Temporary power equipment is a convenient, effective way to keep the lights on during an emergency. One portable generator goes a long way; depending on the wattage of your system, you could power up anything from a small home to an entire business park.
Playing around with that kind of power, without the knowledge or experience to exercise the proper care, comes with inherent risks. According to Consumer Reports, portable or standby power equipment is involved in as many as 50 fatalities each year.
As any expert will tell you, safety is a key part of using any power equipment, no matter how small-scale or temporary it may appear. And as with any electrical source, the primary hazard you should prepare for is fire.
Temporary power equipment produces heat when used and requires gas to run. That combination can be deadly, and you should treat this machinery with caution. If left unattended or running on full power when unneeded, your power equipment could cause a serious blaze.
8 Ways to Avoid a Fire While Using Temporary Power Equipment
1. Store your temporary power equipment’s fuel wisely: outside the home or office, and in properly labeled containers away from direct sunlight or hot conditions.
2. Whenever possible, turn off your temporary power equipment and allow it to cool. This is especially important when refueling as fuel spilled on a hot surface could ignite.
3. It is best to use temporary power equipment for power tools and standalone appliances. But if you need to connect the system to your house wiring, ask an electrician to do so for you.
4. Check the condition of your temporary power equipment’s extension cables before using it. Damaged or frayed wiring could cause sparks and lead to a fire.
5. Never overload your outlets. Splitters allow you to plug in multiple pieces of equipment at once but in doing so can cause the outlet to become dangerously hot. The result: short circuits, blown fuses and fires.
6. If you suspect you are going to need to use temporary power equipment often, have smoke alarms and fire sprinklers installed, and check that they are in proper working order regularly.
7. Inform everyone in the area that you will be using temporary power equipment, and prepare the family for an escape plan in case of a fire.
8. Have your temporary power equipment maintained by a professional. You never know when you will need it, so keep your emergency equipment clean. Dirt, moisture buildup or general wear and tear can all cause your machinery to overheat when fired up suddenly.
Rent or Buy a Backup Power System in San Francisco
If you’d like to rent or buy emergency power equipment in San Francisco, turn to Allied Rental Co. Call 415-644-5792 to learn more.