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As most people know, power outages are relatively common; almost everyone will experience more than one at some time in their lives. That is why it is so important for homeowners to have backup power in the form of reliable generators. Power outages during disasters may even last for days, leaving you at the mercy of the elements without a generator. This can create a problem for anyone—at homes, businesses, emergency facilities, and beyond. However, it’s not always as simple as installing a backup generator and moving on. There are rules and regulations that must be followed.

Installation and Safety

All generators come with manuals. These carry essential information for the proper, safe, legal use and maintenance of your generator. The best option is to both read this information, as well as have your generator installed by a professional. A professional knows not only proper installation, but can help you determine the best size, power, and model for your home and location, as well as help you learn to operate the generator.

There are many potential hazards when a generator is not used properly. Fire, electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more are all generator-related dangers. Most current generators are built to satisfy EPA emission regulations, but it is always better to check before you purchase and install. Any generator will also have to be properly grounded when it is installed. It needs to be placed at a safe distance from your home, usually 15 feet away from the building.

Cities and neighborhoods often have noise regulations which must be considered, too. Many current residential backup generators are made to produce less noise without sacrificing power. When you purchase, make sure you’re aware of your neighborhood’s noise rules, if relevant. Generators also offer varying levels of power to your home, 

enough to run some appliances, or your entire home. However, just because a generator is built to be a residential backup doesn’t mean that it is suited to your home’s connections.

For more information on any federal regulations for emergency power, visit epa.gov. Be sure to check for any local city or neighborhood ordinances, too. You can also bring your generator-related questions about brands and details of models to us at Nationwide Generators.