Electric generator buying and safety tips. Safety. You don`t think
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1. Computer Microwave Oven Garage Door Washing Machine Opener Color Fax Machine Electric Range Security System Television Water Pump Clock Radio Hair Dryer Dehumidifier 8 Lights Computer Furnace Fan Garage Door Opener Sump Pump Television Microwave Oven Electric Range Refrigerator Water Pump Fax Machine Hair Dryer 8 Lights Clock Radio Furnace Fan Sump Pump Computer Microwave Oven Refrigerator Television Fax Machine Water Pump Clock Radio 8 Lights Computer Sump Pump Television Refrigerator Water Pump 8 Lights Sump Pump Refrigerator Selecting a Generator Now that you ve considered your budget and wa tage requirements it s time to consider whether a portable or standby generator would best suit your home s power needs below outlines the main differences betw The comparison chart n both systems Portable Standby Auto Power Transfer NO YES Refueling YES NO Noise Level QUITE QUIETER Extension Cords YES NO Self Test NO YES Permanently Mounted NO YES Diagnostic Panel NO YES Installing your generator Get to know exact involve before commit tly what the inst tting to a p urchase electricians and plumbers install pro ation E and i Standby generators wired into your el installation to prevent generator failure or overheating ting wiring a2. your overall to the sub panel when power fails ncy power without the risk of overwor turn off or unplug other trical sub panel may be included in an or may carry a separate you may wa as well Only yo which i your Py Lee 2 system Look nt to invest in a ur essential s connected to critical devices king your equipment can make a big r backup power or dealers who are knowledgeable and with a proven track record of dedication to generator sales and service Fueling your generator Generators can portable generators and standby generators even which all ross tri fuel confi run on several different types of gurations gas Diesel generators to gasolin ow you to swit commercial and somewhat less on natural erators xpensiv gas or propane gen e or propane by reconnecting a hos Diesel is a popular choice of fuel fuel Some come in dual or ch from natural e for larger Diesel generators tend to to operate than gene but diesel isn t as clean burning be dependable rators that run You ll need to have diesel fuel delivered and a proper tank to hold the fuel Natural gas and propane generators Standby generators can run on natural gas or propane The standby generator connects to utility lines and draws fuel when necessary Choose between natural gas generators and prop
3. you re interested in a standby generator investigate how much installation will cost e Don t forget to inquire about possible maintenance agreements that can be purchased separately from the generator Regular maintenance service could save you money and trouble in the future e Explore the financing options available through specific manufacturers or retail outlets Wattage Needs In most cases a 5 000 7 000 watt generator can power a home s essential appliances To determine the wattage you will need make a list of all appliances you would run during a power outage Next check the user s manual or data plate on the back of each appliance on your list Add the wattage of all of these appliances Limit your choices to those devices that are truly essential during a power outage and you ll keep your total costs down Run vs Surge Wattage Many appliances might list a run and surge wattage The run wattage is the amount of electricity needed to run the appliance whereas the surge wattage is the amount of electricity needed to start the motor When determining your wattage requirements consider the appliance with the greatest difference between surge and run wattage Add that difference to the total wattage of all appliances 5500 Watt 7550 Watt 10 000 Watt 12 000 Watt
4. Do not lation o Pond after a f connect t the normal Instal ut the genera you ll need The transfe up auto 1 disconnect t a install stabilize the tra ffice When power he generator and ret se a transf er swi ttempt to transf transfer In very it always requires a pro itch will depend mainly on the size o tuations such as hospitals Swi high priority sit eC electrician T tran sfer swit tches can be worth the extra cost Consider installing a dedicated electrical sub panel I erator will sit outside h like a central air conditioner t s The generator will and positioned near e installed on a occasionally their e pad tandby generator a separate device r switch is an the neighborhood power grid When the tor will start matically and nsfer switch will comes on again urn your setup to tch yourself er switches may require local permits but essional F he model of f your generator higher end addition n h to the generator and transfer switch dedicated electrical sub panel equipment is connected the generator That way will get t generator or having to up an elect tion charge Setting installa Competent difference in dealers of commercial generators satisfaction with you merg
5. Electric generator buying and safety tips Safety You don t think much about electricity until the power goes out The right type of generator can help keep you up and running Depending on their wattage output generators will run anything from a small lamp to a number of large appliances To determine the size generator you will need total the wattage of the maximum number of items you will be running simultaneously For items with start up ratings higher than their run ratings use the higher rating to determine your power requirements Inductive load appliances and tools such as refrigerators washers and power tools require additional wattage for starting the equipment The initial load only lasts for a few seconds on startup but is very important when calculating your total wattage Before buying a generator it s important to consider what sort of generator best fits your budget your wattage needs and whether you d benefit from a portable or standby generator Standby generators Standby generators offering anywhere from 7 kW to several hundred kW help offset the harmful effects of power outages Installed permanently as an emergency power source for your business standby generators are hardwired to your business electrical system and often get fuel from city gas or propane lines Safety features can prevent injuries as well as damage to your generator Quali
