In a time where power outages have become more frequent due to severe storms, power grid failures, and decaying infrastructure, generators have become a vital piece of household equipment for many. Whether it is to keep medical equipment continuously working, maintaining refrigerator and freezer temperatures to keep food from spoiling, or keeping your laptop and phones charged, generators can provide emergency power when your utility company cannot.
There are two types of generators; a standby generator that uses an automatic transfer switch to power your home within seconds of losing power from the grid, and a portable generator that is not automatic, and which requires you to physically start the equipment and plug it in to power select electrical outlets in your home.
Standby generators are typically more powerful and do not require any effort on the homeowner’s part, other than scheduling routine annual maintenance. It is a permanently installed piece of equipment that is connected to your home’s gas supply and electrical panel. A standby generator may be the best solution to ensure power is maintained in your home during an emergency, however, a standby generator is a significant investment and has an elaborate permitting process that requires the services of an architect, licensed plumber, and licensed electrician. Furthermore, standby generators can only be installed on properties that have the proper clearance between their home and generator, and the generator and their property line.
While a standby generator is a smart investment and should be strongly considered for homes that rely on life support or life-stabilizing equipment, the cost can be more than most budgets allow. Some may argue the peace of mind is worth the cost, but for some, it is just not a feasible solution. Hence, we introduce the portable generator solution.
Portable generators are designed to move around and can be used for a home, a camping trip, or on a construction site. They can provide power when there is no other power source around, or can be a backup power source when power is lost. It can keep major appliances working, helping prevent waste and saving you money in the long run. It can also keep your home safe and secure. If the power should go out in your home, all you have to do is start your portable generator, connect it to a special outdoor outlet that is wired to your main power panel.
Buying a portable generator from a big box store may not be the right answer. Although it seems like it is a simple plug-and-play, that is not the case. A required manual transfer switch and/or interlock breaker kit must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Portable generators also have optional fuel sources or can come in a dual fuel option. You should know in advance of your purchase which type of fuel you will be using to power your portable generator.
If you are considering purchasing a portable generator for your home, consult with an experienced licensed electrical contractor who can provide and install a complete system. This includes reviewing the specific needs of your home to ensure the right size and type of portable generator is selected and all associated components are included. This will save you time, aggravation and money, and will ensure that the generator works when you need it most.
Most homeowners with portable generators will store them in their garage and either never take them out when there is a power loss, or try to use them and then realize it requires more effort than they thought. Contractors who provide a complete turnkey system provide the homeowner the ability to hook up and energize their entire home within 10 to 15 minutes, with relative ease and confidence.
Portable generators have come a long way and can be the right solution for your emergency power needs. When speaking with an electrical contracting firm, ask about their experience with portable generators to ensure you identify the right company for the job.
We live in the age of technology and rely on our phones and computers to provide in-the-minute news and information. We use these devices to work and entertain ourselves. An electrical blackout can be just a few minutes, hours or it can last for days. However, with a portable generator, you can easily power your personal electronic devices to ride out any power outages in comfort.
Donald Pagano – President DRP Electrical Contracting Inc.
(718) 447-7275 [email protected] www.drpelectric.com