3 Maintenance Measures to Ensure Your Generator is Always Ready to Go

Even under the most extreme circumstances, a generator that is purposed for the delivery of backup power will be in use for only a few weeks out of every year. The flip side of occasional use, and one of the biggest ongoing risks for generators, is that the overall reliability of the machine can be affected by long stretches of non-operation.

To make sure that your generator is ready to the next time the power goes down, follow these maintenance measures on a regular basis:

• As per the manual – Generally speaking, generators are extremely durable machines and the required maintenance protocols will be predominantly preventative. By following the specific maintenance routines as put forth in your manual, your generator will be ready for action when the power goes down.
• The battery – Much like a car that hasn’t been driven, the battery on a generator can lose its charge over time as well, especially as the battery ages. In fact, problematic batteries are the most common cause of generators that don’t start. By maintaining a regular schedule of running the generator at a full demand load level, you can either optimize the charge or determine that the battery needs to be replaced prior to the time when you really need the generator to start.
• Put the generator through a full workout on a regular basis – In most instances, a standby generator will go into full power production as soon as power from the grid is interrupted. This instantaneous ramp up can place enormous stress on engine parts, particularly after a long period of inactivity. Putting the generator through a workout at full load demand can ensure that components remain lubricated and that fuel is burned before it becomes stagnant and starts to thicken.

Generators perform at their highest levels with regular maintenance and workouts. By following the regular maintenance as suggested by the owner’s manual, checking the output of the battery and running the generator at full load on a consistent schedule, the backup power you are counting on will be there when electricity from the grid isn’t.

3 Reasons for Using a Transfer Switch with Your Generator

While automatic transfer switches are most often used with standby generators, they can also be used with portable generators that have electric starters. Another option, if a portable generator is being used for backup power, is to install a manual transfer switch.

Whether you have a standby or a portable generator, there are several reasons to incorporate a transfer switch. Here are three of the big ones:

1) A transfer switch eliminates the need for numerous extension cords – Rather than running extension cords through the house, a transfer switch allows for appliances to be powered by the home’s circuitry.

2) You can power up your hard wired items – Furnaces, air conditioners, lighting and other appliances in many cases cannot be hooked up to a generator with an extension cord. They can be powered through the home’s circuitry if a transfer switch is in place.

3) Using a transfer switch is only way to safely connect your generator directly to the circuits in the home – Transfer switches effectively separate generated power from electricity coming from the main. This prevents back-feeding, which can occur when power is returned and the excess electricity coming from the generator is transmitted back to the power lines. Back-feeding can both start fires and cause severe injury via electrocution of people working on power lines.

While having a generator will allow you many benefits during an outage, installing a transfer switch can add an extra layer of convenience as well. The safety of transfer switches is another benefit, the value of which is impossible to calculate.

A Comparison of Generac Portable and Stand-By Generators

Unfortunately, power outages are becoming more commonplace and longer in duration with effects ranging from minor inconvenience to major life events. This has put a new focus on Generac power generators due to their ability to replace normal power in the home to keep essential appliances and other electrical equipment going.

Among the different types of home generators, portable generators are considered to be the most common. This is due to their economics in terms of expense and their multiple uses including camping, RV trips, and providing power for outdoor events. The freedom provided by Generac generators allows for a wide variety of activities that combine both independence and convenience. The versatility also means that a Generac generator can be used year-round for purposes beyond powering a home in the event of an outage.

Generac generators come with a 120-volt outlet, much like those found in the typical household. This convenient feature makes it much simpler to connect appliances and other equipment into a transfer switch which then allows the direct use of electrical outlet in the home.

Compared to stand-by home generators, portable have advantages and disadvantages. Some of the previously mentioned advantages of portable generators are their versatility, economical nature and light weight. Standby generators have the advantage of being able to power an entire home with constant power due the ability to connect them with gas lines outside the home. This can be a huge benefit if an outage is long lasting. These systems can also be configured with an automatic switch to turn on the generator once an outage is detected.

Portable generators, on the other hand, may need to be moved in to place to generate power and require refueling during long outages. They can then be started manually or automatically depending on the configuration. Manual starting can be done either with an electric push button or with a pull cord similar to that of a lawn mower. Portables can be equipped with a transfer or auto-start switch which must be wired directly to the home’s existing electric system. This feature starts up the Generac generator within a few seconds of normal power going out.

The decision between a portable generator and a stand-by really depends on a long list of the needs of the person and intended uses of the generator. Generac dealers have the knowledge and experience to help you find the right generator whether it’s a portable or a stand-by.

To see which type of generator will work best for you, visit Generators For Sale or call (877) 837 2648.

Selecting the Right Honda Generator for Your Needs

Selecting the right Honda generator for you needs starts with the determination of what types of appliances and/or equipment will need to be powered in situations where grid provided electricity is not available. These needs can range from recreational uses to the necessity of delivering electricity during extended power outages caused by extreme weather.

For recreational uses, portable Honda generators can provide plenty of power whether being used for outdoor events, camping, or for recreational vehicles. For these situations, Honda’s EU2000iA can deliver enough electricity for large power tools, microwaves, and kitchen appliances.

