Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Generators
Generators Are A Awesome Tool Especially if your in a area where you lose power frequently its a good idea to have a Back Up Source for Electricitie some people have generators and now im going to tell you about them
What is a Generator
A Generator is A Back up Device that Supplys you Power to your house when the power from the power company is down
How Do i Set up a Generator
Electric generators are potentially lethal if not used properly. There is a very real risk of injuring or killing someone working on power lines with a generator improperly connected to your home. Homeowners should know the correct way to use a backup generator. This page will explain how a generator transfer panel is properly installed. It will alert you to potential dangers and provide some insight on the workings of electricity. You will better understand the reasoning behind the need of a transfer panel instead of a simple double male extension cord. It is not my intent to encourage homeowners to make wiring changes, but rather to provide information which will promote safe and proper generator use. This knowledge can be used while choosing an electrician to do the installation work, and clarify what is being done. You will be able to ask intelligent questions, and maybe even point out wiring errors which must be corrected.
If you are hiring a certified electrician to make sure the work is done properly and just in case your insurance company asks questions, insist on getting a wiring permit and having the work inspected afterwards. Without this paper trail you might as well hire your next door neighbor to do the wiring. Paying an electrician cash under the table to save a few dollars will not provide the protection you think it does.
In many areas, any additions or upgrades to an electrical system is required to have an electrical permit authorized by the local electrical authority. You must be a licenced electrican to obtain a permit to do such upgrades, including any generator transfer panel installation. In the event of a fire directly related to an improper installation, you can be charged and your house insurance may not cover the damage.
In defiance of such rules, people often make electrical changes as they see fit, whether to install a dimmer switch, or to wire their newly renovated basement. In this situation, I encourage people to respect electricity, do the work correctly, and not take short cuts that could jeopardize the safety of themselves or others. A transfer panel installation is more involved than the typical do-it-yourself electrical job. Every installation will have its own set of unique conditions. Use information presented as a basic guideline only. I do not recommend this project be attempted by the average home owner, and anyone qualified to do such work will likely not need this page at all. Electricity is a useful tool, but it can kill and burn if not used properly. If you are not fully qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced with the workings of home electrical systems hire someone competent. Click on all links and read thoroughly before proceeding.
Safety first. Never connect a generator by using a double male cord plugged into the dryer or stove outlets. This technique is referred to as backfeeding and is potentially very dangerous. Do a web search for generator backfeed and read the responses. Backfeeding creates a possibility of returning power to the grid with potentially lethal results to people trying to repair the power lines. Even though you may know to turn off the main breaker, what will happen if someone else decides to connect the generator and leaves it on? These techniques are along the lines of playing Russian Roulette, except you are gambling with someone else's life. Do it right or don't do it at all.
The safe (and legal) approach is to install a proper transfer panel to provide isolation. The panel will have two breakers through which power feeds. It provides a mechanical lockout system that prevents both breakers from being on at the same time. One breaker is fed from the main panel and normal power, the other connects to the generator. Alternately, extension cords can be used to plug in a freezer or fridge directly to the generator. The furnace can be rewired to use a twistlock wall outlet and connected the same way. Make sure to use cords which are in good condition and with proper current ratings.
It is odd that people will spend several hundred dollars on a new generator but then suddenly go cheap on connecting it to their home. The money saved isn't worth the risk of killing someone, starting a fire, or damaging your generator. When budgeting for the project include extra money for a transfer panel and proper installation.
Always ensure the neutral wire in the generator is connected through the 4 conductor extension cord.
Equally important for homeowners is the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure adequate ventilation whenever operating a generator. Never operate a generator indoors, in an attached garage, near open windows or air intake ducts for a ventilation system. Carbon monoxide is odorless and its affects may be not noticed until it is too late. Keep the generator away from flammable objects and direct hot exhaust gas away from the house.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas which is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines
You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause.
Always supply adequate ventilation when operating a generator. Never operate a generator indoors, near an open window or intake ducts for a air exchanger system. The carbon monoxide fumes could enter the home from outdoors. Your home should have a carbon monoxide detector. A fireplace or furnace can malfunction and fill a home with carbon monoxide as well.
While power outages are not common, there is never a good time to be without electricity. Food preparation is difficult, kids get crazy without TV or video games, it's difficult to receive news reports and updates, and homes that use a well pump will be without water. Forget using your cordless phone or electric can opener. A long outage could cause food in your fridge and freezer to thaw. The basement could flood if you have a sump pump. In winter your house will quickly get cold, possibly freezing water lines. Homeowners should have an emergency kit containing a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food and water, backup heat source, and a backup power system readily available at all times. With a backup generator your family is taken care of, no worries about getting cold or not being able to eat. Total parts cost for the transfer panel is between about $200 and $600, depending on reusing circuit breakers, how generator cord connects, parts on hand, and so on. I consider it a worthwhile investment for such peace of mind. generator transfer panel supplies power to all essential items and there was even room left to add a few comfort items. Power outages are now optional. While others nearby don't have water to flush a toilet, we can watch satellite TV or even have a hot shower. During construction of our new house my wife was skeptical about spending extra money on something which seemed unnecessary. After several extended power outages, some following major snow storms, lesson has learned to appreciate the benefit of having backup power and agrees it is something we would never want to be without.
Plan ahead
Give plenty of time to research electric generators, their use and safety before starting your installation. If you hire someone you will be more knowledgeful and understand what is being done. Allow time to decide what critical items must be powered, calculate load requirements, and determine proper generator sizing. Do not wait until the last minute during a major storm or outage to begin your research. Generators will quickly disappear during an outage and electrical supply stores will have their supplies quickly diminished.
The system installed at home is not automated. During an outage the generator must be moved outdoors, cord connected, and the engine started. After running for a few minutes for the engine to stabilize electricity can be turned on at transfer panel. To prevent surge current from tripping the generator circuit breakers you initially turn off all transfer panel breakers. Turn on the well pump, septic pump, furnace, fridge, and freezer in that order, allowing the generator to stabilize before turning on the next device. After that the remaining breakers can be turned on. The generator will easily handle individual surge currents, but not all at once. Don't forget a way to secure the generator against theft. use a 6 foot cable lock to prevent the generator from being carried away.
When power is restored it is sometimes accompanied by high voltage spikes which could cause damage. To protect equipment in your home turn off all breakers on the main panel except for the living room lights. It provides an easy indication for when power is restored and will prevent other lights from coming on in the middle of the night. At worst you will lose a pair of light bulbs.reposition all switches in the house such that when everything points down the lights will be off. There is no more guessing about one switch up and the other down to have the lights off. This should be done regardless of whether you have backup power or not. While you are resetting clocks after an outage, don't forget the timer on the water softener.
It is a good idea to practice generator connection and reveiw safety with anyone who may have to use the system. Know how to check and top up the engine oil and refuel the gas tank. Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Know how to reset your well pump and check for tripped circuit breakers.
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