Whole House Generators – a look at what really matters

Sep 25, 2013 Generators

Whole Home Generators – a glance at just what it means, and exactly how much power you obtain

Some standby generator packages are referred to as providing “entire home power” which implies they’re able to power everything in your house. The packages more often than not include an automatic transfer switch with power management features

Alone, “entire home power” means that the entire property is given power, however don’t assume all generators are designed for producing enough power to support all appliances and lights at one time.

Home Power Use

The conventional new home in America has a 200-amp service panel with a lot of circuit breakers. In the event the amperage of all of the breakers inside the panel are added up, they could total just as much as 800 amperes, far more than what the panel or perhaps the main breaker are equipped for. If every one of the home’s appliances and lights were switched on, the whole would still not exceed 200 amperes and also the main breaker wouldn’t trip.

Safety and convenience dictate the dimensions of the principle service panel and the number of circuits it supplies. How big the principle breaker is not a good indicator of the amount of power the complete house uses.

Power Management

Managing power takes two forms. Homeowners do their part by switching off nonessential appliances and lights while operating on standby power. What creates a nonessential appliance depends on the specific situation and the convenience of the complete house generator. Power management devices for example load-shedding controllers or digital power management systems prevent backup generator overloads by limiting the number of high-demand appliances that operate as well.

Automatic Transfer Switches

The automatic transfer switch is an essential part with the entire home generator system. Their installation configures them because the gatekeeper for electrical power for your home. During normal operation, they send power from your electric utility to the main service panel. When utility power fails, they disconnect the utility lines from your home and route power from your entire home generator to the main panel.

In order to meet electrical codes, the automated transfer switch current rating inside a entire home power configuration must equal or exceed the principle circuit breaker current rating. A 200-amp main circuit breaker uses a 200-amp or greater automatic transfer switch. By using a smaller switch for entire home power may cause a fire or permanently damage the switch.

Whole Home Generators

Generators are rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), a measure of the work electric power is able to do. Air-cooled generators for entire home power start out with ratings of approximately 8,000 watts (8 kW) and top out at about 20,000 watts (20 kW). Liquid-cooled generators for residential applications offer 20 kilowatts to 65 kilowatts of electric power.

In comparison, 100 amp main circuit breaker are equipped for about 24,000 watts of power and a 200 amp panel about 48,000 watts of power. Take into account that the home never uses the amount of power the principle breaker can handle.

Deciding on a Home Standby Generator

For the majority of applications, it is not necessary or economical to put in a complete house generator able to giving the equal power the principle circuit breaker can handle. Through the use of power management devices and judicious homeowner power use, smaller generators will give the complete house with electric power.

Perform a power audit to discover the most power used at any time. Know what high voltage appliances are necessary and who are not. Finally, go with a backup generator package that will fulfill the power needs in the entire home and rehearse power management devices to regulate the power supplied to high voltage appliances for efficient entire home energy that meets your requirements.

For more info go to: www.BackupHomePower.com

Emergency Generators – A Must for All Residential Homeowners

Sep 20, 2013 Generators

Emergency Generators: Absolutely Essential for All Residential Homeowners

The time when electricity in the house was obviously a luxury convenience is long past. Since the end of the 1940s, just about any existing home in America has been given electric power, and quite a few jurisdictions require complete installation in new homes. Modern homes depend on electricity for heating and cooling, preventing ground water flooding, home alarm systems and refrigeration. Homes in rural areas also use electricity to pump water for consumption, hygiene, and sanitation.

When electric power goes off, these essential systems will no longer function. Basements and crawl spaces can flood from ground-water seepage, refrigerators and freezers slowly warm and food spoils. In subfreezing temperatures, the plumbing will eventually freeze causing broken pipes and the potential of flooding. During extended outages, batteries in home alarm systems will fail. Those who depend on medical equipment may be at increased risk if they do without their life support systems.

Making do without electricity is frequently more than just a headache, it places the home at risk and can threaten the lives of those people who depend on the safety their property provides.

