Buy your generator long before the power goes out
Determine how much power you need and then be sure to follow all safety instructions.
Posted on Wed, May. 30, 2007
BY RICHARD WESTLUND
richard.westlund@earthlink.net
Whenever a hurricane threatens South Florida, portable generators are high on residents' shopping lists. No one wants to go for days without electricity if that can be avoided. But it's usually better to buy a generator well in advance of a storm, say South Florida experts, so you'll have a greater selection at retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart and local hardware stores.
If you're thinking of a more permanent solution -- a backup generator system powered by propane (LP) or natural gas with enough power for your entire house -- it will take at least three months to complete the project.
"Whatever type of generator you are considering, be sure you understand how it operates and follow all the safety instructions," said Benny Chang, an associate at Home Depot's Miami Lakes store. "Safety should always come first."
How much power do you need?
Because portable generators come in a wide range of prices and power output capabilities, it's a good idea to begin your shopping by calculating just how many watts of emergency power you need. A more powerful generator costs more initially and usually requires more fuel to operate -- an important factor as gas prices climb above the $3 mark.
- Make a list of the appliances and lights you would like to power from your generator. Some appliances -- like a room air conditioner, well water pump or clothes dryer -- require far more "running watts" than others (see box on page 21). In addition, appliances with electrical motors, like air conditioners or pumps, usually require extra "surge" power when they start up. When calculating wattage, it's generally better to overestimate your needs. Once you have a working generator at your home, there's almost always something extra -- a coffee maker, cell phone recharger, etc. -- that you'll want to power up. The smallest portable home generators produce about 1,800 watts and cost about $400, Chang says. That's enough to power a string of lights, a refrigerator or a small stove, but not much more.
- Popular mid-size models cost about $600 to $750 and generate roughly 5,000 watts -- enough for a room air conditioner and perhaps a TV or computer, as well as the refrigerator, stove and lights.
- The largest gasoline-powered "portables" generate 15,000 to 18,000 watts, and cost $2,000 to $3,000. These are usually connected to the home's electrical service through a transfer switch, which can cost another $200 to $500. For safety, these types of systems should only be installed by a trained electrician. But the advantage of having a generator wired into your home system is that you can choose which appliances to power by flipping the circuit switches, rather than using long extension cords.
- Operating a generator
- Before buying a generator, be sure you can use it in a safe outdoor location. Never run a generator in a garage or enclosed space, because of a potential buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
"A generator needs to be at least 10 feet from walls or windows," Chang says, "and there shouldn't be any underground or overhead wires nearby. Because of the danger of shock, the generator should always be on a dry surface and under an open canopy if possible." - If you live in a condominium or townhome, the noise of a generator may be a factor. Talk to your neighbors and look for a quieter model -- a small difference in decibels makes a big difference in noise. In addition, you may want to purchase a metal cable and padlock to secure the generator and reduce the risk of theft. For safety, you should have a fire extinguisher nearby, as well as a good outdoor flashlight. You will also need a safe place to store several containers of gasoline, as well as extra oil to keep your generator running.
"When we get calls about generators that don't work, often it's because they just ran out of gas or oil," Chang says. ``Pay attention to the maintenance instructions in the manual."
How long a portable generator can operate before refilling depends on the size of the motor, the fuel tank and the watts being produced. A generator with a seven-gallon tank, for instance, can run for nine to 13 hours, depending on how many appliances are being powered.
Many buyers also purchase heavy-duty extension cords to connect the generator to different appliances. Just be aware that an A/C unit, stove or refrigerator may require a 220-volt connection, rather than the standard 110-volt connection. And extension cords can't be used for appliances wired into your home system, like a pump or central AC system.
Portable generators are bulky and typically weigh 100 to 400 pounds, so be sure you'll be able to carry your new generator home from the store. Fortunately, most generators have a wheel kit that you can attach after unpacking. That's designed to let one person roll the generator from storage to its operating location. - One last thought: If you're concerned about your arm strength, look for a generator with a battery operated electric starter rather than a pull cord. That's an often overlooked feature that can make a big difference when it's time to power up your portable generator.