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Portable generators | |
For more rationally prepared people, a portable generator can help you provide power for some of the essential electrical equipment in your home when the power is interrupted.
Portable generators can get you by in a pinch - but remember, they are for short term outages only. They run on gasoline, need to be refueled often, have fumes to contend with, and are easily stolen if left outdoors. |
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Portable Generator Sizes | |
When buying a portable generator for backup household power, choose a midsize (6000-8000 watt) generator for basic needs. Portable generators larger than this are very loud and challenging to move. Take in to account the crucial items you may have; sump, well and sewage pumps, fridge, freezer, and heat source. Your gas furnace still needs its electric fan to deliver the heat even though the gas generates the heat. |
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Calculating the size you need | |
To choose the right size of portable generator for backup power, add up the total # of watts that you could potentially want running at the same time. This will be the wattage of generator you will want to purchase.
As an example, say the kitchen light bulb is 100 watts, your slow cooker uses 200 watts, your TV uses 750 watts, your refrigerator runs on 1200 watts but needs 2900 start-up watts each time it cycles on (Your user manual will tell you start-up requirements.) You must use the larger number (start-up watts) in your calculation. The total wattage in this scenario is 3950 (not 2250 watts) so you will need a 4000 watt (also called a 4 kilowatt) portable generator to run these appliances. |
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HOT TIP for Success | |
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If you have a portable generator always treat it to premium fuel (fuel stabilizer is a good idea as well) and put it on a testing and maintenance schedule to ensure that when you do need it, it will be able to perform as it should. We recommend firing it up once a month and letting it run 30 minutes. |
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Direct line to the DOC.. | |
 If you have a question about the health of your electrical system or just wondering about a little "plastic surgery", ask the doctor: Just click below and send your question to terry@theshockdoctors.ca |
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Ask the Doc | |
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Dear Doc: I'm having a problem deciding what to put on my emergency generator panel. We just can't get a consensus on what is really essential equipment here and my budget only allows for a portable generator unit. What to do?
-Anxious in Atherley
Dear AIA:
Good news! There is a product that fits between your hydro meter and your service panel called a Generlink that allows you to manage your circuits on an "as essential" basis Need a shower? Shut off every breaker except the hot water tank and the bathroom. No need for an emergency generator panel at all. Best news is it's less expensive than an emergency panel. |
 | | ECRA/ESA
# 7001377 |
Enjoy this summer!
Cheri
The Shock Doctors |
