"Purchasing a Back-Up Generator for the Farm" Mitch Smith, County Extension Director Pitt County Extension Center Greenville, NC 27834

Feeling the effects of recent hurricanes has made Pitt County residents as well as farmers purchase gasoline-powered generators to run household appliances and perform farm- related tasks. Knowing how to use generators safely is important to protect life and property.

Dr. Robert McLymore, NCSU Safety Specialist, advises those using generators to be sure to operate them in well-ventilated, covered, unheated areas. Generators should not be operated in a basement, attached garage or other closed area. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas which can cause drowsiness, headache, disorientation and even death. When purchasing a portable generator, understand that they come in different sizes and have different features. Have a licensed electrician determine your power needs and match those with the power output of the generator you select.

The following are some practical options to include:

• An overhead valve engine for longer life and quieter operation.

• An automatic idle control to reduce noise and fuel consumption

• A large gas tank (A 5-10 gallon tank may last only five to ten hours.)

• A low oil shutdown feature to prevent engine damage.

• A wheel kit for easy transport. Generators larger than 3,000 watts can weigh more than 100 lbs.

It is also helpful to have a manual or an automatic switch to disconnect the generator form the home's main power lines. Without this, use the main switch on your electric service to cut the power to your home.

Generators are usually used to run plug-in appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and lights. Any appliance not permanently wired to the electrical system can be operated with polarized extension cords from the generator. Be aware that overloaded extension cords can cause fire.

If a generator is wired into a service box for running 240 volt or hard-wire appliances like furnaces or air conditioners, it is important to have a manual double through transfer switch on the service box or generator. The transfer switch prevents the generator from backfeeding electricity into the power lines and possibly causing costly injury or death or unsuspecting utility workers trying to restore power. The switch also prevents costly damage to your generator when power is restored. A licensed electrician should install this switch.

Finally, remember fire safety in refueling and storing generators. Let the generator engine cool for at least two minutes before refueling to prevent fire. Fill tanks 1 inch from the top to prevent fuel from spilling. Store generators in a safe place to prevent large fuel tanks from catching fire. Gasoline for running generators should be stored where it will not get contaminated with water, resulting in poor performance.

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.