In an era where our lives are intricately intertwined with electrical devices, the sudden loss of power can lead to more than just a temporary inconvenience. It can disrupt businesses, affect critical healthcare equipment, and cause food spoilage, among other complications. This is where a standby generator becomes a convenience and necessity for many. Unlike portable generators, standby generators are permanent fixtures that provide an automated response to power outages, ensuring minimal disruption to daily activities. They are a reliable safeguard against the uncertainties of power supply, making them an invaluable asset for residential and commercial settings. In this article, learn more about standby generators, why you may need one and can you set up a standby generator in your garage?
What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a backup electrical system that operates automatically. Within seconds of detecting a power loss, the standby generator starts up independently—without any manual intervention—and begins supplying power to the circuits designated for backup. Once installed, it sits idly until needed, running on fuels such as natural gas, propane, or diesel. It’s connected to the existing power lines and equipped with a transfer switch, which allows it to seamlessly transition from utility power to generator power during an outage.
How is a Standby Generator Helpful?
The utility of a standby generator extends beyond mere convenience. For homeowners, it means the difference between comfort and hardship during extreme weather conditions. For businesses, it translates to continuity of operations, preventing data loss and financial setbacks due to downtime. In healthcare settings, it could be a lifeline, powering life-saving equipment when every second counts. The standby generator is a bulwark against the unpredictability of natural disasters, grid failures, and other unforeseen events that can leave communities without power for extended periods.
Can You Set Up a Standby Generator in Your Garage?
While it might seem like a great idea, installing a standby generator in your garage is fraught with risks and challenges that must be carefully considered. Let’s look at what you need to keep in mind when setting up a standby generator.
Ventilating the Area
One of ths things to keep in mind is to ventilate the area. Stand by generators require proper ventilation in the garage to prevent the accumulation of exhaust gases, particularly carbon monoxide, which is lethal in high concentrations. A garage, even with the door open, may not provide sufficient airflow to disperse these gases safely.
Fire Hazards
The heat produced by generators can ignite common flammable materials found in garages, such as gasoline, solvents, and oils. These substances should be stored away from the heat source to mitigate fire risks.
Electrical Safety
Installing a standby generator involves intricate wiring and must adhere to strict electrical codes. Improper installation can lead to electrocution, electrical fires, and damage to the electrical infrastructure of the home.
Knowing the Local Regulations
Local building codes and regulations often dictate specific requirements for generator placement, noise control, and emissions. Ignoring these can result in fines, legal trouble, and safety hazards.
Other Electrical Information
Now that you know about generators, it is important to look at other areas of electricity in the home and safety. One of those is how much electricity a refrigerator uses. It uses between 100 and 800 kw hours annually. This also equates to about 8-10% of the electric bill.
Another is capping off electrical wires. This is done to protect your home from potential hazards. Sometimes after you disconnect a light fixture or finish a project, you have wires hanging out and need to cap them. There are material that you will need as well as steps to follow.
Lastly, it is important to know what an electrical fire smells like so you can put it out as soon as possible. The smell is of burning plastic, electronics, or rubber. The causes of electrical fires are faulty wiring or outdated electrical systems. Also, overloaded circuits or extension cords and damaged or exposed wires. Sometimes, natural disasters like lightning strikes can cause electrical fires. It is important to exercise caution and to be safe.
Maintenance of a Generator
Maintaining a standby generator is crucial for ensuring it operates efficiently and reliably when needed. Regular maintenance tasks include checking oil and coolant levels, testing the battery, and replacing air and fuel filters. Neglecting these tasks can lead to generator failure during critical times.
Check out the video below that will probably answer most of your questions about stand-by generators.
When Do I Call a Professional?
Due to the technical and safety considerations involved, the installation and major servicing of a standby generator should always be performed by a professional. Certified technicians have the expertise to handle the complexities of the installation process and also are familiar with local codes and regulations. Additionally, they can perform routine maintenance checks and address any issues that may arise over the lifespan of the generator.
Conclusion
Investing in a standby generator is a step toward resilience and preparedness. It offers a sense of security and assurance that, regardless of external circumstances, there will be a reliable power source ready to take charge during an outage. However, this peace of mind comes with the responsibility of ensuring proper installation, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols. By understanding the full scope of owning and operating a standby generator, individuals and businesses can enjoy uninterrupted power without compromising safety and compliance. While taking care of your standby generator, this is a good time to call on Bentley Home Inspection team for a home inspection in East Tennessee, and surrounding areas.
