Homework: Buying and operating a generator
A generator is a source of temporary power that supplies electricity to your home during an outage. The device runs on natural, diesel or propane gas. Generators range in size, and the amount of power a generator can put out is based on its wattage. Credit: iStock
Having a power generator in place during a hurricane, flood or other natural disaster is like winning the lottery.
Lisa Greenwald, who had no power for eight days after Tropical Storm Irene hit, is learning the hard way just how valuable a power generator can be.
"I never expected the power to be out this long," says Greenwald of South Bellmore, who shuttled her family from her home to her parents' in Melville for warm showers and hot meals. "It has been a frustrating and miserable experience. I am absolutely going to invest in a power generator at this point."
A generator is a source of temporary power that supplies electricity to your home during an outage. The device runs on natural, diesel or propane gas. Generators range in size, and the amount of power a generator can put out is based on its wattage.
Prices of portable units start at about $599. A generator is operated like a lawn mower. A pull-cord turns the device on, and a button turns it off. A permanent standby unit is pricier, starting at $3,000. This device, which must be installed by a licensed electrician, automatically starts when it detects a power loss. For those who would rather not make a large investment, some stores offer rentals.
"Having a power generator is being prepared. It is like an insurance policy," says Bruce Androlowicz, a hardware associate at The Home Depot in Huntington.
However, if not properly installed and operated, a power generator can be dangerous. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, on average, 75 people are killed in the United States each year by carbon monoxide associated with the use of generators.
Safety tips from experts
To help you weather the next storm, here's advice from experts -- Jamar Rose, home improvement store manager at Sears in Garden City; John Gergela, owner of North Shore Generator Systems Inc. in Medford; John Euler, service manager at Liffco Power Equipment in Mineola, and Androlowicz of Home Depot:
* Figure out what your power needs are. Most portable generators start at 3,000 watts, which can power small appliances and a refrigerator and freezer. A generator with 5,000 watts will handle most homeowners' basic needs. If you want to power your entire house, an automatic standby unit is a better choice.
* When shopping for a portable generator, look for a quality engine. Briggs & Stratton, Subaru and Yamaha are some reliable names.
* Generators, portable or automatic, must be operated outside, They must be used on a dry surface.
* Use a proper extension cord that is free of tears and cuts. A heavy-duty outdoor 12- or 14-gauge cord is recommended, with a plug with three prongs. Overloading a cord is a potential fire hazard.
* Do not connect a generator to the household wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. This installation should be done by a certified electrician. A box is mounted to the wall and that is the connection point for the generator. The household items that you want to run would be prewired into that, isolating the circuits that you want to run on the generator.
* Always read the owner's manual before operating a generator.
* To prolong the life of a portable generator, run it on half-load. For example, if you have a generator that is 4,500 watts, keep it at 3,000 watts.
* Make sure the generator is properly leveled. It should also be far enough from the house -- a minimum of 10 to 15 feet.
* Never operate a portable generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a closed garage. Generators emit carbon monoxide and can be deadly.
* Never fuel a generator while it is operating. And be sure the unit has cooled down before refueling.
* Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
* Never store a generator with gas in it because it damages the carburetor.
* Do not overload a generator by plugging too many appliances into the device.
* A standby unit should be tested once a month by the homeowner. It also should be serviced once a year.
* It is critical for individuals with any health issues -- asthma, emphysema -- to have an automatic standby generator instead of a portable unit. This will ensure they can power medical equipment if any loss of power should occur.
