During a disaster, power interruption is quite common. Therefore, some families and businesses often resort to emergency generators to help them begin their day as if nothing happens. Even during outdoor bondings, specially campings and boondocking, electricity is pretty essential. Hence, most people install a generator in their RV to ensure that there would be no interference during the enjoyment.
Indeed, this device is a lifesaver, but you have to remember that this comes with safety precautions. You may also ask for help from qualified vendors or professional electricians. They can also share their knowledge about basic electrical safety, how to avoid electrical hazards, and help you determine what kind of generator will suit your needs. To help you plot out the necessary safety reminders, keep reading until the end.
Safety Reminders When Using RV Generator
YOU SHOULD AVOID USING THE RV GENERATOR WHEN IT IS WET
Like any other electrical equipment, do not operate the generator when it is wet. It might cause a lot of damage to you and, even worse, death. Indeed, we don’t know when the power interruption occurs, but when you plan to go out or have outdoor bonding with your friends and families, it would be better to put the generator in a dry area, where it is not prone to get wet. Otherwise, you might not want the aftermath of this if this will be left unaddressed.
Hence, it would be best if you used it on a dry surface. Ensure that your hands are dry and not in a rainy season before touching or using an RV generator. This way will not only keep you safe from any damages and worse scenarios, but it will also make your outdoor enjoyment a success.
ENSURE THAT YOUR RV GENERATOR IS GROUNDED PROPERLY
As an RV owner, once you decided to add a generator, you should be aware that this piece of equipment has the same hazards as the other utility-supplied electricity. Don’t be too overconfident about using it as it might cost you a lot of damages. RV generators also share the same hazards or more than that, considering most generator users sometimes bypass the so-called safety devices. One of the examples is the circuit breakers, which are well-secured into its electrical system.
To help you prevent this, you should ensure that your generator is properly grounded. This way can prevent shocks and electrocutions. Another thing, don’t attach the RV generator to the electrical system of a particular structure, regardless if it’s in your RV or to your home. Again, it would be best if you acknowledged this one. Otherwise, it will create a significant risk of electrocution for your utility workers if you hired one or yourself alone.
PREPARE AN EXTRA GASOLINE AND STORE IT IN A SAFE PLACE
Before you finally left home, you should know the capacity of your generator or its rate of fuel consumption. It would be a great help to consider how much fuel you can store and how long it would last. Store it in a safe, calm, well-ventilated, and dry place or anywhere that is away from the heat. If you are not sure about this matter, it would also be best to ask for help from your supplier to make sure that everything is well-settled.
Hence, during campings or boondocking, you need to store extra gasoline for your RV generator to avoid any other unprecedented complications amidst enjoyment. This way will not only be left you in the darkness, but it will also add happiness to your outdoor bonding by the power it produces. Overall, preparing extra gasoline for your RV generator is a must to add to your safety precautions list.
WATCH CAREFULLY YOUR RV GENERATORS
As an RV owner, it is also your responsibility to observe every piece of electrical equipment you have added to your home-on-wheels, such as your generator. There may be times that this device occurs exhaust leaks, which is quite a common cause of carbon monoxide. Hence, to prevent this, it would be a great help if you regularly check the generator’s exhaust system before using it. Also, put the generator away from the camping area and downwind your RV, only if you use a portable generator.
More so, if you hear unusual noise from your RV generator or have already noticed the damage, it would be better not to use it anymore. On the other hand, do not be too complacent about using it repeatedly, even if you previously know its complications. Lastly, if you are not feeling well amidst the camping, it is recommended to step outside for fresh air. Though you might think it is comfortable lying inside the comfort of your RV, you have to remember that you might be well-exposed to such carbon monoxide that might worsen your sickness.
ASK HELP FROM PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN
There will always be a time when you are unsure of everything, especially in operating your RV generator successfully. Even if you are already repeatedly watching videos on youtube on how to safely using it or referring to the guidelines provided by the manufacturers, it is still not enough. Hence, if you can relate to this one, it is about asking assistance from a professional electrician, especially when you are not into connecting electrical wirings.
Undeniably, hiring an expert would cost you more money than doing it by yourself. But you have to remember that adding an expense would be nothing compared to the damages that might cause. Every mistake you made counts for injuries, money, wasted effort, or even death. Thus, to ensure your RV’s safe and successful operation, you have to be a practical and wise thinker by asking for help from the professional.
Conclusion
Above all, having an RV generator not only means ensuring comfort inside your vehicle. It is also about knowing the do’s and don’ts or safety precautions that always come together after the purchase. If you own an RV generator or are about to buy one, it is never too late to take precautionary measures before you leave for a long drive or having an outdoor togetherness. Lastly, you have to keep in mind that prevention is better than cure.