The modern family homes relies on electrical power to keep appliances running and lights burning. If you are looking for advice on how to perform household electrical repairs and maintenance, then the articles on this blog will provide the answers you need. They aren't written by experts, they are written by keen DIY fans which means you will be able to easily follow the advice and information they contain. So, if you are looking for information on how to change a fuse, how to diagnose electrical problems, or how to rewire a plug socket, read on to find out everything you need to know.
Power interruptions can be very inconvenient. If you are at work, you could lose valuable data when power outages occur. A great way to deal with this is by purchasing a back-up generator. This type of rotating electrical machinery will ensure that you have power during blackouts. Here are three factors to consider when choosing one.
Your Power Needs
Think of your power requirements during a blackout. Decide whether you wish to power the entire building or just cover emergency loads. That will help you pick the type and size of the generator. If you only want to cover emergency loads, you will need to ask your electrician for help. He or she can do this by splitting emergency circuits from your main electrical panel.
When dealing with a new building, ensure that you have a split electrical panel. That way, a generator can cover emergency loads only. If you wish to power the entire building, consider the peak electrical demands and the amperage of your electrical service. For healthcare facilities, you need to check the local regulations. Specific loads should have an emergency back-up to be up to code in such facilities.
Fuel
Generators use diesel, natural gas or propane. They also use petrol. Petrol may seem the most convenient choice, but it has a short life of stability. That makes it a poor choice in most cases. Consider the availability of fuel. Diesel and propane provide an on-site source of fuel. They, however, require refilling if the power outage lasts a long time. If you have natural gas pulled from the facility, it may be a better choice when power outages last a long time.
Cost should be another consideration when thinking about fuel. Ensure that the fuel for the generator of choice is affordable. Think about the local regulations. In certain areas, you are not allowed to use propane within the city limits.
Warranty
Ensure that the seller offers warranties on the generators. If they do not, their stock may be of poor quality. Generators typically have warranties ranging from one year to five years. The type of generator determines the length of the warranty. Ensure you read and understand the terms of the warranty. You can ask about upgrade costs if you are interested in more coverage.
Conclusion
Ensure you consider the above before choosing a generator to purchase. Have an electrician who has experience in electrical rotating machinery install your generator.