Generator Safety 101

It's that time of year again: Hurricane Season.  Are you prepared for the power outages and lightning damage?  Cocoa Electric would like to remind you of a few safety precautions to consider when running your portable or whole home stand alone generator.  Give us a call at 321.507.6642 to install, setup, and maintain your generator, and provide you with whole home lightning protection.






This is the time when most homeowners worry about the damage of high winds, lightning, and power outages.  We can save ourselves a few headaches by the use of a home generator.  Think of all the spoiled groceries, enduring the humidity of 90 degree weather without an air conditioner, the children, sick, or elderly who need emergency first aide or medications.  In the aftermath of Wilma in 2005, it was estimated that power was out for a significant population for 2-3 weeks!

After purchasing your generator, you will require a licensed electrical contractor to wire and install. Having anyone other than a licensed electrician install or service your generator will most likely void your warranty, not to mention the safety issues associated. Generators need a transfer switch that can only be installed by a licensed electrician.  You absolutely MAY NOT plug the generator into your home’s outlets!  Should you run out of fuel, UNPLUG all appliances from the generator and let it cool down before refueling.

To avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning, it is essential that a location at least sixteen feet from the home, windows, and doors, be selected for installation.  It is also very wise to install and test existing CO monitors.  CO is an odorless, tasteless gas that will kill in minutes.  There have been scores of deaths associated with running a generator to close to an open window, or in the garage.

Summer on the Space Coast is a fun and enjoyable time.  Don't let a preventable power outage ruin your summer.  Call us today, we'll have your generator hooked up and running tomorrow! Cocoa Electric wants you to be safe!