| A portable generator is typically used for | | | | drawbacks to this. First, most cords cannot be |
| temporary power outages. When not in use it can | | | | plugged into a furnace or well-pump. Plus, if the |
| be stored away in the garage, although it must | | | | extension cord is too long the drop in power may |
| never be run in an enclosed area due to the lethal | | | | damage the generator, as well as the appliance. |
| effect of carbon monoxide. | | | | Also, there is the danger of fire if the cords are |
| Most models are mounted on wheels, which | | | | placed inappropriately above or below rugs or |
| makes it quite easy to move the generator to a | | | | carpets. |
| safe location outside no less than 15 feet away | | | | Although not a requirement for the actual |
| from the house. The ground should be level to | | | | operation of a portable generator, it is highly |
| prevent accidental leakage of fuel or oil. | | | | recommended that you have a manual transfer |
| The primary fuel sources are gasoline and diesel, | | | | switch installed by a licensed electrician. This |
| although there is a type of portable that is called | | | | device redistributes power from your generator |
| tri-fuel, which permits the use of propane and | | | | to your home circuit box. |
| natural gas together with gasoline. This is usually | | | | For an additional cost of between $150 and $300, |
| an add-on option to gasoline models. | | | | the transfer switch not only reduces having |
| The concept is to convert energy from the fuel | | | | multiple extension cords running all over the place, |
| source into electricity. The amount of wattage | | | | it eliminates the risk of electrical feed-back, which |
| needed totally depends on your personal choice | | | | can cause severe harm to workmen who might |
| regarding appliances and equipment. | | | | be attempting to fix the utility power while you |
| For instance, are you trying to provide ample | | | | are running your portable generator. |
| power to run a refrigerator, furnace fan, | | | | Another convenience in having the transfer switch |
| sump-pump, or central air conditioning for long | | | | is that you can choose the appliances and circuits |
| periods? Or, do you simply want to generate light | | | | you want to use by simply flipping a switch. |
| for a couple of rooms? | | | | However, make sure you monitor which |
| The most common strategy is to use | | | | appliances are being powered because the |
| appropriately sized extension cords to carry the | | | | transfer switch is often wired into more circuits |
| generated electricity from the power source to | | | | than the generator can handle at one time. |
| the appliance. However, there are distinct | | | | |