| The disruption of power for substantial | | | | Gasoline powered generators are the most |
| lengths of time can occur at any time due to | | | | familiar among portable generators. There are |
| hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, snowfall and | | | | models that are powered by diesel, while some |
| other natural calamities. Having emergency | | | | models available have multi fuel capabilities |
| backup power in such situations is not only | | | | that run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. |
| essential for hospitals and commercial | | | | Gasoline powered generators are the least |
| establishments but also in homes to run | | | | expensive but have a relatively shorter life |
| critical appliances like lights, | | | | span and require frequent maintenance. |
| refrigerators, heaters and medical equipment. | | | | |
| | | | Diesel generators are expensive. They are |
| There are basically two types of generators | | | | fuel-efficient, require less maintenance and |
| that can be used in an emergency: portable | | | | have a longer life. However, diesel |
| and permanent standby generators. The main | | | | generators are hard to start in the cold |
| difference between the two is their output | | | | season. Using propane or natural gas powered |
| power and price. | | | | generator is the best alternative if the |
| | | | fuels are readily available. These generators |
| In times of emergencies, portable generators | | | | are expensive but require less maintenance |
| provide the most economical way of supplying | | | | and burn cleaner. |
| back up power. Appliances are directly | | | | |
| plugged into the generator using the | | | | A permanently installed generator can power |
| recommended extension cord or alternatively | | | | up critical systems in homes automatically |
| are connected to the home wiring system using | | | | within 10 to 20 seconds of loss of power -- |
| a transfer switch. The generators come with | | | | even in the absence of the house owner, |
| an electric start or a pull start and loaded | | | | Permanent generators are connected to the |
| with many other features including the GFCI | | | | home wiring system through the transfer |
| receptacles. | | | | switch. The transfer switch automatically |
| | | | starts the generator in case there is |
| Portable and permanent generators come in | | | | disruption of power. As soon as normal |
| varying sizes and types. There are some | | | | electricity is restored, the transfer switch |
| generators that supply 120 volts while others | | | | automatically shuts down the generator. Most |
| come with a 120 to 240 volts supply. | | | | of these generators run on natural gas or LP. |
| Determining the right size and type of | | | | The same gas used for home appliances can be |
| generator is important. This depends on the | | | | utilized to fuel the generator. The size of |
| individual house owners need for power in | | | | the generator will depend upon the number of |
| emergencies. A portable generator can provide | | | | systems the house owner wants to power up |
| power to run some basic electrical appliances | | | | during emergency. A generator in the range |
| like lighting, furnaces, televisions, | | | | of 8000 to 17,000 watts will be sufficient |
| refrigerators and water well pumps. Normally, | | | | for a homeowner seeking to install permanent |
| for most homeowners a portable generator of | | | | generators. Permanent generators cost $5000 |
| the capacity of 5000 to 6000 watts may be | | | | to $10000. Whatever the type of generator, |
| sufficient. Portable generators may cost $600 | | | | every generator should provide 60 hertz power |
| or more depending upon the quality and type | | | | for proper performance of any electronic |
| of generator. | | | | equipment. |
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