Losing power is inconvenient any time of year, but in Rhode Island, a major storm can leave homes without power when heat, sump pumps, refrigeration, and other important equipment are needed most.
That's why more homeowners are considering automatic standby generators.
But choosing a generator isn't as simple as buying the biggest one available.
Before installing a standby generator, there are several things homeowners should understand.
How Does a Standby Generator Work?
Unlike a portable generator that needs to be manually connected and started, an automatic standby generator is permanently installed outside the home.
When utility power is lost, an automatic transfer system can detect the outage and transfer the home's electrical load to the generator. Once utility power returns, the system transfers back to normal power and the generator shuts down.
It's designed to make a power outage much less disruptive.
What Size Generator Do You Need?
This is one of the biggest questions homeowners have.
You'll commonly see residential standby generators available in sizes such as 14kW, 18kW, 22kW, 24kW, 26kW, and larger.
Bigger isn't automatically better.
Generator sizing depends on what you want to operate during an outage and the electrical loads in your home.
That could include:
Heating equipment
Air conditioning
Refrigerators and freezers
Well pumps
Sump pumps
Lighting
Kitchen appliances
Electric dryers
Electric ranges or ovens
Water heaters
Other important household circuits
A proper evaluation helps determine an appropriate generator size for the home and how you intend to use it.
What Is Load Shedding?
Some homes have large electrical loads that don't necessarily need to operate at the same time.
For example, a home may have multiple central air-conditioning units in addition to other large appliances.
Load-management equipment can temporarily prevent or shed certain loads when necessary so the generator isn't overloaded.
This can sometimes allow a properly designed system to handle the home's needs without unnecessarily oversizing the generator.
Where Can the Generator Be Installed?
Generator placement is another major part of planning the installation.
The generator needs an appropriate outdoor location that satisfies applicable installation requirements and manufacturer specifications.
Clearances from windows, doors, building openings, property considerations, utilities, and other equipment can all affect where a generator can be located.
Finding the right location before purchasing the equipment can prevent headaches later.
Don't Forget About Fuel
Most residential standby generators operate using natural gas or propane.
The fuel supply needs to be properly sized for the generator and other equipment using the same fuel source.
Electrical and fuel requirements should therefore be coordinated as part of the installation.
What About the Transfer Switch?
The transfer switch is a critical component of a standby generator system.
It safely transfers the electrical supply between utility power and generator power.
Depending on the design of the system, the generator may supply selected loads or be designed as part of a whole-home backup system.
The right setup depends on the home's electrical service and the homeowner's goals.
Do Standby Generators Require Permits?
Generator installations can involve electrical permitting and inspection, along with other applicable local requirements.
That's one reason it's important to plan the entire installation instead of simply purchasing a generator and figuring everything else out afterward.
Start With an Evaluation
If you're considering a standby generator, one of the best first steps is having your home's electrical system evaluated.
At MXM Electric, we can look at your electrical service, determine the loads you want backed up, discuss generator sizing and load management, and develop an installation plan that fits your home.
A generator is a significant investment, and it should be designed around your actual needs—not just a number on the side of the unit.
MXM Electric — Shockingly good service.
Contact MXM Electric today to discuss standby generator installation and backup-power options for your Rhode Island home.
