When power goes out, it can mean losing everything from refrigerators and sump pumps to air conditioning. That’s why many people choose to install a backup generator for their home or business.
However, installing a backup generator requires above-average knowledge of residential electrical systems. It also involves plumbing skills and pipe runs to connect a natural gas or propane fuel supply to the new generator.Cost
Backup generator install costs vary based on the size of the system and labor rates in your area. It also depends on whether you want a natural gas or diesel-fueled system, the distance to the electrical panel and gas meter, and the amount of wiring and gas plumbing to be done.
Whole-home generator installation is a complicated job that should be left to professionals. It requires knowledge of electrical, plumbing and gas components.
A professional installation includes obtaining permits, preparing the site for the generator, installing the fuel tank (done by the utility company), subpanel and wiring. It also requires a licensed plumber to connect the fuel line.
A commercial backup generator can be used to keep business operations running during power outages and helps to mitigate the loss of productivity and profits. It can also help to maintain a safe working environment in the event of a power outage.Installation
There are many things to consider when it comes to backup generator installation. It’s a complex process that requires skill, knowledge and experience to complete properly.
Before you begin, make sure your power system has been inspected and that all electrical wiring is safe and up to code. A licensed electrician can assist you with this process and ensure that all necessary permits are obtained.
The next step is to install an automatic transfer switch, which is a piece of equipment that senses a power outage and commands the generator to start. Once it starts, the generator supplies power to your circuits within seconds.
This is a very important safety device that prevents dangerous voltage surges and spikes from affecting your electronics and appliances. It also isolates you from the utility lines, protecting you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s a crucial part of any home backup plan.Maintenance
Maintenance is all of the work done to keep a machine, facility, building, vehicle or equipment in good working order. It includes inspection, testing, servicing, classification as to serviceability, repair, rebuilding, and reclamation.
In addition to the above, maintenance also involves maintaining spare parts inventory, tools and safety equipment. It also involves determining the best time and place to do maintenance.
Ideally, the right type of maintenance should be carried out to minimize spare part cost, system downtime and maintenance time. Ultimately, you want to keep your backup generator in the best possible shape and maximize the life expectancy of this critical piece of equipment.
There are a few general types of maintenance strategies used by companies, including preventive, condition-based and predictive. The last one, predictive, is more advanced and uses sensing and computing technology to analyze historical trends and predict a breakdown before it happens. It can be more expensive up front, but it keeps machines operating in a more efficient manner.Safety
When you decide to install a backup generator, it is important to follow safety procedures. Failure to do so can result in damage, fire or injury.
It is also essential to use a qualified electrician, who knows how to properly connect a generator to your home’s electrical system. This will ensure isolation between your house’s electrical system and our power lines while the generator is running, as well as avoiding backfeeding which can cause problems for you, your neighbors and the workers who are trying to restore power when it goes out.
It is also important to choose a good location for the generator, keeping in mind the prevailing wind. Place the generator in an area with plenty of ventilation, preferably 10 feet or more away from your home and with three or four feet of breathing room on all sides.