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What is an Automatic Standby
generator: The automatic generator provides a
back up source of emergency power when the public power
utilities fail. If the power goes out, your generator
automatically kicks-in within seconds providing your
home or business with a powerful and reliable source of
energy.
Voltage:
In the U.S., standard household current
is single phase, 120 volts. Most houses have 120/240v
service, meaning they have two 120v circuits. The two
are combined to provide 240v for power-hungry appliances
such as electric ranges, central air conditioning and
water pumps. Many small businesses use this 120/240v
service.
However, larger businesses often have
different power needs. Often, they use three-phase
power, which is better for running heavy-duty motors
than the residential-standard single phase service. In
the U.S. three phase power usually produces 120/208
volts to 277/480 volts. Power generators are available
for all common voltages – make sure you know what
voltages your business is currently using and you'll be
able to find a match.
How to measure wattage:
The Automatic Standby Generator System installed by A&H
Electrical Services, Inc. supplies the power you need,
when and where your need it. Simply match the circuits
from your home to the circuits in the automatic transfer
switch to customize your power needs.
The smallest generators produce
approximately 800 watts, while large industrial
generators can produce 500,000 watts (500 kilowatts or
KW) or more. Typical sizes are around 15 to 100 KW for
small business.
Your individual electrical needs:
Let our professionals help you determine the size and
capabilities for your home. This allows you to keep your
home, belongings and family safe and secure even during
prolonged outages.
Running versus startup
power:
One important characteristic to know about
electric motors is that they take much more
to start than to run. Because of this, you
need to increase your wattage requirement.
However, multiple devices rarely start-up at
exactly the same time: even a refrigerator
that’s plugged in only uses the compressor
occasionally. So you only need to add enough
power for the biggest startup requirement.
Figure out what equipment has the largest
difference between running load and startup
load. Add the number to the running load of
all your equipment added together to get your
wattage requirement.
Once you’ve factored in your startup
requirements, you should plan on purchasing a generator
with a rated capacity of around 20% more than your exact
requirement. This will give you room to add a few small
devices, in addition to helping extend the lifespan of
your generator.
Standby generators are used to offset
the harmful effects of power outages: they’re installed
permanently as an emergency power source for your
business. They are hardwired into the building’s
electrical system and often get fuel from city gas or
propane lines. They start at around 7KW and can easily
be as large as several hundred KW.
In contrast, portable generators are
used to provide power in places that don’t have any,
such as construction sites or other remote locations. In
a pinch, they can also be used to power essential
equipment during a power outage, just like standby
generators. However, unlike standby generators, they’re
designed to be used for short periods of time, only a
few hours at a stretch. They tend to be much smaller and
less expensive.
Automatic transfer switch:
To connect a standby generator to your existing
electrical system, you’ll need a separate device called
an automatic transfer switch. This switch is essentially
a safety system that prevents your generator from
feeding electricity back to the neighborhood power grid.
When the power goes out, the generator will start up
automatically, and after a few seconds to let it
stabilize, the transfer switch will connect the
generator to your home or business. When power comes on
again, the switch will disconnect the generator and
return your setup to normal.
Do not attempt to install a transfer
switch yourself. Installation of transfer switches may
require local permits, but it always requires a
professional electrician.
Fuel Choices:
Generators can run on several different types of fuel.
Diesel fuel is popular for larger, commercial
generators. They tend to be dependable and somewhat
cheaper to operate than generators that run on natural
gas or propane. They do require deliveries of diesel
fuel and a tank to hold it.
Standby generators can also run on
natural gas or propane. The primary advantage of this is
that no fuel storage is required – the generator is
simply connected to utility lines and draws fuel when it
needs to. The choice between gas and propane is based
solely on which is available in your area.
Motor speeds and cooling systems:
Like any motor, a generator motor creates quite a
bit of heat and needs a cooling system to prevent
overheating. Standby generators can be either air-cooled
or liquid-cooled. The major difference is that
air-cooled systems are louder and not quite as
effective. Liquid cooled systems are quieter and more
dependable – and also more expensive to purchase and to
maintain.
REMEMBER
– Safety comes first. A generator installed properly
will protect your loved ones during the storm.
-Many individuals require power for all
types of medical equipment and oxygen especially for the
disabled.
-It is important to keep your security system up and
running effectively during the outage.
-Computer and e-mails
For all pricing contact:
A&H Electrical Services, Inc.
Generator Department
813-972-3880 or
Complete the form on the
contact page and
a qualified representative will contact you within 48
hours.
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