Power outages are not only frustrating; they can devastate your life, compromise your safety, and even result in financial loss. A gas generator can be your savior here. But that is not enough—you have to store its fuel safely and securely too.
Poor fuel storage will render your gas generator unavailable at the moment when you need it most, bring about dangerous safety risks, and even be harmful to the environment. How can you safely and effectively store fuel for your gas generator, however? Let us explore the significant aspects of safe fuel storage.
Why Is Safe Fuel Storage Necessary?
What are the hazards associated with poor fuel storage?
Gasoline is highly combustible and volatile, and improper storage is a very serious risk. The high risks are:
Fire Risk: Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. Gasoline stored near heat, fire, or sparks can lead to disastrous accidents.
Fuel Degradation: Gasoline may begin degrading as soon as 30 days. Deteriorated fuel will lead to engine problems, thus your generator will be harder to start and operate smoothly.
Health and Environmental Hazards: Leaks and spills can penetrate into soil and groundwater and lead to extremely severe environmental harm. Gasoline vapors are also bound to create respiratory hazards in the event that they are kept under unsuitable conditions in an enclosed area.
Given that, you can store the fuel appropriately and extend its lifespan.
What Type of Fuel Does Your Generator Use?
Gasoline and Storage Issues
Most gas generators use unleaded gasoline, which is convenient but short-lived. Gasoline, in contrast to propane, spoils the instant that it is exposed to air, water, and heat. Storage is thus completely necessary to keeping it in its optimal condition and to keeping your generator in its optimal operating condition.
What are the Best Fuel Storage Containers?
Why Should You Use Approved Fuel Containers?
Not every container can be used to store fuel. You must use the right one. These are the things you should know:
Use Only Approved Containers: Gasoline should be stored in only high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic or metal containers, which are specifically designed to store fuel.
Look for Safety Features: These approved containers often have pressure-relieving vents, child-resistant closures, and tight-fitting closures that minimize spillage and evaporation.
Label Containers Correctly: Label all containers with fuel type and storage date to track its validity.
Don't Overfill: Leave the container 5% vacant for fuel expansion in case there are temperature fluctuations.
Where Do You Store Your Fuel?
Choosing the Best Storage Location
Improper storage of gasoline will result in severe safety risks. Here's how you select the best location:
Store in Dry, Cool, Ventilated Place: Sun and heat speed fuel deterioration. Separation garage or shed is preferable.
Away from Causes of Fire: Never store it near pilot lights, electrical devices, or fire.
OBEY LOCAL LEGISLATION: It is illegal for most cities to store more gasoline in homes than 25 gallons of 5-gallon cans or less.
Use a Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet: If fuel in bulk is being stored, a fire-resistant storage cabinet offers an added layer of protection.
How to Refuel and Handle Safely?
Simple Safety Steps for Handling Fuel
Improper handling of fuel can lead to spills, risk of fire, and harm to individuals. Avoid the following and adhere to these precautions:
Switch off the Generator before Refueling: Let the engine cool down fully to prevent igniting fuel vapors' sparks.
No Smoking or Open Flames: Remove all ignition sources present around the refilling area of the fuel.
Utilize a Spout or Pouring Funnel: It helps to avoid spills and overflow.
Utilize Safety Equipment: Goggles and gloves protect your skin and eyes from fuel from coming into contact.
Lock Caps When Completed: Stop fuel evaporation and leaks by closing all caps tightly.
How do you find the best stored fuel shelf life?
Fuel stabilizers
Gasoline degrades with time, but the process can be slowed down with the assistance of a fuel stabilizer. Here is how:
Add a Fuel Stabilizer When Purchasing Gasoline: This oxidizes and stores fuel for two years.·
Use Recommended Brands: Sta-Bil, Star Tron, and Briggs & Stratton Fuel Stabilizer are excellent recommended stabilizers.
Use Proper Mixing Ratios: Always follow the manufacturer's suggestion for the correct ratio of stabilizer to mix.
Rotating Stored Fuel to Keep it Fresh
Implement the first-in, first-out (FIFO) system in order to have your gasoline as fresh as possible at all times. Here's why:
Use Older Fuel First: Whenever you receive new gasoline, consume the older stored gasoline first before supplementing with new stock.
Do Not Mix New and Old Gasoline: Blending various-aged fuels reduces performance.
Replace Fuel Every 6 to 12 Months: Whether stabilized or not, stored gas needs to be replaced.
What If Your Fuel Spoils?
How to Know if Your Fuel is Spoiled
Spoiled gasoline can have the following attributes:
Discoloration: New gas is clear or light yellow, but spoiled fuel is dark or cloudy.
Unusual Odor: Spoiled fuel contains a sour or varnish odor.
Separation or Sediment: Water contamination or layering renders fuel unusable.
Safe Disposal of Used Fuel
Do not dispose of used fuel down the drain, on the ground, or in the trash. Instead:
Check Local Disposal Laws: Hazardous waste disposal centers are found in some communities for proper fuel disposal.
Use a Fuel Recycling Service: Used gas will be collected by car repair shops and recycling centers for disposal.
Why You Should Invest in a Quality Gas Generator?
Choosing the Right Generator for Your Need
A quality gas generator assures you with power when you need it most. PowerSmart gas generators offer:
Reliability and Performance: Built to withstand tough use and extended life.
Easy-to-Use Features: Easy start features and protection features such as low-oil shutdown and overload protection.
Flexible Power Solutions: Home backup or off-grid use, PowerSmart has a solution for you.
Are You Ready for the Next Power Outage?
Accurate fuel storage is the key to having your generator ready to go when the next blackout hits. By adopting best practices in container choice, storage location, safe handling and storage, and fuel upkeep, you can have it running at its highest level when the lights flicker out. Don't wait for the next power outage—start these fuel storage habits today for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
