PORTABLE GENERATORS
WHAT CAN A PORTABLE GENERATOR DO FOR ME?
Portable electric generators, inverter generators, and standby generators are all good ways to keep computers, lights, refrigerators and other appliances running if a power outage occurs. And if someone in your home depends on medical equipment, a portable generator can provide much needed power in an emergency. In fact, few people realize how essential electricity is until there is a power outage. Many families prepare for the possibility of power outages due to inclement weather by purchasing portable electric generators. Here are some things to consider before and after you purchase your generator.
Installing an emergency power generator is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make. Not only can an electrician help you install a power generator in case of emergency, but he or she can also make sure you feel confident in the generator’s level of protection, power, and rescue capability.
In the event of a frightening power outage, emergency power generators offer some important benefits to your home and family:
•Temperature regulation. If you live in a climate that reaches extreme cold or heat at any point throughout the year, a power outage can mean serious discomfort for you and your family, and can even threaten your health. Many homeowners end up shelling out hundreds of dollars for inconvenient hotel stays in such times, and many more are left without heat during heavy snowfall. An emergency generator can power your HVAC system and keep your family safe and comfortable.
•Food waste prevention. Depending on your freezer and refrigerator, food can begin going bad after a few short hours without power. A backup power source, such as an emergency power generator, keeps your food fresh and your stomachs full.
•Zero interruption. With an emergency power generator in your home, you can continue on with your life, whether that includes working on your computer or mobile device, watching a television program or movie, surfing the internet, or working on a project through the night in well-lit conditions. An emergency generator ensures continued productivity.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A GENERATOR?
Before you buy an emergency generator, you should calculate how much power you need to run essential appliances during a power outage. You should know both the running wattage and the starting wattage needed to run appliances.
Running wattage, also called rated watts, can be found on the appliance nameplate. Starting wattage is an important rating for compressors, motors, and pumps, and is usually two to seven times the running wattage. The starting wattage for the smallest heat pumps and central air conditioning unit will be greater than 10,000 watts, which is beyond the capacity of most portable generators.
To determine generator size, you must first decide what essential equipment needs to be operated, and which large appliances can be cycled on and off. It may be practical to rotate equipment use to reduce the size and cost of the generator you need.
Buying a generator can be a lot like buying an automobile. The body and engine are included in the base price, but the many desirable features you want cause the price to go up. Practical options to look for include:
• overhead valve engine for longer engine life and quieter operation of portable generators;
• pressurized lubrication for longer engine life of portable generators;
• auto idle control to reduce noise level and fuel consumption of portable genertors;
• large gas tank (larger than 5 gallons) of portable generators;
• low oil shutdown feature to prevent engine damage of portable generators.;
• wheel kit for easy transport of portable generators.
HOW DO I USE MY GENERATOR SAFELY
Portable generators have traditionally been used to run plug-in appliances like refrigerators, freezers and lights. Any appliance that is not permanently wired into the home’s electrical system can be operated with polarized extension cords from the generator. Generally, #10 and #12 wire size extension cords are needed for 1,200- to 1,800-watt loads. Be careful! Overloading extension cords may cause a fire.
A double-throw transfer switch must be used for 240-volt appliances, as well as for hard-wired appliances like furnaces or water pumps. A polarized outdoor-rated extension cord connects the generator to a fused outlet that feeds the transfer switch. The switch prevents your generator from feeding electricity back into SMECO’s lines and causing injury or possibly killing linemen working to restore your power. The transfer switch must be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by an electrical inspector to ensure that a house fire is prevented and that the generator is not overloaded.
Portable generators, while in operation, should be located in an unheated, covered, well-ventilated area. Do not operate the generator in a basement, attached garage or any closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, invisible, poisonous gas.
Portable generators come in many sizes. Following these steps will help you select the right size for your needs.
PORTABLE GENERATORS TYPE
The choice in this step is to select the type of fuel and how it uses the fuel needed to power up your portable generator, the Portable generators come in commercially in four categories:
Gas Portable Generator:
Commonly used portable generators on the market. Accordingly the most cost effective, as you can shop around and get a good bargain.
Portable Generators(Inverters):
These are referred to as “digital” portable generators. They are essentially the same as regular gas portable generators, but utilize inverter technology to produce power. This means a quieter portable generator, cleaner electricity output and enhanced power performance. A bit higher in price than standard portable generators. Yet if you have sensitive electronics, it is a small price to protect your gadgets. Additionally, the noise reduction is enough to justify the price increase.
Propane Portable Generators:
These are becoming more common. They offer the advantage of less maintenance (no carburetor issues to deal with), better for the environment, and ultimately cheaper to operate. They are slightly higher in price than gas portable generators, typically 15% to 25% more.
Diesel Portable Generators:
These portable generators are not commonly used for residential applications, but are often used for commercial jobsite. They are typically even higher in price than propane portable generators (about 25-35% more than gas portable generators), but offer longer product life and stronger performance.
OUTAGE PREPAREDNESS
1. Determine the “constant wattage.” A portable generator operates a limited number of appliances and lights. Choose the items you want to run with the generator and add up the wattage they use. That total is your “constant wattage,” or the energy you will need on a constant basis to keep these items running.
2. Determine the “start-up wattage.” Knowing the “constant wattage” of your appliances is not good enough. Appliances with motors, such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, can require two to three times their normal wattage when the motor starts up. The generator you pick must have a surge rating that meets or exceeds your added “start-up wattage” needs.
To determine your “start-up wattage,” identify the appliances with motors that you will run with your generator. Double the “constant wattage” of these items, then add up the totals.
3. Match voltage ratings. Most appliances are rated at 120-volts, but some larger electric appliances, such as ovens, clothes dryers and well pumps, are rated at 240-volts. Portable generators may be rated at 120-volts only, or a combination of 120- and 240-volts. Make sure the generator you choose matches the voltage ratings of the items you want to run.
Calculating Energy Use To purchase the right generator, you’ll need to know the wattage of the appliances you plan to run. First, check the owner’s manual and serial plate on your appliance for the wattage (or watts) rating. If wattage is not listed, find the amperage (amps) and voltage (volts) ratings on the same plate. Multiply amps by volts to get the wattage.
WATTAGE REQUIRMENT CHART
