Rough weather is a part of life in Houston. The Hurricane season brings with it floods, storms, power outages, food and water shortages. If you dont already know it, electrical lines, wiring, and high water and wind dont get along. When the power goes out, you can keep your electricity on by wisely choosing and using a power generator.
Generators
When your power goes out, a generator can quickly provide you with electricity. There are three main things to consider when choosing the right generator for your needs.
Portable or Permanent?
Portable Generators
Portable emergency generators are very affordable, and are easy to handle. They can provide quick emergency power during an outage. They need to be started by someone, and need to be refueled, too. Using a portable generator is like using a power lawn mower. Some models have electric starters, and others use a pull start. Be conscious of what kind of fuel your generator needs, and be sure to have a properly stored reserve on hand before a disaster.
Permanently Installed Standby Generators
These types of generators are installed permanently and hard wired to your existing electrical system, and connect to existing gas lines or to a tank for a source of fuel. A permanent generator can start automatically. It uses an automatic transfer switch to monitor power, and turn the generator on if a loss of power occurs. Because of this, a permanently installed standby generator is good to consider, especially in terms of possible long term outages. Be sure to get a licensed Houston electrician for any hard wiring into your existing system.
Fuel Type
Be sure to consider availability of fuel when deciding what kind of generator to go with.
Portable Generators
Gas
Diesel
As these fuel types are readily available, they make portable generators an option with a quick and easy start up. Once again make sure you have a properly stored supply of fuel before you need it!
Permanent Standby Generators
LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, primarily propane
Natural Gas
If you already have natural gas lines running to your home, or are willing to set up a holding tank for propane, a permanent standby generator may be a good idea for you.
Power Need
You are in an emergency situation. Think. What do I need to power? Just a refrigerator and some lights? Or, do you need to power a whole home or medical facility? What is riding on your electrical system? These are important factors to think about when considering what type of generator to use.
Small Home, Light power needs
If you have a small home, or only need to support a few rooms, or a few appliances and lights, a 7kw generator should work for you. More efficient small models produce 17 to 25kw.
Large Home, Small Commercial
A 45 to 125kw generator can restore power to a small home or commercial operation.
Commercial, Hospital
A 1.75 mega watt generator is needed to ensure proper electricity to a commercial or hospital operation.
These factors should help you to decide what kind of power generator is best for your needs. If you arent sure whats right for you, refer to a Houston electrician for help. A Houston electrician should also be contacted for inspection and repairs if it appears that any damage has occurred to your electrical system after an outage.
Author Resource:
Storms and disasters threaten home wiring and electric systems, and preparedness can keep the lights on. A Houston electrician can help you to decide what kind of power generator is best for your emergency preparedness need.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")