We realize just how much we rely on electricity when the power goes out. With hurricane season upon us, we’re at increased risk of power outages. Without electricity our homes just become a shelter where we will sit in the dark as food thaws, hoping our cell phone battery will last just a little bit longer.
Lightning & Hurricane Surge Protection Devices
Electrical surges and spikes are powerful bursts of electricity that can cause damage. They occur when there is lightning, interruptions and surges in the regional electrical grid, or power spikes within the home. These are common during tropical storms and hurricanes. Surge protectors are designed to protect sensitive electronics, home entertainment centers and HVAC equipment.
Portable Generators
Potable generators work by providing power to our homes until electricity can be restored. This means lights and a refrigerator that works! You can survive for days with the use of a portable generator. You need to make sure you choose one that is designed for household use, not one that is meant to be used in the workplace or for camping. You will need to figure out the plugs you’ll need along with how much power you need. The quality of the generator will determine ease of use and maintenance.
How to Use a Generator During a Power Outage
The number of watts will determine the electrical power it will provide. There is the power it will provide when it runs constantly, but there should also be short bursts of power that are necessary to start up large appliances. Small generators with 3,000-4,000 watts are sufficient to run a few appliances, a TV, some lights and a medium-sized fridge. More comfort comes with a generator that has a wattage of 5,000 to 6,000. These allow you to add a couple of window air conditioners, a freezer and a few more appliances. Larger generators will provide you with 7,000 to 10,000 watts and can run almost anything in a medium-sized home, minus the HVAC system.
Generator Transfer Switch Installation
Some generators only have 12-volt plugs that can have standard extension cords plugged into them. Larger generators have plugs for 240-volt appliances, others can be plugged into the home through a transfer switch and will need a special four-slotted plug to supply 120 and 240 volts.
Electrical Services & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Portable generators that are lower end only run on gas or diesel. They usually only have the capacity to hold enough fuel for a couple of hours. Choose a model that can hold enough to run through the night. There are also generators that can be connected to a propane tank or to the natural as line of the home. Less expensive generators usually have a rope that you will yank on to start it. More expensive ones have battery-powered electrical starts. Pushing a button is easier than yanking on a rope. There are also steps that need to be taken to keep the generator operational. Some need to be started and left to run for a few minutes every month of two. Others can go for a year or two without having to be started to ensure they will work when you need them to. To find out more about surge protectors and portable generators contact Simon Electric. We’re offering $50 off generator hook ups right now, so give us a call!
