When the winds blow and the rains fall; the power may go out. Would you like living in the dark, watching your groceries spoil in the fridge and freezer? Most gas appliances like heating systems and water heaters still require electrical power for control. If the lights go out, what should you do? Shiver and shake in darkness? Instead of roughing it, perhaps investing in an emergency generator is the answer. Today, we at Burley Electrical Services would like to shine some light on generators.
Most Power Outages are from Extreme Weather & Require a Back Up Power Source
Most power outages are weather related. Lightning strikes and lines are blown down by wind, leading to power failure. Traffic accidents involving utility lines are a common cause of power lines being severed or otherwise compromised. Brown and blackouts are common in high demand areas. Earthquake areas can be subjected to long term power outages, even to regions not adversely affected by the quake. The solution is to have an emergency electrical generator system. The very least is a 1,000 to 2,000 watt unit. But if you are possibly subject to long term outages, a more robust solution is called for.
Small, Portable & Quiet Generators for Home Use
There are many options available. Small and portable generator units that run on gasoline and provide 1,000 to 2,000 watts can keep the fridge working and maybe a light or two. You need to decide how to store the gasoline and have a series of extension cords to run the generator. The main downside it that the output is minimal, usually restricted to 120 volts alternating current (AC) and they have small fuel tanks requiring frequent refilling.
Large Portable Generators
Larger generators, but portable units in the 6500 – 8500 watts can run most of the house, provides 220 VAC (volts alternating current) and may offer the option of gasoline, propane or diesel fuels. There are larger units in the 10,000 to 22,000 watt range and may provide the option to run the majority of your home needs. Of course as the capability goes up so does the price. In many cases the natural gas systems remain viable in most weather related power outages, but may suffer in a geological event, i.e. earthquake. Though the U.S. has been fortunate to date, we cannot disregard the potential of terrorist’s activity in disrupting communications, transportation and utility services. A large standby power generating unit designed to power the entire home, though pricey maybe the way to go. There is a permanently installed generator unit to have an automatic switch and many run on natural gas and can provide power almost indefinitely. The downside to gas and diesel fuels is that they are hard to store. They require ventilation to the outside of the container and in humid climates can deteriorate from condensation accumulation, and are a potential fire hazard. However, propane and natural gas will still remain useable for centuries. In earthquake areas gas mains are subject to compromise. Propane would be a good alternative, though a relative short term solution. Some stand by generators are dual fuel, and maybe able to use either natural gas or propane. Propane can therefore provide a short term alternative and natural gas supplies and be restored.
Generators & Electrical Services in Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
The state emergency services will do their best to address the emergency, but long term survival and comfort falls to the homeowner. Consider your families ability to cope with what maybe a long term emergency situation. Federal and state services take up to three days or more to mobilize and organize their response. Until then you are on your own. Contact Burley Electrical Services for all your electrical power needs.
