150 Nardi Lane, Martinez, CA, United States of America, 94553

https://www.gotpower.com/

925-229-2700

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The Dangers of Operating a Generator Indoors


Operating a generator indoors can be deadly. Every year millions of people rely on portable generators when they lose access to power. Used safely, a portable generator delivers the power you need, when you need it most. Power outages are common during disasters, and they can last for several days.


How Generator CO Poisoning can be Avoided

Generating Power – Safely

Never use a portable generator inside your home, garage, crawlspace, shed or similar area. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Why is it Dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by burning any type of fuel/gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal. What makes this gas so dangerous is that when you breathe it in, it replaces the oxygen in your blood. Without oxygen, the cells throughout the body die and organs stop working. Breathe too much of it, and it becomes deadly within minutes.

Problems arise when cars, trucks or other engines are left running in enclosed spaces, such as garages or other enclosed areas. When fuel-burning appliances are not installed or used properly, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up inside houses and other buildings.

How to Properly Operate a Generator

Operating a generator indoors is never a safe idea. Exhaust from backup generators, both portable and stationary, contains a high level of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Position generators outdoors and well away from any structure. Keep generators positioned outside and at least 15 feet away from open windows so exhaust does not enter your home/business or a neighboring home/business.

Follow these steps and view the diagrams below to ensure you are properly operating your generator and avoiding contact with deadly CO:

1. Keep the generator dry. Operate your generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure and make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Do not use the generator in rainy or wet conditions.

2. Disconnect the power coming into your home/business. Before you operate your generator, disconnect your normal source of power. Otherwise, power from your generator could be sent back into the utility company lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.

3. Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Grounding generators can help prevent shocks and electrocutions. Refer to OSHA guidelines for grounding requirements for portable generators.

4. Plug equipment directly into the generator. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are in good working condition and have a wire gauge that can handle the electric load of any connected appliances.

5. DO NOT plug the generator into a wall outlet. NEVER try to power your house/business by plugging the generator into a wall outlet or the main electrical panel. Only a licensed electrician should connect a generator to a main electrical panel by installing the proper equipment according to local electrical codes. Make sure the electrician installs an approved automatic transfer switch so you can disconnect your home’s wiring from the utility system before you use the generator.

Finally…

  • Read and follow the operator’s manual closely before operating your generator.
  • Install CO detectors/alarms throughout your home to ensure you are aware of the presence of CO gas. You cannot see, smell or taste CO.

Check out this very helpful graphic, courtesy of the PGMA – Safety First – Carbon Monoxide Awareness

About

CD & Power is a certified Woman-Owned Business, with License #757162, A, C-10. We sell, rent, and maintain backup generators for government agencies, grocery stores, office buildings, hospitals, construction sites, special events, disaster relief, planned power outages, and more!

Our Mission is to be the Very Best Generator & Engine Service Company in all of Northern California, and Beyond!

At CD & Power our mission statement is a way of life. “We power your success through Innovation, Education and Inspiration”. The day-to-day operations and management of  CD & Power is headed by Lisa Carter who focuses her considerable effort on building a team of generator experts to offer generator sales, installation, service, repair, maintenance and parts for industrial users throughout Northern California.

How We Got Started

CD & Power was established in 1985 by Chuck Uischner, [who is best known as “The Big Tall Bald Guy”]. Chuck would fix all kinds of industrial engines and equipment during the day, and then do books at night. Back in those days, the generator and engine parts department consisted of a small desk and a shelf. Chuck expanded his generator and engine repair business by taking chances, and surrounding himself with motivated people.

In 2013 Chuck transitioned ownership to his daughter, Jill Collaro as President, and his son Donald Uischner as Vice President. Now in our 30th year, CD & Power continues to be a family-run operation with a close-knit network of employees. Under Jill’s able leadership the company earned certification from the State of California as a WBE or Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.

Give us the opportunity! You will enjoy a powerfully different service experience. Here are a couple reasons why:

  1. We will always have a person answer the phones during office hours. We believe it is impossible for a machine to understand your problem.
  2. We will remember that your problems are our business.
  3. We will be diligent in resolving your problem.
  4. We will take responsibility for our actions.
  5. We will continually train our personnel.
  6. We are always just a phone call away — Anytime, 24 hours a day.

Contact

Contact List

Title Name Email Phone Extension
Sales Manager Mike Sartorio msartorio@gotpower.com (925) 229-2700 126
Rentals Jerry Marion jerry@gotpower.com (925) 229-2700 111
Generator & Engine Service Ron Schrader ron@gotpower.com (925) 229-2700 108
Generator & Engine Parts Tom Dessenberger tom@gotpower.com (925) 229-2700 104

Location List

Locations Address State Country Zip Code
CD & Power 150 Nardi Lane, Martinez CA United States of America 94553

List of Locations