| | | |
|
Don't get caught in the dark. Install a standby generator that monitors your utility power around the clock so when power is disrupted, your generator
automatically switches on and supplies electricity within seconds. Generator back doesn't just provide convenience it also serves safety purposes especially
for those persons relying on uninterrupted power for their medical appliances. Power may be disrupted but life goes on with a generator back-up.
An electric generator helps supply power if utility power is lost for an extended period of time. If you will use your generator to operate an appliance with a large motor, you may need to install a power conditioning device such as an uninterruptible power supply at sensitive appliances. It is also important to know that the National Electric Code requires a transfer switch be installed if you use a generator to power some loads in your home.
Common questions about generators
Q. What size generator?
That depends on how much equipment you need to operate during a power outage. For assistance in sizing a generator, call SEC for a consultation.
Q. What should I do about my life-safety equipment that needs constant power?
A stationary, or permanently installed generator, is your best choice. After an outage, it can restore power in seconds and support all loads as long as needed.
Q. Will all of my equipment run properly when powered from a generator?
Newer generators feature electronic governors, which can regulate voltage to plus or minus 6 percent of nominal or better. Most equipment should work with this type of voltage regulation.
Q. How can I use my home generator to power lights in my home or my electric water heater?
To power circuits in your home safely, you need the right transfer switch. Never plug your generator directly into an outlet in your home. You can overload your electrical circuits and cause a fire or some of the power you generate can back-feed into PGE's utility lines, putting their repair personnel at risk of injury.
Standby generators can add value to your home and safeguard your family by keeping power running in an emergency, but this always-on protection is expensive.
The next time a storm knocks out your power, you may find yourself thinking about a standby generator. Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or shed and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping essential household systems and appliances running even if you're miles away.
As with any insurance policy, when you buy a backup generator there's no telling when, or even if, you'll need it. Whether it's worth the investment depends on your personal situation, your tolerance for interruptions, and your budget.
If you live in an area with frequent, prolonged outages, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or work at home and need to stay connected, a backup generator can protect you from a disruption you may not be able to afford.
Assess Your Power Needs
Generators are sized according to wattage produced: The more watts, the bigger the unit. Wattage usage varies from house to house. Your generator supplier or local electrician can do a wattage assessment, or you can ballpark it yourself with an online calculator. You can also get general guidelines from national dealers.
The next step is deciding what you want your generator to power. At minimum, you can run an "emergency panel" of necessities - say, a central air conditioning unit, the refrigerator, and a handful of lights and outlets. At the opposite end of the spectrum is a generator with enough wattage to power your whole house. A 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub might require as much as 25kW to 30kW.
A third, newer option is a "load-management system," a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at once. Such a system could run that same 3,000-square-foot house with about 20kW, cutting power to nonessential circuits as necessary.
Most of the time, your generator supplier will also provide setup service. That's a good option, because you know the installer will be familiar with your equipment. A less expensive way to go - and your only option if you've purchased the generator online - is to hire a plumber to connect the unit to its fuel source (usually propane or natural gas, though some run on diesel) and an electrician to hook it into your house's power supply. Both should be licensed and certified for the brand of equipment you're installing and familiar with local codes that govern such things as how close the generator can sit to the house, how big the fuel storage tank can be, and whether you need a permit.
For more information, contact a SafeSide Electrical Contractor and book an appointment today to have a generator back-up installed in your home or business.
|
|
|
