Can refuel while the generator is running?

Adding gasoline to a hot engine poses significant dangers. For safety reasons, turn off the generator and allow it to cool completely before refueling.

September 15, 2023
BY BISON

When the power goes out, you can save the day using your reliable generator and restoring your family to relative comfort at home. After a few hours, you realize that you should probably add more fuel so the electronics don’t get damaged when the generator starts to starve.

Since everyone’s at the dinner table watching a movie or playing a game, you don’t want to plunge them back into stone-age darkness when you add more gas to the tank. You unscrew the generator cover, grab a 30lb modern red gas can fumble with the safety mechanism, put too much torque on the nozzle as you start pouring, and realize gas is leaking into the scalding hot exhaust in the air.

Yes, you just made a critical error of judgment that could result in generator damage, burns, explosions, or worse.

BISON generator manufacturers in China recommend that you: Do not attempt to refuel the unit while it’s operating or still warm. Wait for the generator and engine to completely cool down before you introduce more fuel. Ensure that you don’t store the generator with power in its tank in an area where gasoline fumes could potentially contact an open fire, spark, or pilot light. Smoking near the fuel or the generator is strongly discouraged.

can you refuel a portable generator while it’s running?

BISON portable generators, despite their compact and lightweight design, pose significant risks if not handled correctly. One such danger is refueling the generator while it’s still running.

location of the fuel tank in the generator

The gas tank in most portable generators is situated at the top of the unit. This setup allows for gravity feeding in many models, where gasoline naturally flows “downhill” through the fuel line into the carburetor bowl. Some variants also have a diaphragm fuel pump that operates on positive and negative crankcase pressures. Regardless of the model, the exhaust is usually located below or adjacent to the gas tank.

why refueling a running generator is dangerous

Gasoline is a flammable liquid and can easily ignite if it comes into contact with a hot engine.
A fire or explosion could result in serious injury or death.
Even if there is no fire, spilled gasoline can cause burns or other injuries.

The exhaust of a running generator becomes extremely hot. Touching it even after a minute of operation can cause severe burns. The real danger, however, isn’t direct contact with the exhaust but the risk of splashing gasoline onto it while refueling.

Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid that can easily ignite upon contact with a hot engine. Exhaust pipes typically reach temperatures between 600 and 1,000 degrees F. Gasoline, on the other hand, has an auto-ignition temperature of 536°F. This means if gasoline spills onto a hot exhaust pipe, a fire is almost guaranteed.

Such fires could trail back to the gas tank you’re leaning over, run down your legs from the leaking gas, or simply start a fire around the generator.

Even if you manage to avoid spilling gasoline, its vapors present another hazard. These vapors can cause explosions when they come into contact with ignition sources like hot carbon particles flying out of the exhaust or flames shooting out due to excess uncombusted fuel.

While these incidents may be rare, they cannot be dismissed as inconsequential. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise utmost caution when handling portable generators, especially during refueling.

Do you have to turn off the generator to refuel?

It’s crucial to power off your generator and let it cool down before refueling to avoid risks of fire or explosion. When dealing with gasoline generators, ensure they are switched off and fully cooled before attempting the refueling process. A brief fifteen-minute power outage is far less consequential than a gasoline fire that could potentially be fatal.

Remember to never attempt to refuel your generator while it’s operating, as this can lead to burns from spilled gasoline. With liquid gasoline’s auto-ignition temperature being 536 degrees Fahrenheit, spilling fuel on a hot exhaust could ignite a fire.

Always refuel your generator in an area with ample ventilation to safeguard nearby areas from potential fires. Furthermore, maintain a safe distance from the machine for a few hours after refueling, otherwise, you risk igniting the engine during the refueling process.

how long to let a generator cool before refueling

Refueling a generator while it’s operational is not advisable due to the risk of igniting a fire. This is because the engine’s high temperature can easily set the gasoline on fire, and accidental spillage could potentially cause an explosion. The correct procedure is to switch off the generator and let it cool down completely before refueling and using it again.

Although power outages rarely last more than 15 minutes, the dangers of an explosion or fire are serious and should not be overlooked.

When it comes to refueling your generator, the most effective method is to position it in the bed of your truck. For safety, ensure that the fuel tank is secured with either bungee cords or a box and is standing upright. Be mindful of the height for easy accessibility.

To prevent the fuel from clogging and causing other issues in your generator, consider adding a fuel stabilizer. This substance stops the fuel from degrading and sticking to the generator’s internal components. The process is straightforward and should be detailed in your owner’s manual.

Can it be moved while the generator is running?

If the generator has been used, wait twenty minutes before transferring it. Use the handles on the machine and hold it upright, as turning over the device could cause serious injury in addition to spilling gasoline on the ground.

Can the engine oil be checked while the generator is running?

For long-running generators, the oil needs to be checked every 12 hours. Remove the cover and take the alternator out of the case. On the side of the generator is a circuit breaker that looks like a home circuit breaker. Unplug it. However, the lights and loads will go out, but the generator will continue to run.

What are the steps to refueling a generator safely?

Firstly, ensure that the generator is switched off: Prior to adding fuel, it’s essential that the generator is not only turned off but also completely cooled down for around 15-20 minutes to mitigate any chances of a fire or an explosion.

Identify the fuel tank: Typically, the fuel tank can be found either on the top or side of the generator. It might be concealed with a cap or door, which needs to be opened to reach the tank.
Uncover the fuel tank: Having found the fuel tank, utilize the key or handle to unlock it.
filling fuel: Pour the proper fuel into the tank as required by the generator. It is critical to use the correct type of fuel as directed by the BISON generator manufacturer’s manual. Do not add fuel beyond the tank capacity.
Seal the fuel tank: After filling up the fuel, make sure to close the tank tightly to avoid any leakage.
Clean up any spillage: In case you spill any fuel while pouring it, clean it up before turning on the generator.
Turn on the generator: Post refueling, allow a few minutes for the fuel to settle before restarting the generator.

Remember, safety is paramount while refueling a generator. It’s advisable to wear protective gloves and eyewear and refrain from smoking or using open flames in the vicinity.

conclusion: can you refuel a generator while it’s running?

Hopefully, you know the answer to “Can you refuel your generator while it’s running”. Regardless of your generator type or style, it’s a simple but firm “no.” The machine must be turned off and allowed to cool completely before refueling the generator.

So remember, the next time you fuel your generator – take a 15-minute break and let it cool down. Safety is always your top priority when using these machines, so don’t put yourself at risk by adding more fuel while the generator is running.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll stay safe during any emergency.

generator operation refueling, people also ask

Should I unplug my generator when refueling it?

When you need to refuel, unplug the power cord from the generator and let the generator run for a few minutes to stabilize. Then, please turn it off and let it cool before adding more fuel.

How long is the average generator run time?

The duration of your generator’s operation hinges on its efficiency, wattage rating, and the continuous load it’s supporting. A generator with a 5,000-watt capacity will typically use more gasoline per gallon compared to most generators with a 2,000-watt capacity.

What is the cause of the generator explosion?

The generator can catch fire and explode. It is not unheard of for a generator to explode, although it is rare, if the generator overheats(generator overheating causes and solutions) and ignites the fuel tank, if gasoline comes in contact with heated motor parts, or if a short circuit causes a fire. Most of these problems can be avoided with proper generator maintenance and storage.