6. ane generators based on what s available in your area Gasoline generators Portable generators commonly run on gasoline and are considered gasoline generators Gasoline can t be stored for very long so consider a propane generator if you intent to keep a portable generator around for emergencies Cooling your generator Generators need an air cooling or liquid cooling system to prevent overheating Like any motor a generator motor creates quite a bit of heat with faster generators producing more heat than slower generators Generators made for the US market operate at one of two speeds 1800 RPM or 3600 RPM 1800 RPM motors typically last longer and run quieter 3600 RPM motors are smaller and lighter Air cooled generators Air cooled generators cost less than liquid cooled generators but produce more noise and are less efficient Portable generators are almost always air cooled 3600 RPM models In some cases you may be able to choose between th two RPM settings go with 1800 RPM unless portability is important Ligquid cooled generators Standby generators 20 kW and larger typically run at 1800 RPM and use quiet dependable and effective liquid cooled systems Liquid cooled generators typically cost more to purchase and maintain than air cooled generators Maintain your generator Consistently well maintained generators can
7. annot smell exhaust fumes you may still be exposed If you start to feel sick dizzy or weak while using a generator get to fresh air right away Because you may have windows open to get fresh air while the power is out doors and vents t indoors To avoid electroc rain or wet condi operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like eld up on poles such as under at dry before you to It s a good idea alarms or plug in your home instructions your home and pos you Test the bat Be sure to refueling curn g tore fuel ort according to the If carbon monoxide gas fron ution tions keep the generator dry and do To protect the generator from arp h uch the generator to install bat carbon mon man es a health risk ttery frequently and repl reco it W ype of fu ocal laws n torage location nformation about iving areas in a tore it near a f water heater in a is not sealed pro s i 1 S mn locked shed or ot If the f garage Make tery operated carbon mon oxide alarms with battery backup in ufaci turer s the al n m h sure your hands installation soun wh ded ac the generator off and let it cool Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could he generator in an approved safety can nended in the instructions or on the genera nay restrict the amoun
8. f your electrical devices before committing to a certain wattage level The single best way to limit the amount of devices you expect it save money on a standby generator is to to power Consider that most power outages last less than a day can t your office deal without air conditioning for a few hours Turn to the pros for installation Experienced interior electricians may not be as familiar with electric generators as they are with other types of electrical systems Choose someone who s installed standby generators before and make sure they do all work up to code Expect occasional exercise Standby generators start themselves up around once a week when needed This only to exercise making sure they re ready takes around 15 minutes but if noise is a concern some generators have a low idl xercise feature that lets them run quieter Establish Your Budget than usual during this weekly workout Purchasing a safe and reliable generator can take a chunk out of your pocketbook if you don t carefully shop around for the best value for your money Here are a few things to consider before buying generator e When shopping for a generator take a look at whether additional accessories such as oil a separate sub panel or a battery are included with the system Otherwise you may have to purchase these items separately e If
9. in all the devices you want to run Always fo llow the directions for use supplied with your portable generator Portable generators produce fumes that can cause serious health problems or death if used indoors Understand your generator options All generators have two main components A motor that burns fuel usually propane natural gas gasoline or diesel to supply power and a generator head that turns power into electricity Together the motor and the generator head comprise a standard generator Generator motors typically use engines from well known names such as Ford GM and Honda to drive the generator heads which makes it easier to find parts and service than if you buy a no name brand Generators come in two basic designs standby generators and portable generators Don t push it to the max Make sure you re comparing the rated E capacity of various models not maximum capacity An electric generator can deliver its maximum capacity for no more than 30 F minutes before starting to overheat rated capacity is the level P it s around 90 of the Include everything you need Some of the more important of power a generator can deliver on an ongoing basis Usually maximum power devices to connect to a standby generator are some of the least visible sump pumps sewage ejector pumps and ventilation fans Do a careful inventory o
