Comment How to do it and Tips (Score 1) 695
There are 2 ways to do this that won't get you slapped by your code enforcement officer.
1. Portable generator with a manual transfer switch
2. Standby Generator with a manual or automatic transfer switch.
You ALWAYS want to use a transfer switch, because it's both required by code, and it is a much safer and efficient system. The transfer switch lives between your main load center and your fixtures. It ensures that only 1 source of electricity can be used at any time, and eliminates the possibility to backfeed electricity from your house to the grid. Manual vs. Automatic is determined by if you want to turn the generator on and transfer power yourself, or if you want it to happen automatically, along with financial concerns. An automatic system will cost 2-3 times as much as a manual system.
A standard portable generator can be purchased at a local home supply store or hardware store, along with the transfer switch. To figure out a size, look at the energy ratings on your appliances, looking at the watts, and add them. A 5500 watt generator can run the furnace, well, and lighting in an average size house with little difficulty. These units typically run off gas, but you can get units that run on LP or diesel.
If you want a more trouble free solution, you could go with a standby generator with an automatic transfer switch. These units will, upon sensing a power failure, automatically start the generator and transfer your load to the generator. This way, in a minute or two after the power outage, you have emergency power to your house. You would size these units in the same way as the portables, but they will be more readily available in larger capacities (10-30Kw). These units typically run off LP, Natural Gas or Diesel.
Some things to consider:
1. Fuel consumption. These generators, especially the perminant mount standby kind use a large quantity of fuel, even if your not powering much of anything. This is a big point for extended outages that may last a number of days. If you connect it to use natural gas, don't be shocked when you get that months bill and it's much larger than your used to. Another point for Diesel and LP is to make sure you have a large enough fuel tank to handle outages. You want to make sure you have enough fuel to hold you over until more can be delivered or purchased.
2. Noise. These things do not run quietly, but the portables are much louder than the perminant units. This is mostly due to the enhanced exhaust system and sound-insulated enclosure on the fixed units. Another point to consider is the RPM of the unit, which is also a large factor in noise. Many units run at 3600RPM using a 2-pole stator. Other units run at 1800RPM using a 4-pole stator. It's the difference of having a lawn mower or a car outside your window.
3. Local Zoning Laws. Some areas have air quality and noise pollution laws that may prohibit the use of generators which burn a certain type of fuel or may require additional exhaust fume processing. A call to the local zoning board would help in determining if anything additional is necessary.
4. Placement of the unit at your residence. You want to place the unit in an area that is well ventilated, and as close to your electrical panel as possible. If possible, do not place it outside of a room you wish to sleep in, because of the noise talked about above.
5. Maintenance of the unit is also important. Just like your lawn mower or car, the unit will require routine maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups, etc). So, you'll want to keep the unit accessible.
Your best bet is to talk to an electrician from your area, or check at a local electrical wholesaler to see what is available. In some areas, there are companies that specialize in installing emergency generation systems at hospitals and businesses, many also do residential installations, or will at least sell you the unit and an electrician can handle the rest.
I hope you find this information useful.
1. Portable generator with a manual transfer switch
2. Standby Generator with a manual or automatic transfer switch.
You ALWAYS want to use a transfer switch, because it's both required by code, and it is a much safer and efficient system. The transfer switch lives between your main load center and your fixtures. It ensures that only 1 source of electricity can be used at any time, and eliminates the possibility to backfeed electricity from your house to the grid. Manual vs. Automatic is determined by if you want to turn the generator on and transfer power yourself, or if you want it to happen automatically, along with financial concerns. An automatic system will cost 2-3 times as much as a manual system.
A standard portable generator can be purchased at a local home supply store or hardware store, along with the transfer switch. To figure out a size, look at the energy ratings on your appliances, looking at the watts, and add them. A 5500 watt generator can run the furnace, well, and lighting in an average size house with little difficulty. These units typically run off gas, but you can get units that run on LP or diesel.
If you want a more trouble free solution, you could go with a standby generator with an automatic transfer switch. These units will, upon sensing a power failure, automatically start the generator and transfer your load to the generator. This way, in a minute or two after the power outage, you have emergency power to your house. You would size these units in the same way as the portables, but they will be more readily available in larger capacities (10-30Kw). These units typically run off LP, Natural Gas or Diesel.
Some things to consider:
1. Fuel consumption. These generators, especially the perminant mount standby kind use a large quantity of fuel, even if your not powering much of anything. This is a big point for extended outages that may last a number of days. If you connect it to use natural gas, don't be shocked when you get that months bill and it's much larger than your used to. Another point for Diesel and LP is to make sure you have a large enough fuel tank to handle outages. You want to make sure you have enough fuel to hold you over until more can be delivered or purchased.
2. Noise. These things do not run quietly, but the portables are much louder than the perminant units. This is mostly due to the enhanced exhaust system and sound-insulated enclosure on the fixed units. Another point to consider is the RPM of the unit, which is also a large factor in noise. Many units run at 3600RPM using a 2-pole stator. Other units run at 1800RPM using a 4-pole stator. It's the difference of having a lawn mower or a car outside your window.
3. Local Zoning Laws. Some areas have air quality and noise pollution laws that may prohibit the use of generators which burn a certain type of fuel or may require additional exhaust fume processing. A call to the local zoning board would help in determining if anything additional is necessary.
4. Placement of the unit at your residence. You want to place the unit in an area that is well ventilated, and as close to your electrical panel as possible. If possible, do not place it outside of a room you wish to sleep in, because of the noise talked about above.
5. Maintenance of the unit is also important. Just like your lawn mower or car, the unit will require routine maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups, etc). So, you'll want to keep the unit accessible.
Your best bet is to talk to an electrician from your area, or check at a local electrical wholesaler to see what is available. In some areas, there are companies that specialize in installing emergency generation systems at hospitals and businesses, many also do residential installations, or will at least sell you the unit and an electrician can handle the rest.
I hope you find this information useful.