Emergency Generator Protection

It’s unnecessary to live without electric power after an emergency generator is installed.

When utility power fails, an emergency way to obtain power can keep essential circuits operating. The better the generator, the greater with the ability to power. Smaller standby and portable units of 5000 to 7000 kilowatts are able to keep the refrigerator and freezer cold, power a couple of lights, with the sump pump as well as perhaps the furnace if it is needed.

Larger units as much as 14 kilowatts with power management strategies will handle more appliances including well pumps, water heaters, and air conditioning, in addition to more convenience lighting and small appliances or computers.

Air cooled standby units of up to 20,000 watts are available for larger homes or higher appliances. Liquid cooled units of up 60 kilowatts will supply perhaps the most power hungry of homes with sufficient capacity to keep everything running from pool pumps to jacuzzis.

Standby Emergency Generators

Portable generators provides backup power, but they won’t do it automatically. In relation to emergency power for critical home systems, the standby generator fills in if the electric company is unable to deliver power.

Standby emergency generators are permanently installed appliances that work with an automatic transfer switch. The switch selects utility power during normal operation and standby generator power throughout an outage. It reconnects the utility when service is restored. Both air-cooled and liquid-cooled models are available for residential homes, and are powered by natural gas or on LP gas (propane). They are reliable and begin automatically after a power outage without operator intervention to guard the home and family even though the homeowner is away away or at the job a fairly short distance away.

Portable Generators For Emergencies

Portable generators also supply power during emergencies, but have to have the homeowner to hook them up, start them, and manually switch the home to generator power by using a manual transfer switch. They also require a steady diet of fuel. A typical installation includes the manually operated transfer switch that connects with an inlet box and also to the key service panel. The switch supplies power through the main panel or through the generator with a select group of essential circuits. A heavy-duty cord connects the generator on the inlet box.

A less sophisticated method connects appliances on the generator with extension cords. This utilizes homeowners, but operating hard-wired appliances for example the furnace is generally extremely hard.

Emergency generators supply all-important power during emergencies and each home should be built with an emergency source of power.

To find out more info, head to: www.Got-Generators.com

Deciding on Installing Your Home Standby Generator Yourself

Sep 19, 2013 Generators

Put in a Home Standby Generator Yourself: Why/ Why Not?

 
Standby generators communicate with an automatic transfer switch to supply electric power within a power outage. Installation isn’t necessarily a complicated job, nevertheless it does require knowledge beyond the scope of most do-it-yourself books. Handling the task yourself instead of hiring an experienced and qualified installer can stretch your budget, nevertheless it will likely take more time. You will find positives and negatives to handling it as a do it yourself project and hiring an expert.

Installation

Most effective standby generator installation works on the load center coupled with an automatic transfer switch in a single unit. The transfer switch connects with a double-pole breaker in the primary service panel. The circuits the generator will power are disconnected in the primary panel and routed to the new automatic transfer switch where they are linked to new breakers.
Other installations replace the main service panel with a new one which incorporates the automated transfer switch, or perhaps the ATS is installed between your meter along with the existing panel.
Plumbing to extend the home’s gas lines to the standby generator is needed with an assessment of the gas utility meter to be sure it will handle the elevated flow of gas. Or else, the utility will require a brand new meter installation.

Electrical Work

If you are knowledgeable enough to perform the task yourself and will convince the local building inspector that you can handle the job, you may be around the installation. Expertise in the National Electric Code as it pertains to the installation and your service entrance, as well as a well documented policy for installation may help pave the way for a permit to proceed which has a generator installation, but you’ll still have to try everything correctly and pass the inspection.
Failure to feature important codes or making dangerous mistakes might prompt the inspector to require you to hire an electrical contractor after the fact, which will probably run you more cash in the long run. Creating a “No Occupancy” tag slapped on the home as you made too many mistakes can give you away and off to a motel and incur much more expense before troubles are corrected and your generator passes installation.