10. last a long time When looking at dealers or licensed service technicians ask what maintenance services they ll provide At a minimum a standby generator requires an annual checkup of oil levels air flow and other factors Expect to change oil and spark plugs check coolant and perform regular engine maintenance on an annual basis Because maintenance and service are so important you ll d most often want a generator dealer in your local area Generator safety tips Many residents who lose power may turn to emergency generators to ensure a continuous flow of electricity to refrigerators freezers lights fans and other appliances While generators are a convenience in keeping appliances running during storm related outages they can also create hazards for homeowners and public service workers Always exercis xtreme caution when using an emergency generator When operating a generator e Always operate a generator in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines and instructions Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator e To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning never use a generator indoors or in attached garages Only operate the generator outdoors in a well ventilated dry area away from air intakes to the home e To avoid electrocution plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty outdoor rated cord
11. nd equipment the gas or propane line i Standby generators can be sensitive to both fuel pressure so high quality connections are important damage to your exist to connect plumber volume to do have your the work up fessionals you plan to hire to install your generator evaluate your location and tell you what it ll you rent to cod Then choose qualif xperienced with generator Hav tallation of your generator will ied a deal the EOF take landlord to install the system approve the installation Lectric system require proper and You ll also need a f applicable and Look at location The location of your existing el panel and gas line is impor but near your building vas level hard sur Get an automatic transfer switch for ease of the electric panel face rubber installation charge ectric service muc lation i instal most commonly can Some dealers cover everyth including pouring a concret t The gen best if it can be need to b a concrete pad but ing in To connect a s to your exis called an au essential feeding elec ting electrical a tic transf safety system toma f system er switch that prevents your generator from tricity back to power goes o ew seconds to le he generator to your o switch will
12. s with a wire F gauge adequate for the appliance load f connecting into the house wiring is necessary on a temporary basis homes should have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician A transfer switch allows your house to receive power directly from a portable generator as opposed to through the main circuit breaker Transfer switches isolate the circuits supplied by the generator and prevent back feeding generator power out to your city s electric distribution system e Back feeding can most commonly occur when a generator is connected directly to the electric panel or circuit in a home Feeding power back into the utility system during an outage will energize the transformer serving the house and could pose a serious threat to public service workers and tree crews working to restore power in the area who may not know they are working with an energized line Under no circumstances should portable generators be used indoors including inside a garage carport basement crawlspace or other enclosed or partially enclosed area even with ventilation Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build up in the home The carbon monoxide from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death but it can t be seen or smelled Even if you c
13. t of fuel you may store Ask your local fire depar local regulations Store Suc uel is sp n n down Use h as a nat illed or the con perly along the ground light or by arcs Do not a off all tempt to electrica and invisible vapors from the fuel can can be ignited by the appliance s pilo from electric swit refuel turn off t the gene attempt to refuel ral it Cor appliances connec Let the generator cool down before you tches in the appliance your generator while it is running ted to the generator ot us oisture structure or tment for additional the fuel outside ther protected area uel burning appliance be sure to place the generator away from windows hat could allow carbon monoxide to creep e in are oxide n the generator enters Larm will d to warn before ignite the EOTS the T O Do not tural gas tainer travel Turn then
14. ty standby generators will shut down if they lose oil pressure overheat or are being worked too hard They should also have solid steel or aluminum enclosures good mufflers to reduce noise and be compliant with all relevant emissions regulations Standby generators start themselves up around once a week to exercise making sure they re ready when needed This only takes around 15 minutes but if noise is a concern some standby generators have a low idle exercise feature that lets them run quieter than usual during this weekly workout Portable generators Portable generators provide power in remote locations such as construction sites for short periods of time In a pinch they can also power essential equipment during a power outage Portable generators tend to be smaller and less expensive than standby generators They have built in fuel tanks which allow them to run anywhere and standard power outlets that can plug into ordinary extension cords The smallest gasoline powered portable generators are less than 1 kW and the largest reach around 15 kW A sub class of towable power generators designed to be towed to construction sites run on diesel fuel and can be 200 kW or more Portable generators should have large J fuel tanks for the best running time a fuel indicator gauge and enough receptacles to allow you to plug
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