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