Plumbing Work

Connection to your home’s gas or LP gas supply lines is necessary. Natural gas lines to the new standby generator are run with black iron pipe, and LP gas uses copper or plastic tubing. You will need the skill to generate leak-free connections and be able to test for leaks following the installation.
Building inspectors shy of householders that wish to accomplish their own gas line plumbing work, and gas utilities feel similarly. The possibility of explosion or suffocation from leaking gas is very high when mistakes are made and gas lines leak. Explosion danger reaches to neighboring homes.

When you should Do-It-Yourself

If you are positive your skills and may receive the building permit, then go ahead and install your standby generator and automatic transfer switch. Follow every one of the manufacturer instructions together with all local building codes. The structure inspector ought to be other people you know throughout the installation and may offer advice and caveats. Should you come across conditions that allow you to deviate plan, call the inspector to ensure the modern plan is acceptable. Above all, never proceed with purchasing materials or starting set up before you have the proper permits.

When you should Employ a Pro

Understand that you’re working with electricity and you will be subjected to dangerous electrical currents. You’ll need to tap into your home’s gas lines and make up a leak-free pipe run and link to the standby generator. Failure in either of the trades may cause severe injury or death. If you aren’t positive about your abilities with proven experience, hire a professional. It’s worth the peace of mind and saving a few dollars isn’t worth losing the life of someone you care about or yourself.

For more information go to: www.GeneratorPowerForLess.com

Generac Generators Updates the 20kw Standby Generator

Sep 17, 2013 Generators

Generac Generators Updates the 20kw Standby Generator to New Model – 6244

Generac Power Systems introduced the updated model 6244, 20kW Guardian Standby Generator using the new Evolution Controller. The favorite package previously sold under model #5875 which included the 200 Amp, Service-Entrance-Rated Smart Switch, an automatic transfer switch. The new type of the Guardian Series backup generators has been available since January in the 2013 International Builder’s Show in Vegas, Nevada.

Generac’s Guardian Series Home Standby Generators work with an automatic transfer switch the signal from supply chance to a house throughout a power outage without homeowner intervention and run on either propane (LP gas) or Gas Main, eliminating the necessity for frequent refueling.

Evolution Controller

The Evolution replaces the Nexus Controller and includes many updated features. The new interface is often a back-lit membrane keypad to demonstrate generator status instantly. Other new features go beyond the cosmetic. The live view screen still shows two lines of text and reports maintenance logs, generator status alerts, and alarms, but new functional features help house owners with better specifics of battery health, as well as alarms for that wall charger, overload, and fuse warnings to distinguish challenges before they become problems.

The new Evolution also supplies a USB port which allows a technician to update the firmware without removing the controller―a far better solution than swapping out your old Nexus controller for just one with updated programming.

Engine Upgrades

The Guardian group of generators uses Generac’s engineered overhead valve industrial engine―the only engine in the industry that was specifically made for use in standby generators. Generac has produced the engines in their standby units better to service and contains improved starting at a wide range of temperatures using the new updated model line. A redesigned fuel system eliminates the choke and contains a standard throttle body.

Guardian generators ship from the factory able to run using gas main. Conversion to LP gas has long been simple and easy and took just moments, but the new design allows conversion without tools and just has a few seconds. It is actually turning a knob.

Entire Home Power

With 20,000 watts of power, the 6244 can run many kitchen appliances including air conditioning. The Smart Switch contains a load-shedding controller which allows high-voltage appliances to operate without overloading the generator. The Smart Switch senses an overload condition and turns off high-voltage loads in order of assigned priority.

Without the additional hardware, the Smart Switch can control two air conditioning. Digging in an electric Management Module core kit allows the addition of another high-voltage device. Fully packed with four Power Management Modules (PMMs) allows the smart switch to manage when using two air conditioning and 4 additional high-voltage, high-current appliances.

