Danny Lipford » Safety and Security

Advantages of an Automatic Standby Generator

Jodi Marks — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0000

More and more people today are concerned about emergency power. A portable generator can only backup appliances plugged directly into the generator while a Generac automatic standby generator powers entire circuits and everything on them.

For example, if you choose to back up the family room, the generator will power the TV, stereo, lamps, ceiling fans, and lights. Select the kitchen, and you will be able to use the stove, refrigerator, microwave, overhead lights, and all the outlets.

A standby generator constantly monitors the utility so when the power goes out, the generator starts itself, and delivers power to your home within seconds. When the utility comes back online, the generator shuts itself off until the next outage.

A standby generator runs off of your homes existing natural gas or LP fuel supply, so unlike a portable generator, it never needs to be refueled. Once a week, it automatically run a brief self-test to ensure that everything is working properly when you need it. With a Generac standby generator, you can relax knowing that your home and family are protected, even when you’re not there.

Why You Should Choose a Generac Standby Generator

Jodi Marks — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:18 +0000

Generac home standby generators are the easiest and least expensive in the industry to install. Their prepackaged models come with everything needed, including a prewired automatic transfer switch and prewired conduit for the whole system.

Wires are color coded and clearly marked, so connections are fast and easy. The generator even comes with a pre-attached, composite mounting pad, making a concrete pad unnecessary, unless required by local code. Plus, there’s a DVD and step-by-step instructions to answer any questions.

Larger Generac models can be easily installed by a qualified electrical contractor, so there’s no need for a generator technician. Installation is fast, easy, and inexpensive. Generac generators also feature the Generac OHVI engine that was built exclusively for the high demands of power generation and are capable of providing 3 to 4 times longer life than competitive engines.

How an Automatic Standby Generator Works

Jodi Marks — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:22 +0000

The installation of an automatic standby generator maintains security and comfort for your home in the event of a power outage. An automatic standby generator system monitors incoming voltage from the utility line. When the utility power is interrupted, the generator automatically goes to work.

The automatic transfer switch safely disconnects the utility line and simultaneously connects a new power line from the generator, providing emergency power within seconds. When the utility power is restored, the generator automatically returns to standby mode.

Generac Generators vs. the Competition

Jodi Marks — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:12 +0000

Some manufacturers claim their 15-kilowatt generator can handle the same electrical loads as a Generac 25-kilowatt model, but in fact it will produce 40% less electricity to power your home. In order to handle 25,000 watts of electrical load, some generators “manage the power” by locking out up to 40% of the total demand to keep from overloading their generator.

So what does that mean to you? Well, an average 5-ton air conditioner requires about 13,000 watts of power to start. For the Generac 25-kilowatt, that’s only about 50% of the generator’s potential. But, 13,000 watts is almost 90% of a 15-kilowatt generator’s potential output, so it has to lock out just about everything else to start the air conditioner.

With the Generac 25-kilowatt, you can run air conditioning units, cook dinner, and do laundry all at the same time. Now that’s real power.

Difference Between Standby and Portable Generators

Jodi Marks — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:02 +0000

When the power to your home fails, a standby generator goes to work automatically, then shuts itself off when the utility power resumes. With a portable generator, you have to move it outside, find the gas can and extension cords, fill the gas tank, run the cords through the house, manually start the generator, and refuel it every few hours.

How to Setup a Generator to Provide Power for Your Home

Danny Lipford — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:00:06 +0000

In the event of a power outage the ideal emergency solution for a home or business is an automatic standby generator. These systems automatically transfer the power load to the generator when an outage occurs.

If you plan to use a portable generator to back up your home or business it should be used in conjunction with a manual transfer system which consists of a manual transfer switch, power inlet box, and power cord.

The switch is connected to the main electrical panel so that only the circuits to be powered by the generator are active during an outage. The power inlet box is mounted outside the home or business. It is hardwired to the transfer switch and connected to the generator by a power cord.

When the lights go out, you first shut off the power from the utility at the manual transfer switch, then start the generator to energize the selected circuits wired to it. This will prevent your generator from backfeeding power into utility lines and possibly injuring the repair crews.

Residential and Commercial Portable Generators

Danny Lipford — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:00:24 +0000

There are some important differences between portable generators designed for residential and commercial use. Residential generators are usually used to provide emergency backup power for select appliances within a home and provide from 1,000 to 8,000 watts of power

Portable generators for commercial use are often used on a jobsite to run power tools when electricity isn’t available. These units tend to receive more use and generate between 3,000 and 17,500 watts of power.

How to Setup and Maintain a Portable Generator

Danny Lipford — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:40 +0000

Setting up a portable generator:

Attach wheels and handles.
Filling crankcase with the correct grade of oil.
Filling fuel tank with the proper fuel.

Maintaining a portable generator:

Store your generator in a location where the equipment won’t be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, moisture, or corrosive vapors.
Clean it periodically with a damp cloth or soft bristle brush.
Don’t hose the generator down with water.
When storing the unit for more than 30 days, you should empty the fuel or add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and run it through the system.
If the generator has an electric start, keep the battery charged during long storage.
Run the generator for 10 minutes or so every 2 to 3 months.

Portable Generator Safety Tips

Danny Lipford — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:56 +0000

It’s important that you safeguard yourself and your family from the dangers associated with a portable generator.

Carbon Monoxide: This invisible, odorless gas from gasoline powered generators is deadly, so never run a generator indoors or even a partially enclosed space like a garage. Only operate generators outdoors away from windows, doors, crawl spaces, and vents.
Fuel: Gasoline used to power portable generators is extremely flammable. Never refuel a generator when it’s running or still hot, since spilled fuel could cause a fire or explosion. When you do fill the tank, leave room for the fuel to expand.
Wiring: Never connect a portable generator directly to your home’s wiring, as it can backfeed through power lines and injure utility workers. A professionally installed manual transfer switch is the only safe way to connect a portable generator directly to your home’s electrical system. Otherwise, use heavy duty extension cords to connect appliances to the generator, and be sure to unplug them before stopping or starting the generator.
Load: Be sure not to overload your generator. Prioritize your needs to make sure the equipment you operate doesn’t exceed the generator’s output rating.
Electrical Shock: We all know water and electricity don’t mix, so don’t operate a generator in the rain or snow. Choose a flat, level spot with several feet of clearance on all sides and be sure the unit is properly grounded to avoid the risk of electrocution.

Inverter and Conventional Portable Generators

Danny Lipford — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:41:48 +0000

There are two basic types of portable generators: conventional and inverter. Conventional generators use a mechanical alternator to produce AC power while inverter generators produce DC power and convert it to AC power using digital electronics. Inverter generators are smaller and lighter but more expensive.

Conventional generators run at a constant 3600 RPMs while inverter generators can run at variable speeds depending on the electrical demand. This allows inverter generators to run at slower speeds much of the time, which saves fuel and reduces noise.

Inverter generators usually produce cleaner power with a total harmonic distortion of less than 5% while conventional are capable of greater output and extended run times.