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Avoid danger of back-feeding – Use a transfer switch
If the generator is not
properly wired into the home there
is a
danger of back-feeding electricity. This is very dangerous and could result
in
serious injury or death to anyone coming into contact with electric lines while
working to restore power in an
emergency. To provide this type of installation as safely as possible, a
transfer switch must be installed that will break
the
connection to the electric company’s service when the generator is in use and,
similarly, disconnect the generator
connection normal power has been restored. This switch is normally located
between your home’s main service panel and the power sources. Single phase
electric service requires a two pole, double
throw switch. Three phase service requires a three pole, double throw switch.
Installation must be performed by a
licensed electrician and must conform to the National Electric Code.
Another good economical solution to a power
outage is a portable generator. These are available with sound dampening jackets
for quiet operation. Because they give off carbon monoxide, these generators can
only be safely used outdoors away from open windows and can never be used in a
garage or basement.
A typical portable generator will run about seven hours on a tank
of fuel so if you are expecting a long outage, you should have an adequate
supply on hand. An advantage to portable generators is they are very flexible.
You can run power anywhere you can run an extension cord. But what you can't do
is provide emergency power to a built-in refrigerator or an exhaust fan because
there is no accessible power cord. Although a portable generator can produces
3000 watts of power, which is enough to light 30 100 watt light bulbs, this
still may not be enough power in a lengthy outage. If you want to operate a
microwave, a toaster, and a hair dryer all at the same time, that is about all a
portable generator can handle.
For more info on: electric, generator equipment, electrician, installers,
lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, motors, supplier, wholesale supplies,
gen-sets, electrical contractors, back up power. Call an
electrical contractor for the advice of a licensed
electrician, for projects such as: construction, generators, power outage,
emergency power all around Philadelphia, PA. |
