In a big storm, more than a few people can find themselves without power. To avoid the inconvenience of an outage, a backup generator can ensure you are never without power.
There are a few items to consider when choosing a generator, since they can be dangerous if not installed or operated properly.
Generators range in size, type and price, so it is worthwhile to talk to distributors and your electrician to determine a unit that suits your needs.
Typically, the more power required, the more the cost. Smaller, portable generators are great for powering essentials like the refrigerator and microwave, while a permanent standby system can power everything in your home.
Typically, the lower-power and portable units use gasoline, while larger units, especially permanent installations, likely use propane or natural gas.
A major consideration is choosing gasoline, propane or natural gas. Each has pros and cons, but the decision will depend on what a home has installed.
If you are in an area where natural gas is available, this would be the best for you. For homes without natural gas, propane is a good alternative. Both natural gas and propane tend to last longer and burn cleaner than gasoline.
Gasoline generators are the most common since gasoline is readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to propane, but gas generators usually require frequent maintenance and the storage of gasoline, which has a relatively short shelf life.
Hire an electrician
Installing a generator is a job for experts. Portable or fixed generators must be connected to the residential grid using a proper CSA-approved transfer switch installed by a registered certified electrician.
An electrical permit is required for the installation. Never connect a backup power system without a transfer switch that disconnects your home from the municipal power supply. This is to protect electric-utility field crews from being electrocuted by your home power system when working on municipal lines.
What size do you need?
Determine the amount of power you require during a power outage; that depends on how many appliances you need to run. This will determine the size or wattage of generator you will require.
Portable versus permanent
Portable generators can replace part of a household load during an electrical outage and are the simplest and least expensive backup system. When the power goes out, you have to start up a gas-powered generator and plug in your appliance using an extension cord.
The down side is the number of appliances you can run at any one time is limited. They are also noisy, hard to move and you have to start up and maintain the unit. They require fuel, so consider how long a tank of fuel will last. This can range from a few hours to as long as 10 hours.
When the power goes out, keep the generator away from your house, especially doors, windows and enclosed areas. It's important to follow the manufacturer's directions.
Never try to attach a generator directly to the home's wiring system yourself. To use a portable generator without running extension cords, you have to hire an electrician to install a manual transfer switch off your main circuit panel and install a dedicated inlet to power the subpanel.
Permanent generators
Standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane and wired into the home's circuit panel, so they can start automatically during a power outage.
They are more powerful and quieter than portables. When power resumes, the system flips back to the house circuit and powers down the generator. There is enough to power a large home. You don't have to worry about storing gas and running cords, but the drawback is cost, and they must be installed by licensed electricians.
Protect against CO poisoning
The primary hazard to avoid is carbon monoxide poisoning. NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces, sheds or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Be sure the generator isn't positioned outside an open window, which can allow fumes into the home.
Install battery-operated (or with battery backup) CO alarms in your home, according to the manufacturer's instructions. CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01). Before you buy, check with local officials, since your municipality may have restrictions on the noise caused by your generator.
For more home improvement information or to send Shell an email, go to www.AskShell.com
-- Postmedia News