Neighborhood Friendly Design

The 20kW 6244 will fit easily into any suburban neighborhood. The all-metal enclosure is powder coat painted to have an attractive appearance made from Galvaaneal steel for a long, corrosion free-life. Just 66db, it’s quieter than many central air conditioning unit units―important to keep the neighbors happy when their power is going along with their windows are open up. Placement is made easy by compliance with National Fire Protection Association codes and regulations for placement at 18 inches from the home.

Generac leads the industry with standby generators for backup home power, and now the Guardian lineup receives a well earned update.

For more info go to: www.NPSGenerac.com

Onan Power Generators

Sep 13, 2013 Generators

Onan Power Generators

Cummins Onan began in 1920 and supplies generators for RVs, boats, commercial, and emergency vehicles, standby power, and portable applications. With previous quality and trust that spans more than 90 years, Cummins Power Generation is a name you can rely on and a product you’ll be able to depend on to offer power whenever and wherever it is needed.

RV Generators

Cummins Onan has RV generators running on gasoline, diesel, or propane (LP gas) in sizes to match even most demanding needs of recreational vehicles, including those with three rooftop ac units.

Diesel generators for RVs range in proportions from 3,200 to 12,500 watts with six models to choose from. These generators exceed the country’s Park Service standards for acceptable noise levels with a specially engineered enclosure, even under full load. Easily accessible for maintenance and self diagnostic capabilities make owning and taking advantage of a diesel RV generator incredibly easy.

Gasoline generators in nine models supply 2800 to 7000 watts of power, including three models that meet California Air Resource Board (CARB) requirements. Onan gasoline generators feature digital power regulation with low noise and vibration, the light little design, exceptional fuel economy, and easy installation.

For SUTs, fifth-wheels {and Type A and C RVs, LP generators provide 2500 to 6500 watts of power. Enclosed mufflers and vibration reducing enclosures keep your generators exceptionally quiet. Additional features include digital voltage regulation and easy access for maintenance.

Marine Generators

Small boats, yachts, and ships have serious power requirements, and Onan Marine Generators step-up towards the plate with sixteen Quiet Diesel generators rated from 5 kilowatts through 99 kilowatts. The QD series is certified to satisfy US EPA requirements where you can meet a world-wide network of distributors and dealers.

QD generators from Cummins are self-monitoring and speak with the craft’s onboard network. The digital display provides user-friendly facts about self diagnostics, engine and alternator operation, and text displays for reports and standing.

The 17kW and greater models can be bought in either single-phase, 120/240-volts, or three-phase units supplying power at 120/208 – 277 volts. Units smaller than 17kW offer single-phase current at 120/240 volts.

Commercial Mobile

Probably the largest type of Onan Generators are are their Commercial Mobile generators.

Fire and rescue applications frequently use Cummins Onan PTO and hydraulic generators who use far less space than comparable diesel generators. Their Protec PTO generators supply 15,000 to 35,000 watts of power, even though the Commercial HG compilation of hydraulic models can generate 6000 to 25,000 watts of power.

Seven Commercial Quiet Diesel designs have rated outputs from 5000 to 12,000 watts. Applications where noise is a lesser amount of a problem are able to use the Commercial Standard Diesel, with 7500, 10,000 and 20,000 watt models. All the diesel generators offer exceptional reliability, reduced vibration, and two year, 2000 hour warranties.

Commercial Quiet Gas propane-powered generators sized from 2500 to 6500 watts supply quality power with reduced noise levels, easy servicing, and digital voltage regulation for lightweight little installations. The Quiet Gas line comes with gasoline-powered generators from 2800 to 7000 watts.

Residential Standby

Residential standby generators supply electricity to homes during a power outage. Onan offers 13 and 20kW air-cooled models to meet the requirements of all homes, and 20kW to 100kW liquid-cooled generators that will supply even most power hungry luxury homes with electrical energy during an outage. Cummins Onan standby generators run on either LP gas (propane) or natural gas.

