Generators are fantastic pieces of equipment that many get as an essential backup power source should their own electricity go out due to an outage or natural disaster. Modern generators are known for being affordable and easy to use, yet there are risks with operating
liquid cooled generators. Even the best generator can be dangerous for those who aren't acquainted with them, as issues like carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shocks have occurred with these machines. The best way to ensure you don't fall victim to an injury or property damage is to choose a generator with the following three safety features.
1. An Automatic Shutdown Mechanism
An automatic shutdown mechanic works in the background to monitor the generator's performance and trigger an immediate shutdown should the system detect any issues or irregularities. This single safety feature can help prevent issues caused by things like low oil pressure, an excessive electrical load, or high engine temperature.
2. A Carbon Monoxide Detector
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators being operated in too enclosed an area leads to about 100 deaths in the United States each year. That is way too many preventable deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors serve as secondary automatic shutdown features that will automatically stop liquid cooled generators should elevated CO2 levels be detected.
3. A Transfer Switch
Cummins and other generator manufacturers design transfer switches to prevent electricity from traveling in the wrong direction. This is also known as back feeding and can occur when electricity is turned back on following an outage, leading a generator to feed electricity back into the power lines. This endangers utility workers and a home's utility lines and plugged-in devices. The transfer switch works to ensure that the generator is only powering designated home circuits and that it will automatically disconnect from the grid whenever it is turned back on.
Home liquid cooled generators are perfectly safe when they are outfitted with the correct safety measures and and owners follow all the instructions like ensuring fumes are being properly ventilated to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. To learn more about liquid cooling generators, contact our team at A&A Power Generators today. We're happy to answer all your questions!