Common Mistakes made with Generators During Emergencies

Having a generator to provide backup power during an emergency can make the difference between sitting in a cold quiet house waiting for the return of electricity and being able to function on a relatively normal basis regardless of how long it takes for power from the grid to resume. Having a generator, however, does not automatically ensure that the lights will remain on and that appliances will continue to run, especially if some of the common mistakes are committed.

These mistakes include:

• Not having fuel on hand – This mistake usually occurs after the generator has been sitting idle for a while. Proper maintenance calls for tanks to be emptied prior to extended periods of non-use, which can result in an “out of sight, out of mind” situation where the need for fuel isn’t recognized until someone tries to start the generator.
• Not having a sheltered area for the generator – Generators cannot be run indoors or in a garage due to the emission of carbon monoxide. They also can’t be run with direct exposure to water, meaning that there should be a dedicated shelter to protect the generator from the elements. Without a shelter, a generator can’t be run until rain stops, which can leave a household in the dark until weather passes.
• Forgetting where extension cords are stored – Running a portable generator requires extension cords to be connected to the items that will be powered during an outage. While it may be tempting to use them for other purposes, have extension cords stored in a specific location that will only be used for the generator.  
• Forgetting about maintenance – A generator will require some maintenance, especially if it hasn’t been in operation recently. Follow the maintenance protocols in the operators’ manual to ensure that your Honda generator starts when you need it.

Avoiding these mistakes can make sure that your generator can do exactly what you bought it for. Otherwise, that generator that could be powering your house in an emergency may just sit around until you can get it to work after the storm moves on.

Choosing the Right Honda Home Backup Generator

Home backup generators are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons including; the need for “always on” power, lower generator prices, and advances in the technology resulting in quiet generators. The wide range of uses, power output, and size options now means that buyers can purchase a Honda Home Backup Generator designed to precisely fit their needs. Making the choice of the right generator comes down to defining the following requirements:

* Size requirements – Size requirements refer to the need for a portable home backup generator or one that is stationary. Advances in technology have resulted in portable generators with power output levels similar to stationary generators giving them a wide range of uses. The versatility of portable Honda Generators gives them the capability to meet the demands of many outdoor and in home uses ranging from camping to providing residential standby power. Where a stationary generator would be required are situations where power must be restored immediately should an outage occur. Stationary generators with automatic transfer switches or push button starters can restore power within seconds of an outage, a critical feature for users relying on at-home medical devices, for example.

* Power requirements – The wattage requirements of appliances and devices which must remain on will determine the necessary power output for the appropriate home backup generator. By calculating the sum total of the wattage use of each appliance and/or device a buyer can then determine the minimum required output at maximum capacity from a generator. This calculation should be based on “startup” wattage requirements to ensure that there is enough power generation to meet specific needs. For example, a typical refrigerator’s startup wattage requirement can be as much as two and a half times greater than the wattage it takes to “run” it.

* Safety requirements – Once the power output requirements for a home backup generator are determined, the requirements for running the generator at optimum safety levels can be defined. Where computers handling sensitive data or medical devices are concerned an unlimited power supply accessory should be considered. This can prevent data and power loss during the transfer of power to the generator. Home backup generators are connected to a home’s power system through its main electrical panel. This connection, and grounding the generator, should always be done by a licensed electrician. Lastly, wherever possible, the generator should be located in an area where it is protected from rain and snow. Protection can come in many forms, ranging from a covered patio to a housing built specifically for the generator.

The most important aspect of any home backup generator is that it provides its required power when called upon. Honda’s full line of generators has been delivering legendary reliability, durability, and peace of mind for decades. For more information, visit us online at: Home Backup Generators

Emergency Home Generator

For many, a loss of electrical power is simply not an option. Whether related to medical needs, severe weather, or other needs for “always on” power, Honda Emergency Home Generators deliver the reliability and durability required for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that electrical power needs will always be met, regardless of the reason for, or length of a power outage.
Honda Emergency Home Generators are designed to become a permanent solution for standby power requirements for either the home or a small business. Depending on the specifications of each model, these generators can restore power during an outage in time frames ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. For users requiring “always on” power, Honda has emergency home backup generators which come with an automatic transfer switch or push button starter which can start the generator and restore power within seconds of an outage.
These emergency home generators have the versatility of being able to deliver power for hours when running at full capacity or for extended periods when dedicated toward providing power for a specific room, appliance, or electrical device. With their connection to the main electrical panel for either a home or small business, Honda’s Emergency Home Generators can direct standby power toward a specific need or toward powering every aspect of a home or business.
The line of Honda Emergency Home Generators offers a full range of solutions for situations where losing power simply isn’t an option. These generators are also designed to fit into any budget with power output levels to meet any level of demand. For more information, please visit us at Honda Generators