Severe Weather Guide: Emergency Power Generators

Emergency Power

A home generator can keep your refrigerator running, plus lights, microwave, air conditioners, TVs, computers and cell- phone chargers—even the washer and dryer. And in the aftermath of a storm, it will allow you to run circular saws and other power equipment. It can make a huge improvement in your ability to comfortably weather a power outage, and quickly recover from a storm. There are two basic types of generators to consider: stationary and portable.

Stationary Systems:

In these systems, the generator is connected indirectly to a home’s wiring system. They are most suitable for people who regularly experience long power outages or who have special requirements for continuous power. Stationary systems typically run off of natural or propane gas and have a “transfer switch” that allows you to select the equipment you want powered and prevents the generator from feeding power back into the utility supply system, endangering utility line workers. The whole system generally costs $3,000 or more and can provide 10 to 30 kilowatts or more.

In most areas, installing a backup system requires getting a permit and having the installation inspected by an electrical inspector. Unless you are an extremely electrical-savvy do-it-yourselfer, we recommend the system be installed by a licensed electrician.

Portable Generators:

These units run off a small gasoline engine, and can power a limited number of lights and appliances via extension cords. They can be stored out of the way and rolled to wherever you need them, and are frequently used to provide emergency power during and after a storm. A portable generator for this use can typically run for 8 to 12 hours on a tank of gas and provide 2 to 8 kilowatts or more. Prices start at $500.

Plus, these are the things you should NEVER do during a power outage.

Generator Safety

Whichever kind of generator you select, think safety. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and deadly gas. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 28 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with portable generators after Hurricane Katrina. However, you can use generators safely. Here’s how:

• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents; never in homes, garages, basements or other enclosed areas, even with plenty of ventilation.
• If you use a generator, even outdoors, install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home and test them based on manufacturer’s directions.
• Keep the generator dry, and dry your hands before touching the generator.
• With portable generators, use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, 3-prong extension cords that are in good condition. Use GFCI-cords for maximum safety.
• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Store fuel outside in properly labeled, approved containers away from any fuel-burning appliances.
• When using the generator, start your high-wattage devices first, one at a time, then proceed to lower-wattage devices.

Learn more tips for using emergency generators here.

What Size Generator is Right for You?

Here’s how to figure out the generator capacity you need: Determine the electrical requirements of the devices you’d like to run, and add them up. For example, if you wanted to run a small microwave (750 watts), radio (200 watts), and four lights (300 watts), you’d require a minimum of 1,250 watts. However, devices with motors can require much more power to start them than they use running. For example, a refrigerator that needs 1,200 watts to run might require up to 3,000 watts to start. For running wattage and startup wattage for various electrical devices, visit www.Lowes.com.

Plus, here are some great electricity saving tips.

Here is a list of what you can expect from three typical sizes of generators:

• A 3,550-WATT generator can easily power:
  • Refrigerator
  • Air conditioner (10,000 BTU)
  • Television
  • 4 Lights (75 WATT)
• A 5,000-WATT generator can easily power:
  • Refrigerator
  • Air conditioner (10,000 BTU)
  • Television
  • 4 lights (75 WATT)
  • Microwave (1,000 WATT)
  • Deep freezer
• An 8,000-WATT generator can easily power:
  • Refrigerator
  • Air conditioner (10,000 BTU)
  • Television
  • 8 Lights (75 watt)
  • Microwave (1,000 watt)
  • Deep freezer
  • 1/2-hp well pump
  • Electric stove
  • Security system
  • Garage door opener

Up next, every family should have a storm readiness kit. Here are suggestions for how to make three kits: basic, upgraded and ultimate.

Information for this post was made in collaboration with Lowes for a severe weather guide.

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