Things to note when using generators in the home |=> Posted in Bac Giang newspaper

(BGDT)- In the first few hot days of June, together with the electricity industry to overcome difficulties, many families have proactively equipped themselves with generators for daily life, protecting the health of children and families... How to use generators economically and safely is a matter of concern for many people.

The Association for Consumer Rights Protection (ACR) of Bac Giang province has received many requests for advice on generators in recent days. In Tan Yen, many families buy gasoline generators, some buy diesel generators for daily life, ice cream and ice cream business, and poultry hatching. From being very secure when using grid electricity, now having to take care of electricity through generators also causes many problems... So how to choose a safe generator?

Bắc Giang, Những điểm, cần lưu ý, sử dụng, máy phát điện, gia đình

Illustration photo.

Choose the right generator capacity

First of all, you need to determine the total capacity of the electrical appliances consumed in the house to choose a generator with the same capacity or slightly larger to avoid overloading the machine, which can easily cause fire or explosion. But it should not be too much larger, causing waste.

The amount of electricity consumed will be calculated according to the number of amps or watts written on the light bulb or the labels on the appliances and equipment. From there, we will choose the machine with the most suitable capacity. According to basic calculations, if a family only uses lights, fans, and televisions, they should buy a machine with a capacity of 1.2 kW - 1.6 kW, and if they also use a refrigerator, they should use a machine with a capacity of 2.2 kW - 2.8 kW. When using an air conditioner, they need to be equipped with a machine with a large capacity of 3 kW or more. If you cannot determine the amount of electricity consumed by each device, ask an electrician.

Choose old or new generator?

New machines are of course better than old ones, especially new machines that apply new technology. Machines that use recoil or starter are also popular choices. Families with people who know about electricity can easily choose, but families with little knowledge about electricity, families with women and children should try to use new machines with starter... With generators, you should buy genuine, safe, and have a clear origin.

Should I choose gasoline or diesel?

Buying a gasoline or diesel generator is also a concern of many consumers. Gasoline generators use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, which is gasoline. The advantages are low noise, easy starting, smaller and more compact machines, and low cost (a machine with a capacity of about 5kW costs about 5 million VND). Gasoline generators have the disadvantage of consuming more fuel than diesel generators. Because gasoline is more corrosive, the machine needs regular care and maintenance. Gasoline is more flammable, so attention is needed... Diesel generators do not use spark plugs, so they break down less often. The engine is more powerful and has a longer life, and does not break down often.

However, the diesel engine is larger and more cumbersome; when in use, it makes more noise. New diesel engines have been started by a starter so they are also lighter. The starter is expensive, currently a 5kW diesel engine on the market costs from 15-20 million VND.

Generator location

Choosing the right location to place the generator is also an important step in the process of using the generator to maximize safety when using the machine. So what is the right location to place the machine?

Do not place the machine in a place that is open to the house or window because when operating, the machine will emit CO gas. CO gas reacts with iron in red blood cells, causing red blood cells to not receive oxygen, causing difficulty breathing, suffocation, and in mild cases, unconsciousness, and in severe cases, it can lead to death.

Place the generator in a dry, cool, covered place with no obstacles around the generator to ensure electrical safety as well as safety for people around during operation. Do not place the generator in the basement, under the floor, garage, etc.

How to connect external devices to the generator

Never reverse charge the generator by plugging it into a household outlet as this will turn the generator into a transformer and result in electric shock. If you frequently use a generator, you should install an automatic transfer switch (ATS) or a circuit breaker to avoid being “shocked” when the grid power suddenly returns.

Operation and use of generators

Follow the generator operating procedure, if done wrong it can easily damage the machine.

Do not use the machine beyond its capacity, but only use 80% of the machine's rated capacity. Follow the manufacturer's requirements for oil changes, machine operation and rest times.

Comply with the recommendations of the Electricity industry on the safe use of generators in the home as follows: Do not use generators indoors and in enclosed areas; do not operate generators in the rain and be extremely careful in humid, wet weather; do not connect the generator directly to a wall outlet; pay attention to storing and ensuring the safety of generator fuel; should buy genuine generators with clear origin.

Truong Duc Nhan, Provincial Association for Protection of Consumer Rights

Many ways to cope with power shortages

(BGDT) - Due to the severe heat, the electricity consumption of people and businesses in the province has increased sharply. In response to this situation, from June 6, Bac Giang province has adjusted the electricity supply plan to prioritize production during the day and daily life at night. Grasping this spirit, people and businesses have had many ways to respond.

Bac Giang, Points to note when using a generator for home use

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