As cyclone season approaches in Far North Queensland, the risk of power outages becomes a reality for many households and businesses. Owning a generator can be a game changer, but to ensure it works when you need it most, proper maintenance and safe operation are essential. Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering everything from choosing the right generator, maintaining it, to using it safely during a cyclone or power outage.
Why You Need a Generator
Generators provide backup power when the grid goes down, especially during cyclones or severe weather events. However, small engines are designed to run regularly. Generators that sit unused for long periods may develop issues. Proper maintenance and regular use ensure they are ready to go when you need them most.
Key Maintenance Tips for Your Generator
Check Your Fuel - In Far North Queensland’s tropical climate, fuel degrades quickly. Fuel stored in jerry cans can begin to go off after 30 days, leading to poor performance or engine blockages. Always ensure you’re using fresh fuel from the pump. For extended fuel storage, consider using a fuel stabilizer, which can significantly slow fuel degradation, keeping it fresh for longer. To learn more about fuel degradation and how it impacts your generator, read our blog post Understanding Fuel Degradation.
Run Your Generator Monthly - To keep your generator in good working order, run it for 10-15 minutes on the first of every month with an electrical appliance plugged in. This not only exercises the engine but also allows you to spot any issues before cyclone season begins. Using fresh fuel, and rotating stored fuel, will prevent stale fuel from causing problems.
Schedule an Annual Service - If your generator is only used for emergencies, it’s recommended to have it serviced once a year. Regular servicing helps prevent seals from drying out, burns off accumulated moisture, and keeps internal components lubricated. This is especially important in humid environments like Far North Queensland, where carburetor clogging from degraded fuel can lead to costly repairs.
Proper Ventilation and Safe Placement - When operating your generator, always place it at least 7 meters away from your home, keeping it away from windows, doors, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Ensure at least 1 meter of clear space around the generator to allow proper ventilation. Never use a generator in enclosed spaces like garages or sheds—CO poisoning can occur within minutes and be fatal. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and tiredness. For added safety, consider using a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector when running a generator near your home.
Use the Right Power Cords - Always use grounded extension cords when connecting appliances to the generator. Inspect cords for damage before each use and ensure they are rated for the wattage you’ll be drawing. Overloading cords can result in overheating or electrical fires, so make sure you’re using cords suitable for the load.
Start and Stop the Generator Safely - Always start and stop your generator when no electrical loads are connected. This prevents sudden surges that can damage both the generator and your appliances. Once the generator is running, plug in your appliances one at a time, avoiding overloading the system.
Safe Installation: Generator Changeover Switches
If you want to connect your generator directly to your home’s electrical system, it’s essential to have a qualified electrician install a generator changeover switch into your switchboard. This switch allows you to safely power essential circuits in your home without the risk of back-feeding electricity into the grid, which could endanger utility workers.
Ensure your generator is designed for this setup—it should have a reset button rather than a safety switch. If you already have a changeover switch, test it before the cyclone season to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Avoid Overloading Your Generator
Each generator has a maximum wattage capacity. Running too many appliances or exceeding the generator’s limit can cause damage, reduce its lifespan, and pose fire risks. Consult your generator’s owner manual to determine the wattage limits, and plan your usage accordingly to avoid overloading.
Buying a New Generator?
If you’ve purchased a new generator, avoid using it until necessary. Keep it stored safely in its box and don’t add fuel or oil until you need to use it. Once fuel is added, the generator enters a maintenance cycle, requiring regular use and servicing to ensure its reliability.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Before cyclone season begins, inspect your generator for wear and damage, particularly the cords, fuel lines, and engine components. Regular maintenance helps ensure safe operation and prevents expensive repairs down the line.
Always Read the Owner’s Manual
Your generator’s owner manual is your best source of information for safe operation and maintenance schedules. It will provide detailed guidance on how to run your generator, specific wattage capacities, and the manufacturer’s safety recommendations. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these instructions before the cyclone season.
Summary of Safe Generator Operation
Never use a generator indoors – keep it at least 7 meters from your home and away from doors and windows.
Ensure proper ventilation – have 1 meter of clear space around the generator.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – always direct exhaust away from your home, and consider using a CO detector for extra safety.
Use grounded cords and inspect them for damage before each use.
Start and stop safely – never connect or disconnect electrical loads while the generator is running.
Don’t overload the generator – check the wattage capacity and stay within safe limits.
Use a qualified electrician to install a generator changeover switch if connecting to your home’s switchboard.
Test your changeover switch before cyclone season starts.
Read the owner’s manual to follow specific instructions for your generator.
Learn More
To learn more about maintaining your generator or to get expert advice on fuel degradation, visit our blog post Understanding Fuel Degradation at Freshwater Small Engines. We offer servicing and support to keep your equipment in top condition and ready to use when the next cyclone hits.
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only extend the life of your generator but also ensure that it’s safe and reliable when you need it most. Remember, proper preparation and safe operation are key to getting through cyclone season safely.
Stay safe, stay prepared.
The Team,
Freshwater Small Engines.
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