A home generator is a device that produces electricity to power your appliances and electrical equipment in your house when the main power source is disrupted.
This article will include helpful tips for anyone who wants to install such a generator themselves.
Know what size generator you should buy
You’ll need an emergency generator that matches the power needs of your home. If you under-buy, you will not have enough power during emergencies, so top-rated New Jersey generator installers advise that it’s important to consider what exactly each appliance draws in order to calculate how much power is needed.
This can be calculated by either looking at the label on each device or multiplying their wattage times how many are on at one time for more complicated appliances like stoves or air conditioners, which have multiple parts drawing energy simultaneously.
This total amount of energy is then put into kilowatts (KW) to make it more easily understood. If calculating the total energy requirement seems too complicated to do on your own, you can have a generator technician conduct an on-site assessment of your home or business’s energy requirements and current electrical configuration.
Another thing to note is that this amount is an average of the most you ever use your appliances at once, not how much they would draw in a single moment. If you were using all of your appliances right now, then the number would be higher than what you need for emergencies, so multiplying by more than 1 isn’t necessary unless there’s been a surge in power usage lately. Once you have this number, you will have an easier time determining the generator size you’ll need.
Familiarize yourself with the emergency generator components
There are five main components you must familiarize yourself with before installing a home generator. These are rated for their importance since some are not as important as others; however, all should be at least considered. They are listed below, along with descriptions of what they do specifically.
Combustion engine/ generator.
This creates the energy needed for the whole system to function by burning fuel to generate electricity, which can then be stored for later use.
Fuel tank
The fuel tank is where the fuel will be kept before it is burned, if your generator uses gas you’ll need to adjust the level of gasoline in order to make sure there’s enough after filling it.
An automatic transfer switch (ATS)
This switch works with the main power source of your home, allowing you to get power from one system or another. If you get electricity from a power grid, then this will allow you to run that instead of generating it yourself.
Surge suppressor/ transfer switch
This prevents damage that could occur on typical household appliances by preventing sudden increases in voltage, which can cause them to malfunction or break.
Cables and plugs
The cables and plugs allow you to connect all of the components together and transfer electricity to appliances and devices around your house safely.
What type of fuel should you use?
You will need to decide on whether or not you want a gasoline-powered system or if another type would be better for your needs. Each type of system has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on what your specific needs are.
In general, it’s a good idea to consider these major factors when choosing a fuel type.
Availability of the fuel in your area
You will need to decide on whether or not you want a gasoline-powered system or if another type would be better for your needs. Each type of system has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on what your specific needs are.
In general, it’s a good idea to consider these major factors when choosing a fuel type.
Reliability
Gasoline generators may take more effort and time before they can provide power, but they will always work, whereas generators powered by batteries or solar panels require external sources which you cannot necessarily predict ahead of time.
With many types of emergency generators, not all appliances or devices you want to power may be able to work and if your home loses its main source then these generators would not function either.
Price
Gasoline is generally more expensive than other types of fuel, which could make it too costly for the average person, but the price of gasoline varies depending on location and availability, so this can change from area to area. Other types such as solar or batteries tend to be more expensive upfront, even though they don’t require any type of ongoing maintenance like a gas-powered system does.
Generator location: Where should your generator go?
The best place to install your home generator is in an open space near your house. Make sure there’s plenty of room for air to circulate around the generator – if it gets too hot, it could damage the unit. Also, make sure the generator is at least 20 feet away from your home, and that it’s not near any windows or doors.
How to connect your generator to your home: What kind of cable do you need?
You’ll need a heavy-duty power cable to connect your home generator to your house. The cable should be at least 10 gauge, and it should be long enough to reach from the generator to the electrical panel in your house. You can buy a pre-made cable, or you can make your own by using a few pieces of copper wire. The former option is safer if you do not have sufficient knowledge about electrical systems.
Make sure the generator is properly grounded
One of the most important things to do when installing a home generator is to make sure it’s properly grounded. If it’s not, you could end up with an electrical shock.
Install a transfer switch
A transfer switch is a key component of a home generator installation. It allows you to safely switch between the generator and your regular electrical supply. Without a transfer switch, you could overload the generator, resulting in damage.
When looking to purchase an emergency generator for your home, you need to consider whether or not you’d like it to be gas-powered, what type of fuel would work best, and which additional components are necessary in order to power most appliances.
Once you’re able to answer these questions, then it will be easier for you to decide which generator is best for you and your family. Call Phyxter Electrical Services to find out which generator is best suited to your home.
