Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Reasons To Own a Standby Emergency Generator

By Trevor Rice

It is scary to realize just how much we need electricity. If you will, consider that the furnace fridge, freezer, air conditioner, coffee maker, the pump in a rural water well, and all of your lights require power to work. What will happen if for some reason there was a power outage that lasted for days? Would you be able to survive comfortably, or would it be a very trying experience?

It is easy to see how a really bad storm can cause problems with electrical infrastructure. This can leave residences without power for hours or longer.

Another problem that could occur is that construction equipment could accidentally come in contact with an overhead or buried line. As well, the utility company could have problems and malfunctions with equipment. Any one of these situations could result in a residence being without power for an extended period of time.

In times like these, you would be very glad if you had purchased a standby emergency generator. While your neighbours looked on with envy from their darkened and chilly homes, you could microwave some popcorn and see if the power outage is mentioned on television.

Of the two types of standby emergency generators out there, the most common by far is the portable generator. If all you will require is enough electricity to power just a few items such as the fridge and microwave, then one of these might work for you. The biggest benefit to these is that they don't require an electrician, since you simply plug your appliances directly into the generator with an extension cord.

If you want to completely power our home with a standby emergency generator, then you will require one that is permanently installed. Units of this size must be wired into the house power box by a certified electrician and must meet local building codes. These generators commonly utilize fuels like diesel or natural gas and can run for days or even weeks if necessary.

The large investment required for an emergency standby generator means that not everyone will want to own one. However, in the event f a massive power outage that lasts days or weeks, those who did plan ahead and get one will be very glad of their decision.

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