Standby generators require a mechanical transfer switch, so when associated with a ATS panel from Cummins Power Generation, their standby generators are fully automatic, supplying power and protecting homes even if the homeowner just isn’t present. Cummins Onan standby generators feature digital voltage and frequency regulation to produce utility quality power.

For more info go to: www.Got-Generators.com

Westinghouse Generators and Pressure Washers

Sep 6, 2013 Generators

Westinghouse Generators & Some of the Lineup of Generators and Pressure Washers

In 1886, George Westinghouse founded Westinghouse Electric Company and built the 1st AC power generating plant in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Their founder already had knowledge of another kind of power: he patented the rotary steam engine in 1865. Subsequently, the Westinghouse company has built numerous products from jet engines to light bulbs. Two current products that speak of their root base is the generator as well as the power washer.

Portable Generators

Westinghouse manufactures portable generators rated from 3250 watts through 7000 watts, providing reliable power while at work or in the home, for everyday use in order to supply power outage. All of the units run on regular, unleaded gasoline. The engines are protected with automatic shutdown for low oil conditions. All of the portable generators are equipped with Westinghouse’s unique VR voltage regulation system for clean, quality power suitable for most electronics.
All of the portable generators are equipped with a cpanel which includes four, 20-ampere 120-volt outlets plus a single 30 ampere 120/240-volt twist-lock outlet. Some models have an included power cord allowing you to connect the 120/240-volt outlet to an inlet box or power distribution panel. All outlets are protected by circuit breakers and neutral to ground bonding. A link to earth ground is required.
More features include quiet operation together with the Westinghouse Pulse-Flo Muffler system for one of many lowest noise levels in their class. Each unit ships with oil, funnel, plus a tool kit for quick assembly and startup right out of the box. Units designed with electric start will include a starter battery.
The generators run for 11 to 14 hours at half load, with regards to the size of the generator. Fuel consumption by portable electric generators varies together with the electrical load and the dimensions of the engine.

• WH3250 – 3250 continuous watts – 3750 surge watts – 14 hour 1/2 load run time – Manual start.
• WH5500 – 5500 continuous watts – 6750 surge watts – 14 hour 1/2 load run time – Manual start.
• WH6000S – 6000 continuous watts – 7500 surge watts – 13 hour 1/2 load run time – Electric start – Includes 30-Ampere Power Cord.
• WH6500E – 6500 continuous watts – 8000 surge watts – 13 hour 1/2 load run time – Electric start.
• WH7000E – 7000 continuous watts – 8500 surge watts – 11 hour 1/2 load run time – Electric start. WH7000EC is CARB certified for California sale.
• WH7500E – 7500 continuous watts – 9000 surge watts – 11 hour 1/2 load run time – Electric start.

Power Washers

Westinghouse builds six gasoline-engine-powered pressure washers with ratings from 2300 to 3000 PSI. All purchases will be ready to use right out of the box, and will include a top-pressure hose and wand, quick-connect nozzles, engine oil, and detergent/chemical siphon hose. Four standard nozzles include soap dispensing, zero, 25, and 45 degree for various cleaning purposes. All of the models are placed on carts for straightforward positioning.
The WP 2300 and WP 2500 will include a lightweight gun and wand. Other models have a chrome steel wand with ergonomic gun.
Westinghouse warrants their pressure washers for three years.
WP2300 – 2300 PSI – 2.3 Gallons Each And Every Minute (GPM) – 5290 Cleaning Units (CU). EPA and CARB certified emissions easily obtainable in all 50 states.
WP2500 – 2500 PSI – 2.3 GPM – 5750 CU – EPA and CARB certified easily obtainable in all 50 states.
WP2700 – 2700 PSI – 2.2 GPM – 5940 CU – EPA certified easily obtainable in 49 states.  Includes 15 degree nozzle and 30-foot hose.
WP2800 – 2800 PSI – 2.4 GPM – 6720 CU – EPA and CARB certified easily obtainable in all 50 states. Includes 15 degree nozzle and 30-foot hose.
WP3000 – 3000 PSI – 2.4 GPM – 7200 CU – EPA and CARB certified easily obtainable in all 50 states. Includes 15 degree nozzle and 30-foot hose.
WP3000 – 3000 PSI – 2.8 GPM – 8400 CU – EPA and CARB certified easily obtainable in all 50 states. Includes 15 degree nozzle and 30-foot hose.

