Backup Generator Power – Be Prepared

Using Backup Generators

We are experiencing a massive power outage here right now and it looks like we’ll be without power for days. We were not prepared for this type of power outage especially in the middle of the winter. Yesterday I went out and bought a new Porter-Cable Generator so we can have backup generator power. I actually bought the last generator the local hardware store had in stock.

Luckily for me I’m friends with an electrician that was able to help us get the generator hooked up to the house electrical system. It it wasn’t for my good luck finding a generator and knowing someone that would help hook it up we’d be in trouble today. Without power it’s impossible to heat our house and with temperatures in the single digits tonight the house would have been in danger of freezing. Freezing pipes can burst and cause major water damage to a house. Furthermore, it’s likely that the insurance companies will call this an act of God weather event and deny many claims.

Backup Generator Power<

In order to actually power basic essential appliances in your home you’ll need a portable generator and a generator transfer switch to connect the generator to your home. The generator transfer switch allows power from the generator to be fed into your electrical breaker panel and feed circuits in your house. The transfer switch also prevents power from the generator from being fed back out to the utility lines which would pose a serious risk to utility workers. The transfer switch also protects your generator from power coming back into the home when the power is restored.

Once you buy a generator transfer switch you’ll need to have an electrician hook it up to your main electrical circuit panel. Once the generator transfer switch is connected to the circuit panel all you have to do is run a cable from the generator to the transfer switch. The transfer switch will run certain circuits that you choose. For instance, this 12 circuit transfer switch could be set up to run the furnace, refrigerator, and several light circuits. The idea is to allow you to run essential appliances.

Hooking up a generator transfer switch isn’t all that complicated. However, most local and state codes require these type of electrical projects be completed by a licensed electrician. Honestly, you’re really better off having them do the work. Saving a few hundred dollards on something like this doesn’t quite seem worth the potential hazards to you, your family and personal property.

Be Prepared for Power Outages

The lesson here is to be prepared for power outages. I was very lucky yesterday to actually find a generator. I was even luckier to find an electrician that could help me get it up and running (he actually blew off high paying customers to help me out). So before you get left out in the cold take some time and find a decent backup generator for your home. Contact a local electrician and get a generator transfer switch installed so you can power your home in the event of a long term power outage.

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1. Using A Backup Generator
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3. NH Power Outage Update – Lights On!
4. Power Outage Update – Worst Ice Storm in NH History
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