Should You Choose A Portable Or Standby Generator For Home?
Posted on: 19 January 2015
A generator can be a good tool to have in case of a power outage at home; they can keep your appliances running and ensure that your home's alarm system is working. They are also a must-have for those who use certain types of medical equipment at home. When shopping for generators you might choose a standby model or a portable model. Consider a few factors about your choices so you can make your decision.
Standby Generators
A standby generator is wired into your home so that it senses a power outage and restores it within seconds. They may be installed outside the home and wired with what is called a transfer switch, which is wired to your home's main circuit box and which turns on the generator automatically. It can be connected directly to a home's gas line so that it always has fuel, or it can be powered by standard gasoline or diesel fuel.
Using a standby generator is good if you always need a supply of power, such as when you have medical equipment in the home that cannot be shut down. It's also good if you suffer from frequent power outages; you will not have to stumble in the dark to find your generator and switch it on manually. If you don't want to bother with filling your generator with fuel, having one connected to the gas lines is also a good choice.
Portable Generators
Portable generators will run on fuel, either standard gas or diesel. A portable generator may have plugs to which you run extension cords, but you can have a contractor install a transfer switch to the home's electrical panel with a portable generator as well. This will allow you to simply turn on the generator and it will provide your home with power.
One advantage to a portable generator is that you can use it even if you have power, such as when you want to work in a shed or in the yard and there are no electrical outlets nearby. These do need to be filled with fuel so note if you can safely store canisters in your home in between uses and if you can safely add the fuel to the generator as needed. You'll also need to ensure you can store and use the generator in a location with proper ventilation such as the garage; a basement may allow fumes to build up when the generator is in use and this can be unhealthy and unsafe.
For more information on the generator right for you, contact a supplier like South Shore Generator Service Inc.
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