Many people think of generators as just another home appliance. The refrigerator is safe, so is the TV. The new generator must be safe too, but generators are different animals.

Portable generators are combination of internal combustion engines and alternators. An alternator is the electricity-generating unit that will work if provided with rotation. The internal combustion engine provides the rotation to the alternator.

There are several things you need to consider before buying a generator. The size of the generator is in KVA (Kilo Volt Amperes). You have to first identify the vital load you want to run on the generator. You can do so by making a list of the equipments and appliances that need to be powered through the generator, and take that list to the dealer. If your load is low then there is no need to buy a higher rating generator.

The output voltage and number of phases are also important parameters on which the selection is made. Normally the household requirement is single phase, 220V generator. In addition to these, the running cost also has an impact on the selection, whether you want a generator to run on diesel or natural gas.

Irrespective of their type, Portable generators can be dangerous if used inappropriately. The major hazards associated with the generators are electric shocks, poisonous exhaust, fires and burns, and noise. It is, therefore important to execute safe operation of these generators. Remember, safety comes first.

The first step to safety is not to play with electric connections. The modifications in the electrical circuit and the installation must only be performed by a qualified electrician. Grounding the body of the generator is mandatory. Never touch the generator when you are bare footed.

Ensure that all wiring is safe and the conditions are good. Always use good quality wiring. It's not an intelligent decision to save a few pennies by inducing the risk of electric fire and shock. Make periodic inspection of wiring and if it is damaged, then ask an electrician to make necessary repairs prior to the generator operation. If any ambiguity like sound variation or voltage fluctuation is obtained then stop the machine and get it inspected by a professional. Never open the machine yourself.

Never overload the generator. It is recommended to install an appropriate rating fuse in the generator circuit. Ask your electrician.

Use a proper size double throw switch. Double throw switch has two intake options and the best part is that both the circuits - utility and the portable generator circuits are segregated with its use.

This switch will eliminate any possibility of connecting the standby power with the utility network, called back feeding. Consider you do not use this switch and directly plug the generator into the wall socket; then this will induce the risk of electrocution to the electric utility worker who would be performing the maintenance activity.

Put the generator in the clean, dry and open area. Never place the generator inside a room or closed space, because it emits an exhaust due to fuel burning. The poisonous exhaust must be emitted directly into the atmosphere. Do not run the generator inside a room, or in a garage even if the doors and windows are open or ventilation is provided by a fan. Install the generator outdoors under a shed as direct sunlight can overheat it. Outdoor installation also reduces noise level inside the house.

Take necessary precautions in handling and storage of fuel for the generator. Do not store fuel near a burning appliance or heat producer. A word of caution, never refill your generator when it is on and warm. Firstly, turn it off and give some time to cool it down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

An extra precaution is required when operating a generator in wet conditions such as rain. In such circumstances, try to protect generator from moisture. If your hands are wet, then dry them first before touching the generator. In any case, it must be operated outdoors.

Finally, use a proper procedure to start and stop the generator. This will ensure the safety of both the machine and the person operating it.

When the utility power is interrupted, switch off all the electrical appliances and gadgets. First start the generator and then position the double throw switch to take power from the generator. Don't turn on the load until the output voltage of the generator is 220V. This can be checked by the voltmeter (The instrument used to measure voltage).

After assurance of the output voltage, the load can be switched on. Note that only essential load (the load for which generator is purchased) should be switched on, else the generator will be overloaded.

When the utility power is restored, turn off your stand-by generator and put the double throw switch to its original position i.e. utility power.