Back Up Power - Generators Emergency Electrical Power Systems
	Different types of standby power generators,   emergency electrical power systems,   non-automatic power generator systems,  portable unit plug-in installations,  automatic power transfer system, permanent units installed.

The Completed Job starting at  $3,300.00.

The installation of an automatic standby generator will provide backup power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The system is totally automatic.   An Automatic Transfer Switch immediately senses when utility power has been interrupted, transferring responsibilities to the generator.  When the utility power is restored, the transfer switch automatically transfers back to utility power, shutting down and instantly resetting itself for the next power interruption with no action required by the property owner.
 
Concerns:
  Location,  it's appearance on your property.
  Noise,  get the facts on the noise level.
  Fuel Choice,  Generators run on:  natural gas, propane, diesel and gasoline.
  Exhaust,  proper venting away of exhaust fumes.
  Unit Size,   make a list of essentials.  This should be calculated by a professional.

Answers and options for these concerns are free - 610-853-8311

Installation Preparation
The first step is to choose the location which will serve the property best.  Access to the electrical service and fuel lines are to be considered.  The exhaust system should not be near any openings in the property!  The next step is to provide firm level surface about 15 to 20 square feet.  A 12KW unit could weigh over 500 pounds. We recommend a concrete pad 4 inches minimum with reinforced steel rods embedded in the pad.

Unit Selection
When the generator is running at full speed, it has the noise level as a central air conditioning compressor.  A home generator unit should be sized at approx. 12,000 watts.  A generator this size puts out about 95 amps, which is enough power to run nearly anything you may need to operate during a power outage.

Power Transfer Switch
The key to making a generator automatic is to install a power transfer switch. The electrical lines coming into the house connect to one side of the transfer switch.  A license electrician must do this work.

When the transfer switch detects a power loss, it sends a signal to the generator to start. Once up to speed, the generator begins sending power back to the transfer switch, which then relays power to the pre-selected circuits ("essentials") in the main circuit breaker panel.

You can select the circuits that you will need the most in a power outage, such as:  medical equipment,  the furnace/boiler, well water system, exit lighting, refrigerators/freezers, etc.

Gas Connection, etc.
Generators use a variety of fuels such as natural gas or propane.  A professional must do this work.  The gas line is run, pressure tested and then connected to the generator. Some generators can also operate on diesel fuel.

Electric code requirements for optional standby systems
 

 702.2 Optional Standby Systems.  Optional standby systems are intended to protect public or private facilities or property where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system. Optional standby systems are intended to supply on-site generated power to selected loads either automatically or manually. (FPN): Optional standby systems are typically installed to provide an alternate source of electric power for such facilities as industrial and commercial buildings, farms and residences, and to serve loads such as heating and refrigeration systems, data processing and communications systems, and industrial processes that, when stopped during any power outage, could cause discomfort, serious interruption of the process, damage to the product or process, or the like.

 702.4 Equipment Approval  All equipment shall be approved for the intended use.

702.5 Capacity and Rating  An optional standby system shall have adequate capacity and rating for the supply of all equipment intended to be operated at one time. Optional standby system equipment shall be suitable for the maximum available fault current at its terminals. The user of the optional standby system shall be permitted to select the load connected to the system.

 702.6 Transfer Equipment   Transfer equipment shall be suitable for the intended use and so designed and installed as to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and alternate sources of supply in any operation of the transfer equipment. Transfer equipment, located on the load side of branch circuit protection, shall be permitted to contain supplementary over current protection having an interrupting rating sufficient for the available fault current that the generator can deliver.

 702.8 Standby  A sign shall be placed at the service-entrance equipment indicating type and location of on-site optional standby power sources.

Avoid danger of back-feeding – Use a transfer switch
If the generator is not properly wired into the home there is a danger of back-feeding electricity. This is very dangerous and could result in serious injury or death to anyone coming into contact with electric lines while working to restore power in an emergency. To provide this type of installation as safely as possible, a transfer switch must be installed that will break the connection to the electric company’s service when the generator is in use and, similarly, disconnect the generator connection normal power has been restored. This switch is normally located between your home’s main service panel and the power sources. Single phase electric service requires a two pole, double throw switch. Three phase service requires a three pole, double throw switch. Installation must be performed by a licensed electrician and must conform to the National Electric Code.

Another good economical solution to a power outage is a portable generator. These are available with sound dampening jackets for quiet operation. Because they give off carbon monoxide, these generators can only be safely used outdoors away from open windows and can never be used in a garage or basement.
A typical portable generator will run about seven hours on a tank of fuel so if you are expecting a long outage, you should have an adequate supply on hand.  An advantage to portable generators is they are very flexible. You can run power anywhere you can run an extension cord. But what you can't do is provide emergency power to a built-in refrigerator or an exhaust fan because there is no accessible power cord. Although a portable generator can produces 3000 watts of power, which is enough to light 30 100 watt light bulbs, this still may not be enough power in a lengthy outage. If you want to operate a microwave, a toaster, and a hair dryer all at the same time, that is about all a portable generator can handle.
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