When severe weather and heavy rains arrive, power outages often follow. Rising waters can be problematic for businesses and facilities that need to operate a temporary, mobile generator to provide power during a utility outage. These power systems are typically mounted on trailers and located outdoors in the elements, with large power cables strung on the ground from the generator to the building connection point. Here are a few safety tips to consider when operating a commercial rental generator during storms or potential flooding situations.
Before Rising Waters – In the event that a mobile generator is operating in an area that has potential for rising water, the generator should be shut down before the danger of flooding becomes a high risk. If water has the potential of rising to a point that it could submerge more than the bottom of the tires, the equipment should be moved to higher ground.
Submerged Cabling – Generator cables that become submerged underwater are dangerous and can result in electrocution. All cabling should be routed in a manner that keeps it out of standing water.
Equipment Grounding – As always, a trailer-mounted rental generator being used as a primary power source should be properly grounded. This is typically done by driving a ground rod near the generator and connecting it to the ground lugs on the generator connection panel.
If you have any questions about rental generator safety, one of our Power Rental Representatives can provide additional information as well as guidance on generator sizing, cable connections, and power distribution.
Related Topic: Understanding Power Distribution for Rental Generators
Clifford Power is an authorized Generac® industrial power dealer.