Alternate Power Solutions Did You Know? The Facts…

Facts, FAQS and Reasons to have a Standby Generator FACT: Standby generation is quickly becoming a necessary appliance for the homeowner. Standby generators provide electrical power for times when your Electrical provider cannot.

Examples of when standby generation becomes necessary:

  • Blackouts
  • Brownouts
  • Grid Failure
  • Heat Wave
  • Hurricanes
  • Ice Storms
  • Maintenance to Power Grid
  • Terrorism
  • Transformer Failure
  • Utility Outage from Downed Power Lines
  • Windstorm

FACT: More people die from exposure after a storm and before normalcy is restored than during a storm. People more at risk are the elderly, sick and very young.

FACT: Restoring power to your home as quickly as possible can keep food stocks and medicines fresh and usable. Also, well pumps and sewer systems must be restored as soon as possible.

FACT: The electrical grid in the USA is now old (50+ yrs) and becoming more and more susceptible to outages.

FACT: During an emergency it is very important to remain in a constant state of communication with local/national news, weather and information.

FACT: A loss of electrical power can cause stress to family members and pets.

FACT: With the advent of the standby generator, portable generators are now considered useful only in extreme circumstances.

FACT: It is unlawful to hook up a generator to your electrical system without a transfer switch.

FACT: Most portable generators run on gasoline, which is dangerous to store and in very short supply during an emergency.

FACT: If not sized correctly, portable generators can be over-powered causing damage to appliances and the generator.

FACT: Most homeowners with portable generators find the constant switching of appliance to appliance to lighting to window air conditioning bothersome and dangerous.

FACT: Besides the cost of the portable generator, most homeowners will also need to purchase a window/portable air conditioner, transfer switch, heavy extension cords, gasoline cans, gasoline and be willing to go outside at all hours of the day and night to fuel the portable generator.

FACT: When an emergency condition is present, the homeowner must prepare the portable generator for use, including placement of the generator outside (in the rain, ice or storm) near the transfer switch, hook the portable generator to the transfer switch, fuel the portable generator, lay out the extension cords to refrigerator, freezer, lights or window/portable air conditioner (after window/portable air conditioner has been installed in a suitable place). At that point the transfer switch must be switched from the grid to the portable generator. Then the portable generator must be started. All before any power is generated for the home.

FACT: There are no cords to run, no gasoline to buy, no window/portable air conditioners to install, no transfer switch to engage. Actually, there is nothing for you to do.

FACT: Your standby generator is installed outside your home with the automatic transfer switch next to your electrical service box.

FACT: Standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane. Most units are plumbed right up to your gas meter. You never have to worry about stale gasoline varnishing up the carburetor.

FACT: Standby Generators are so automatic they start themselves weekly for a test run to make sure all systems are working as designed. You never have to worry about the system starting during an emergency.

FAQ:

Why should I consider a standby generator now?
Having a standby generator installed at your home will provide you with standby power during power outages.

What can a standby generator power in my house?
By installing a 15kW air-cooled standby generator you can expect to power the following: most 4-ton central air conditioner’s, refrigerator, freezer, lights, television, and computer. Just about your whole house. If you happen to have an electric cook top stove you may want to consider stepping up to a 20 or 25 kW unit.

What do I have to do to make the generator come on during an emergency?
You do nothing. When the power from your electrical provider fails, your standby generator will automatically switch from your provider isolating your generator from the grid (in accordance to the law), automatically start and provide your home with electrical power all in less than 1 minute time.

How long does it take to get my generator installed?
Now is the time to order your generator. Generator sales are at an all time high with the factory giving a 14 day lead time that may grow longer when the winter season arrives. Installation takes from 2 to 4 days.