For more info go to: www.GeneratorPowerforLess.com

20kW Standby Generator Comparison

Sep 3, 2013 Generators

20kw Standby Generator Comparison

Standby generators supply backup power in an outage, whether for some hours or maybe a couple weeks after a major storm like Hurricane Sandy. Manufacturers including Generac, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Cummins Power Generation offer various models with both common and unique features.

A standby generator can operate automatically when connected to a office or home using an automatic transfer switch. The switch as well as the generator’s controller must work together so that you can provide automatic operation. Some generators hand off certain functions for the transfer switch, others handle all the main functions and control the transfer switch directly.

Common Features

Power quality is a wide factor with today’s sensitive electronic devices and all sorts of major generator manufacturers offer utility-quality power, even under heavy and changing loads, with digital voltage and engine speed regulation.

Standby generators can take months awaiting an electric outage. Disuse allows seals to normally dry out and not enough lubrication can allow oxidation and corrosion. Exercise periods keep the engine lubricated and stop the seals from drying out, and test the unit to make it ready to operate. Exercise intervals range from weekly to every month, as well as the intervals on many models are programmable.

Corrosion resistant enclosures that meet fire standards would be the norm with aluminum and galvaaneal steel powder-coated lockable cabinets that fully enclose the units and enable access for servicing and maintenance.

Other common features add the accessibility to wireless monitoring, low engine oil shutdown, over-crank and also over-temperature protection, overload protection, fully pressurized lubrication, and engine cool-down operation.

Available Power

Manufacturers rate their 20kW standby generators by the volume of continuous power they can provide, however, not all generator ratings are equal. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Cummins Onan all offer standby generators running on either LP or gas main, only give you a full 20kW of power while running on LP. The generators are derated while operating on gas main and can only provide up 18kW of continuous power.

Kohler generators are created to operate on either LP or NG, and they also provide you with the rated power with the generator. A 20kW NG standby unit will supply 20,000 watts of power, the same as the similar model that operates on LP gas.

Reserve power isn’t advertised by standby generator manufacturers, but generators can supply a supplementary boost of power for some seconds to begin large, robust motors.

Remote Options

Generac uses the cellular phone txt messaging system making use of their Mobile Link offering to offer status and maintenance updates for his or her 20kW generator on any text-message-capable cellphone. Mobile Link now offers web access through the computer, tablet, or smartphone that also includes programming exercise periods or scheduling maintenance.

Cummins Onan can email updates, send maintenance requests to technicians, and enable viewing generator status from the net.

Kohler Power Systems contains the On Cue Home Generator Power Management System, that enables homeowners to look at real-time 20kW standby generator status, view and reset diagnostic codes, check status messages, and consider multiple generators on a single screen.

Warranty

All of the 20kW generator manufacturers offer warranties applicable to standby power applications where a utility supply is connected. Off-grid systems not attached to the utility supply have no coverage by the standard consumer warranties.

Kohler’s consumer warranty is several years or 2000 hours. Using off-grid applications like a standby unit, they have an 18 month/1000 hour warranty. Labor is only covered throughout the first two years after installation.

Generac now offers a 5 year consumer warranty with complete coverage for the first two years, coverage only on parts in year three, and limited coverage on the alternator and engine in years four and five.

Briggs & Stratton supplies a 4 year, 1600 hour limited warranty on parts and labor.

Cummins Power Systems offers a limited consumer warranty for 5yrs or 2000 hours. Off grid applications have warranty coverage for 1 year or 1000 hours. Travel and labor are covered for the first two years.

For more information please go to: www.NPSGenerac.com