Home Generator 101: How to Keep Your Home Powered When the Power Is Out | Backup Generators in Myrtle Beach, SC
With hurricanes and tornados becoming so frequent and far-reaching, most homeowners in South Carolina and elsewhere fear the damages, especially those that result in power outages. Regardless of the area you live in, even a little disaster can put you in shambles if it obstructs electric supply to the residents. These blackouts don’t only cause a lot of discomfort but can also result in accidents, such as trips and falls, because of the lack of visibility. This is the reason why the majority of homeowners today are considering buying backup generators in Myrtle Beach, SC.
However, just like every other small or big investment, the idea of buying backup generators in Myrtle Beach, SC scares a lot of people. To clear out the air, we will discuss the common FAQ (frequently asked questions) that pop up in the minds of people thinking to buy generators.
Here you go!
FAQ
1. What size generator should I buy?
By size, we don’t mean the enormity but the electrical/power capacity of a generator. When buying a backup generator in Myrtle Beach, SC, you must consider the total electric power you need to run things in your home. After that, to be on the safer side, calculate which home appliance or item requires most power to run and include that to the total amount you got previously. This is because large appliances take up to 2 to 3 times more energy to start than what they need to run. If the requirement is not met, larger items will not start up.
Then again, you also have to consider wattage ratings. A generator has two wattage ratings, namely running wattage and surge wattage.Backup generators in Myrtle Beach, SC are considered to have surge wattage because they need some extra capacity to function smoothly if the load increases for a while based on your usage.
Indeed, the calculations are tricky, so it is advised to better take professional help by consulting a reliable service provider, such as Mister Sparky in SC.
2. What should I connect with the generator to power?
Normally, generators are used to power the following:
- Bathroom on the first floor
- A few lighting circuits
- Refrigerator
- Furnace
- Garage door starter
- Well pump
- Sump pump, a sewage ejector pump, or a circuit into which a window AC is plugged
3. Is there a need to hire a professional for the installation of a standby generator in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Unless you are an experienced candidate for generator installation in Myrtle Beach, SC, such an installation and repairs are best left to the professionals. Generators run safely when they are plugged into a ‘transfer switch’. It enables the generator to do two things:
- First, it disengages the grid outside from the house, preventing generator power from flowing outside and harming/killing a utility worker.
- Second, it ensures that the power only flows to the things you have connected to the generator. This keeps the generators for home use in Myrtle Beach, SC from being overloaded.
4. Can the generator be directly plugged into a wall socket?
No way! This process is known as back feeding and is deemed dangerous for several authentic reasons. Suppose, if by any chance you forget to isolate the house electrically by NOT throwing the main circuit breaker, the generator can send the power to the grid. With this, the electrical power from your home can be a potential cause of serious injuries to someone. It might even lead to death.
5. Are standby generators and backup generators in Myrtle Beach, SC different?
Yes, the two are different. A generator that is permanently installed, just as the air compressor for a central AC system, is known as a backup generator in Myrtle Beach, SC. These generators run on propane or natural gas, whereas the ‘backup generators’ are ones that are smaller and have a gas engine. The backup generators are wheeled to be placed outside the house and run by plugging in the transfer switch. It can also be connected via heavy-duty extension cords.
6. Can I put the generator in the garage and run it for as long as it is needed while it rains or snows outside?
No, it is not safe to run a generator inside your home, in the garage, on a porch, or near an open window. This is because generators release carbon monoxide (CO). This can make someone sick or kill someone inside the house, even if the garage door is kept open.
7. What precautionary measures could be taken to prevent generator-related risks?
- Install smoke and CO detectors in the house
- Keep the generator not less than 10 feet away from the house
- Let it cool before you fuel
- Only trust the professionals for installation and generator repairs in Myrtle Beach, SC
- Get regular maintenance
8. What can be done about the loudness of generators?
Sadly, there is not much you can do about this drawback. What you can do is buy more mechanical generators as they do the job better and keep it a little low. These generators adjust the engine rpm according to the electrical output. Ultimately, this reduces the running speed, saves fuel, and makes the machine quieter.
9. Is grounding my generator for home use in Myrtle Beach, SC important?
Do it as the instruction manual says. If it suggests grounding your generator, do it. It is comparatively easier and can be done by using a 12-gauge ground wire reaching from the machine’s grounding terminal to a copper rod placed into the soil beside the generator.
Do you have a home generator? If not, are you planning to get one installed soon? If yes, was it installed professionally? How often do you get it serviced? Are you observing an unusual sign or problem in the home generator?
If you are looking for a generator service in Myrtle Beach, SC for any reason, the experts at Mister Sparky Generators can help with everything from selection and installation to repairs and maintenance. Connect today!