Generators burn gasoline, diesel, or another fuel to generate electricity. Ensure you use the exact fuel type that suits your generator to avoid fire outbreak.

·         Do not exceed the generator’s power rating it can damage the generator (overloading the generator) and any equipment that’s hooked up to it which can result in fire outbreak.

·         Do not operate generator near hazardous material. Heat created by muffler and exhaust gases is hot enough to cause serious burns and ignite combustible objects.

·         To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury, handle fuel with care. It is highly flammable

Risk and prevention for your generator

Electric power is critical to society and business alike.  Weather is responsible for the majority of major power outages that occur,

Water mixing with fuel

Coil damage

Display panel malfunctioning

 Short Circuits:

A short circuit is the most commonly used term to describe the cause of a power failure. Unfortunately, it is also a term that is bandied about without people having much knowledge of what it actually means. So, what is a short circuit, and how can you protect your equipment from its effects?
A short circuit occurs when an electric current travels along a path that is different from the intended one in an electrical circuit. When this happens, there is an excessive electric current which can lead to circuit damage, fire, and explosion. In fact, short circuits are one of the primary causes of electrical fires throughout the world. 
Why do short circuits occur?
Short circuits can occur when the insulation of the wiring used breaks down. It can also occur due to the presence of an external conducting material (such as water) that is introduced accidently into the circuit. Electrical batteries can explode if they are subjected to a large current. 

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