Mobile Power Supply Operation Safety

By Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions

Primar y Types of Generator s to Power Your Mobile Grooming Vehicle P O R T A B L E G E N E R A T O R S

Because of recent incidents in the mobile pet grooming industry due to the use of portable generators in homebuilt vehicles, we have received many calls from Wag’n Tails customers with concerns regarding carbon monoxide. The purpose of this article is to share valuable information and address safety concerns about the use of portable generators and the difference between a professionally installed commercial mobile generator.

The pandemic has created a great deal of supply shortages in our country. Generators and parts are no exception. As a result, some mobile pet groomers have resorted to the use of portable generators to power their conversions because of the ease of availability and lower cost. Portable generators are certainly an alternative to a professionally installed commercial mobile generator, but some safety measures must be taken to avoid disaster.

Unfortunately, we have seen a few recent incidents in our industry that have been caused by portable generators being used improperly. Here are recommendations for those using portable generators:

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1. Always mount the portable generator outside your vehicle. Never operate a portable generator inside your vehicle or with your rear vehicle doors open. This is a recipe for disaster because of the carbon monoxide fumes can be deadly. Portable generators are made to be operated outside away from open windows and open doors. Below is an example of a trailer hitch portable generator mount.

2. Do not store a gas can inside your vehicle. If the gas can develops a leak or is not sealed properly, the vapors from gasoline are extremely flammable. Especially, in an enclosed area. 3. Purchase a high-quality MARINE carbon monoxide detector. Not all carbon monoxide detectors are created equal! Less expensive carbon monoxide detectors sold at the big box stores are affected by excessive humidity, like the humidity that is created by a high velocity dryer and a wet dog. This creates a false positive for CO detectors when the humidity in your mobile unit reaches high levels. This is why most manufacturers of regular homeuse CO detectors recommend mounting the alarm away from bathrooms, showers or any other area in your home with moist or humid conditions. Unfortunately, humidity is unavoidable in a mobile pet grooming vehicle.

The good news is that there is an effective CO detector that is made for the humid environment of a mobile grooming vehicle. We recommend a specific type of Marine CO detector called the FIREBOY-XINTEX–Battery Operated Marine Carbon Monoxide Detector Model CMD6-MD-R. To gain UL approval for marine use, this detector must perform well during rigorous testing that is designed to mimic the harsh marine environment, which includes dramatic changes in temperature and humidity, like a mobile grooming vehicle. We have thoroughly tested this CO detector and have not received a false positive due to humidity. This marine grade CO detector is now a standard on all of our Wag’n Tails conversions. This Marine CO detector is also available for sale on the Wag’n Tails parts store and very easy to install.

Commercial mobile generators have been installed safely in ambulances, emergency vehicles and millions of recreational vehicles in operation for decades. Meeting certifications and standards such as RVIA standards are critical for safety from carbon monoxide. Here are a few requirements that are important to ensure your safety from carbon monoxide: 1. Have your commercial mobile generator installed by an expert generator technician that adheres to RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) certification standards. All Wag’n Tails generators are installed by Cummins Onan Certified technicians. Our installations are approved by Cummins Onan Corporate Application Engineers for proper ventilation and operation. 2. The commercial mobile generator must be exhausted outside the vehicle, like 38 Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.comthe exterior exhaust pipe on your primary vehicle. (See image next page)

3. The commercial mobile generator must be mounted in a sealed compartment, in addition to the generator housing. The sealed compartment must be vented to the exterior of the van. (See image below)

In summary, safety is and will always be Wag’n Tails #1 priority when designing, engineering, and manufacturing our Wag’n Tails vehicles. We can proudly stand behind our track record for the past 25 years. We have approximately 4,300 vehicles on the road, and we have never had a significant safety issue. For more ineGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reservedformation about our Wag’n Tails safety standards, click here. 39