Power outages are not fun, especially if you’re in the middle of an important task. Power interruptions during extreme weather conditions can also be worrying.
Invest in a standby generator if you want peace of mind for you and your family. This backup power solution will ensure your lights, appliances and devices at home will keep working during unexpected power outages. But how are generators powered? Here’s an explanation of how generators work and their benefits for the home.
If you want to install one in your residence and ensure it’s running smoothly, contact a licensed electrician.
How Are Generators Powered?
With a standby generator, power outages will be a thing of the past in your home. It’s an automated system that gets its power from a fuel source of natural gas or propane.
A generator’s automatic transfer switch can sense when there’s an interruption in your home’s main power supply, signaling the generator unit. The combustion engine produces mechanical energy, which the alternator converts into electricity. Then, you’ll have power in your home.
A standby generator’s magic lies in its automatic transfer switch (ATS). When there’s a power outage, the ATS disconnects your home from the grid’s supply and uses the generator’s power instead. The switch takes less than a minute, so you’ll barely feel the power interruption. When the power is back, the ATS triggers the standby generator to turn off and reconnect to the grid.
If you’d rather not have an ATS installed with your standby generator, the alternative is to use a manual transfer switch (MTS). However, it’s less convenient than an ATS. Standby generators with ATS prevent backfeeding, which happens when a generator sends electricity back to the power grid. Backfeeding can be extremely dangerous to utility workers that are trying to retore power to your neighborhood.
Generator Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of having a standby generator installed on your property.
Runs Automatically
Standby generators with ATS will run automatically once a power outage happens. That saves homeowners from having to find their way in the dark and manually turn on the generator. Also, that means you don’t have to be home to make the generator run. You can have peace of mind knowing your family has electricity, even if you’re at work during a power outage.
Powers Major Appliances
A portable generator will have trouble powering up large appliances, which could mean spoiled food in the refrigerator during prolonged outages. You won’t have that problem with standby generators.
If they are properly sized for all of your home’s needs, they can keep major systems running, including your water heater and HVAC system. That’s crucial during extreme weather conditions when you need to control the temperature inside. That ensures your family won’t suffer through hours of freezing or scorching temperatures.
Prevents Unnecessary Expenses
Standby generators are a worthwhile investment because they can prevent unnecessary expenses in the long run. Prolonged power outages can mean taking your entire family to a hotel and spending a day or two there.
They can also mean paying for costly damages. A lack of power in the winter can cause pipes to freeze and burst, while a summer without power could lead to spoiled food.
Installing a Standby Generator: How the Pros Do It
Investing in a standby generator as a power backup for your home is a smart move. It’s best to leave installing it to an experienced electrician and plumber. Here’s how the pros safely install a standby generator:
- The pros will inspect your property and choose the best and safest location for the standby generator. The unit should be at least five feet from all doors and windows.
- They will prepare a pre-cast concrete pad and set it on top of a compacted gravel bed.
- They will then place the generator on the pad, securing it with stainless steel bolts.
- The plumber will attach a fuel line to the generator, and the electrician will connect a line-voltage cable to the unit.
- They will install an automatic or manual transfer switch next to the electrical meter. This switch will activate the generator when there’s a power outage.
- The generator will perform self-testing every week, automatically turning on for a preset amount of time. The homeowner and electrician will receive the results of these diagnostic tests, if a WiFi connection is available.
Aside from doing the installation, licensed electricians can also help you choose the best standby generator for your needs.
How Long Can a Generator Run?
You don’t have to worry about extended power outages because standby generators can run continuously. They run on natural gas, so they have the fuel to keep your appliances running through prolonged interruptions. However, it is recommended to check on the unit daily and follow maintenance guidelines while in 24 hour a day use.
That means you can use them as a constant power source for as long as the natural gas or propane supply will last.
Leave Generator Installations and Repairs to the Pros
Even if you’re confident in your DIY skills, never attempt to install or repair a standby generator. That can do more harm than good. Sit back and let a licensed electrician handle generator issues. They have the tools and expertise to handle the situation and can even help you determine what size generator you need.
ABC Can Install Your Home Generator
If you’re interested in having a standby generator in case of power loss, ABC can deploy licensed electricians to help. Our experts can help with standby generator installation and help you decide which one is right for your home and needs. They can also help with any other electrical issues you may be having, like a short circuit.
