Standby generators are large fixed devices very similar in appearance to outdoor air conditioning compressors. These machines generate enough power to keep most of your electrical appliances and devices operating. Having a large enough standby generator in your home means you can operate every electrical appliance and simultaneously light up your home when the main power goes out. A standby generator provides added security in unpredictable weather and blackouts. Just be sure to install the generator properly. Does this Spark an idea?
Hiring Help
Installation of a standby generator is not generally done by the homeowner. Unless it has its own gasoline tank, you will you have to connect it to a fuel source, such as natural gas or propane. You will need to hard wire the generator into your electrical system. You will also need to install a complicated transfer switch with an electrical panel containing electrical circuits to receive power when the generator turns on. This is a very complex and dangerous procedure, best performed by professionals.
Avoid Back Feed and Carbon Monoxide
When installing a standby generator, you must avoid back feed. Back feed is an electrical current that is very dangerous and can cause critical injury and even death. This happens with an improperly wired generator when electricity is back-fed to the main electrical lines. These lines are hot lines when an outage occurs, and a back feed can cause a fire. A properly installed automatic transfer switch will prevent back feeds.
Whenever you are handling the generator, always make sure that your hands are dry and that you are standing on dry ground.
Install the standby generator outdoors to exhaust carbon monoxide gases. Never allow the device to operate inside an enclosed building. Make sure the generator gets enough air and to exhaust its emissions properly. Fumes from burnt fuel are very dangerous when inhaled.
Gasoline Safety
Store gasoline for the generator in an approved container kept out of the reach of children. Never have burning cigarettes or other flammable materials with you when handling the gasoline. Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher near the standby generator. Do not add fuel to the generator while it is running.
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