At the top end of power needs, “whole house” generators can power everything from medical equipment to home theater and everything in between. Powering an entire house may not be necessary, however, and the wide variety of Honda generators means that you get customize a solution to power exactly what you need to in the case of an outage or a blackout.

By defining the appliances and the circuits they are connected to, a minimum power requirement can be determined which can then assist in the selection of the right sized Honda generator. This list can start with anything from toasters to higher usage equipment but must include the following as these appliances typically use the greatest amount of power and will play the largest role in determining the generator that can provide the solution you will require.

These appliances include:

* Electric heaters
* Electric water heaters
* Air conditioners
* Refrigerators and freezers
* Medical equipment
* Electric dryers
* Well pumps
* Electric stoves

The power required by these appliances can then be totaled to see the type and size of generator that would be required. Also to be considered is whether there is a necessity for powering sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, etc. If this type of equipment is going to be powered, selecting a Honda generator with inverter technology is advised due to level load of electricity which is delivered. Inverter technology uses microprocessors to deliver power to the exact level of demand which can greatly improve performance and drastically reduce the risk of computer crashes. Honda Inverter technology is a relatively new development in generators which has added a new level of performance for those that require precisely measured power delivery.

Deciding Between a Portable and a Standby Generator

The importance of examining all issues prior to deciding on a Honda portable or a standby generator cannot be understated. While the general purpose of both types of generators is the same, the types of use and the conditions in which each one might be employed can be quite different. Portable generators are generally more versatile and are commonly used for recreational purposes such as camping, providing power for outdoor lighting, and powering other types of outdoor equipment. Portable generators can also be used to power up a residence, normally in a limited fashion, in the event of a power outage.

Residential standby generators, on the other hand, generally serve two purposes; automatically starting in the event of a power outage and delivering essential uninterrupted electrical power to designated appliances, rooms, tools, and devices. The fixed nature of standby generators limits their versatility but gives them a critical advantage when power must remain uninterrupted and long term power generation is mandated. The reason for this is that residential standby generators are generally designed to remain connected to the home’s circuitry through the main electric panel. This connection allows for a generator to power up either automatically using an automatic transfer switch, or by push button at the onset of a power outage. An added advantage and an extra layer of protection provided by a residential standby generator is that the addition of a USB battery accessory can ensure that power remains on during the changeover to generated power.

A portable generator, on the other hand, could possibly require fueling, movement from storage (possibly in inclement weather), and manual connection to the home’s circuitry. Under these circumstances, the transfer to power generated by a portable generator may take too long when medical devices or computers are in an “always on” status.

Another factor in the decision between a portable Honda generator and a standby is the length of time that power generation is going to be required. A smaller portable may have a run time of four hours between refueling which is fine for recreational use but could spell disaster in an extended power outage. Where longer runtimes may be required, a standby generator which is connected to a natural gas line allows for unlimited generation without refueling.

Honda’s full line of portable and residential standby generators at HarborPowerHouse.com can provide power solutions whether the need is for light recreational use or for “always on” power. For more information, visit: Honda Generators or call (877) 837 2648.

Three Things to Consider When Buying a Residential Standby Generator

Residential Standby Generators serve two purposes; automatically starting in the event of a power outage and delivering essential electrical power to designated appliances, rooms, tools, and devices. There are several issues to consider when the decision comes down to choosing a residential standby generator versus a portable unit. They are:

* The biggest difference between these types of generators from portable units, besides mobility, is that Residential Standby Generators are generally designed to remain connected to the home’s circuitry through the main electric panel. This allows for a generator to power up either automatically, via an automatic transfer switch, or by push button at the onset of a power outage. A portable unit, on the other hand, could require fueling, a rollout from storage, and connection to the home’s circuitry. For a residential standby generator, an automatic switch to generated power normally takes between ten to thirty seconds. A push button start takes about the same time once the generator has been turned on. An added advantage to a residential standby Honda Generator is that the addition of a USB battery accessory can ensure that power remains on during the changeover to generated power. This is essential for a range of uses ranging from preserving data on a computer to delivering uninterrupted power to an at-home medical device.

* Advances in portable power generation have increased power output levels to the point where power delivery can rival the smaller residential standby generators. Still, depending on power requirements and other factors, going with a stationary generator can be the logical choice. Here, there are two considerations, the first one being the power requirements for appliances, rooms, and devices which must remain on during an outage. Refrigerators and air conditioners, for example, require heavy wattage for both startup and running time. The addition of other power needs can easily mandate the higher power output of a residential standby generator. The second consideration is whether a generator which meets the needs of the home can easily be moved into place in the event of an outage. The weight of the unit, severity of local weather, and the difficulty of moving a portable from storage to the main electrical panel must be taken into account.

* Another consideration is the expected run time of the generator. Smaller portable generators, for example, have run times at full capacity of approximately four hours. In an extended outage, a portable could require refueling several times. Under a variety of circumstances, this may not be an option. Residential standby generators, conversely, can be connected to a natural gas line, allowing for run times as long as power remains down and eliminating the need to refuel.

Honda’s full line of portable and residential standby generators can meet the power needs for any home anywhere. For more information, visit us at: Honda Power Equipment