Generator Safety

The last thing I want to be positive I talk about is the precautions one should take while operating any generator, but specifically, this one since this particular generator is what we’re talking about here. Firstly, since fuel of some sort is used in this generator, it does release harmful fuel combustion byproducts.

By far the most dangerous, deadly even, byproduct it gives off is Carbon Monoxide. You have to remember that Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it undetectable to anyone who is in close proximity to the running generator. This is why it is extremely important to NEVER, ever run this generator indoors, or any place that does not have, or is even just absent in much ventilation or closed windows or doors.

The implementation of a fan or placing the generator by an open window or door is not enough of an extra measure to safely use it. Carbon Monoxide can build up very slowly, allowing you to gradually poison yourself and others over a span of hours without even knowing it, which can lead to death.

Secondly, the warning of fire danger is a very valid concern when operating this and any other generator. When functioning, this generator can release gasoline vapors into the air.

To be sure your taking every safety precaution available to you to prevent a fire when using this generator, go by the following steps:

1.) Set the generator on a flat and firm surface. Make sure that the device is stable before turning it on, so as to prevent any fluid or gas from getting out because the fuel tank was not balanced straight.

2.) If you are needing to refuel, you MUST wait until after the generator has cooled down. The best way to get this done is to turn off the generator and wait for at least a few minutes before beginning to refuel it. Also, try your best to loosen the cap of the fuel tank as slowly as possible. This approach will let any vapors be slowly and safely released into the atmosphere.

3.) Watch the amount of fuel that you are pouring into the gas tank. It is very important. NEVER overfill the tank. All you have to do is always take your time pouring it in, and always take notice of the overload indicator light that is on the control panel. It is there for this reason. Overfilling the tank with gas leaves no air pockets for the toxic vapors to escape. This fast build-up of pressure inside of the tank may lead to an explosion.

4.) At the very least, this neglectfulness could cause some gasoline to be spilled, which is a big fire risk. You can never be too careful. Be sure that you check around the WEN generator to confirm if any of the gasoline has been spilled when you are refilling the fuel tank. After checking this (twice, maybe three times over), you can safely start your WEN generator.

5.) ALWAYS, always empty the fuel tank before transporting the WEN generator anywhere, for the same reasons listed above. This rule also applies to storing of the generator. Just when you’re about to say to yourself, “I’m tired, I’ll do it later” before emptying it out and going back to your other activities, think about one of the possibilities. You could cause your house to be set on fire and/or neighbors’ home, among other disasters.

6.) Never smoke or let anyone smoke near the WEN generator and never, ever operate the WEN generator next to any kind of open flame.

Another big risk involved with wrongly using the WEN generator is getting electrocuted. To prevent this from ever happening, the WEN generator should always be directly connected to an electrical source whenever possible. If not, you should use an extension cord.

Do not ever just connect the WEN generator to a building’s electrical system unless you are a trained electrician or you can consult one first. If you are in an area that happens to be highly conductive, you have to use a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI. Certain extension cords already come with a GFCI installed.

Rainy weather is not the most suitable for using generators in. It strongly increases the risk of someone being shocked or electrocuted. On this point, no one should ever touch naked wires, outlets, or receptacles.

Proper Disposal of Oils/Gasoline

This may not directly have to do with how awesome this generator is, but it is a very important factor of using any oil/gas powered generator, that needs to be talked about more often.

After running generators or doing something that involves an oil of some sort, like changing your car’s oil, most people tend to just go back inside and pour the remaining oil down the drain, into the sewer. just throw it to the ground, or into a body of water. This is hugely harmful to the environment and is not the correct way to dispose of any oil or gasoline, not to mention it is illegal. You can be charged a fine or criminal penalty of some kind for disposing of it this way.

As long as your leftover gasoline is in good condition and is not for a two-stroke cycle engine, it can be poured into the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered truck or car. If the gasoline has deteriorated or has been polluted in some way, look up your local fire department, recycling center, or hazardous waste disposal center to ask them how to dispose of it or have them dispose of it for you. This may cost a fee, but it is well worth it to protect the earth we call home and not get any tickets or fines.

Last, but definitely not the least, potentially getting burned is, of course, a possible risk involved in the operation of any generator. Anytime the WEN generator is in use, there is heat being produced from the combustion of the fuel. Fortunately, WEN put safety labels all around their generator on the spots most apt to gain heat. Be mindful of these labels and do not touch near these areas on the generator or you will get SEVERELY burned.

I hate to have to insult your intelligence by saying this, but I feel it should be said. Only qualified, adult people, who are experienced in the use of generators should operate them. Children should never be left unsupervised with one and they should be taught all of the dangers associated with the touching, moving, and powering of said generator.