Preparing Your Garage for an EV Charger
As the automotive industry pivots more and more toward electric vehicles (EVs), many consumers are saying goodbye to internal combustion engines. Even though purchasing an EV is a great decision for several reasons, owners may have to make some modifications to their garages. More specifically, a car owner will want to install an EV charger in their garage.
Based in Marlboro, New Jersey, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. installs electric car chargers for clients throughout the Garden State. Here, we discuss important installation considerations and how to determine the best location for an EV charger in a garage.
Why You Want an EV Charger in Your Garage
Public charging stations serve the same purpose as gas stations. They extend the daily useful range of electric cars. Public charging stations can be located in a wide variety of places, such as:
- Street side
- Retail store parking lots
- Parking garages
- Hotel parking lots
- Airports
- Car dealerships
- Outside office buildings
Although new public charging stations are popping up all the time, nothing can beat the convenience of charging at home. In addition to convenience, EV owners will enjoy much faster charging times when they have a dedicated EV charger installed at home. With a dedicated connection to the meter box, a home EV charger can deliver much greater power to the electric car’s battery, which translates to faster charging.
Furthermore, a home EV charger can be a much more cost-effective option compared to public charging stations. Charging your electric car during slow utility times like overnight can lead to discounted charging rates.
Is There Enough Space in the Garage?
The most important aspect to consider when thinking about having an EV charger installed in your garage is space. To charge your electric car safely and effectively in your garage, you will need access to the charging port door and have enough space to keep the charging cable from kinking. Drivers may need to organize and clean out their garages to ensure they have enough space. To maximize the space you have inside your garage without needing to part ways with your belongings, consider investing in storage systems like cabinetry or overhead racks.
Think About Temperature
Colder temperatures don’t play nicely with EV chargers. The cold weather decreases the mileage you get from a charge, which lowers the driving range. If your garage gets extremely cold, you may want to consider insulating the space or adding a heater. This will help to protect the car’s battery and provide you with a consistent charge.
Best Location for an EV Charger in a Garage
Having an EV charger installed in a garage as opposed to outside is ideal for a couple of reasons. A garage offers security, and therefore drivers won’t need to worry about their chargers being vandalized. Also, EV owners won’t have to contend with inclement weather when needing to charge their cars if the charger is located in the garage.
The most ideal location for an EV charger in a garage is one that’s easily accessible. Which side of the vehicle the charging port is located, how you park your vehicle, and the layout of your garage will all play a role in where your EV charger should be installed inside your garage.
Turn to Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
If you own an EV, you will want the convenience of a home charger. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers fast, efficient installation services for level two electric vehicle chargers for clients throughout NJ, including Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. We partner with Qmerit and Tesla to offer our customers the highest quality home EV chargers. During installation, our team will help drivers determine the best location for an EV charger in their garages.
To ensure you have a reliable means of transportation even in the event of a power outage, our team can also install a dedicated generator for your EV charging station. Anyone wishing to learn more about our services should contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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Increasingly Poor Performance and Failure Due to Lack of Generator Maintenance
Standby generators are life savers in emergencies. Their main purpose is to supply secondary power during outages. Because they are typically only used when needed, their infrequent operation makes them susceptible to potential issues that go undetected. Users should be aware of the common causes of generator failure to ensure their alternative power source will function when they need it the most.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. provides reliable and advanced residential and commercial generator repair services to clients throughout New Jersey. Here, we detail the common causes of generator failure and what you should be aware of.
Battery Failure
Battery failure is one of the most common issues a backup generator experiences. Several factors can contribute to this problem, including faulty wires, dirty connections, excessive age, or lead sulfate buildup on the generator’s battery plates. These issues impact the generator’s ability to provide sufficient electrical current to users.
To make certain your generator’s battery is working properly, it’s recommended to check it thoroughly during monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections. Even though a standard generator battery should last several years before needing to be replaced, regular maintenance will help extend its lifespan.
Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks, such as oil, fuel, and coolant are another common culprit of generator failure. Because leaks often happen slowly over a period of time, they are particularly deceptive, resulting in many users not recognizing there’s an issue until it’s too late.
The consequences that can be a result of a fluid leak include:
- Oil leak: Not enough oil can damage the generator’s engine components.
- Fuel leak: A fuel leak will negatively impact the generator’s performance and potentially lead to malfunctions.
- Coolant leak: Low coolant will lead to your generator overheating, which will result in the damage of other components, and ultimately generator failure.
To prevent leaks from occurring, owners should make sure the generator’s systems are inspected on a regular basis and promptly repaired.
Water Damage
Water can wreak havoc on your standby generator, and even contribute to its poor performance. Water accumulation can cause rust to form, which can lead to corroded wires and impede electrical connections. Water that makes its way inside the generator’s engine can corrode parts and promote bacteria growth. This can clog filters and cause engine damage.
Air Inside of Fuel System
If you’re having trouble starting your generator, it may be due to air in the fuel system. Oftentimes, air is found in the fuel system when the generator isn’t used regularly, which is most commonly the case with most emergency generators.
When air is found inside the fuel system, it blocks fuel from getting to the fuel injector. This is what prevents the engine from starting. Users can avoid this issue from happening by turning on the generator once a week for at least five minutes. Doing so enables air to clear from the fuel system.
Wrong Control Setting
In some cases, generator failure is the product of human error. Most standby generators rely on an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that enables the system to turn on during power outages. This setting is turned off during routine maintenance or testing. After the service is complete, the generator’s control switch should be returned to auto mode. If this step is not followed, the generator will fail to turn on as expected.
Limit the Risk of Generator Failure
When you purchase a standby generator, you are purchasing peace of mind. Users expect their generators to perform when they need backup power. Generator failure often stems from a lack of proper generator maintenance.
To ensure your generator always operates as expected, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. supplies advanced maintenance and repair offerings. Trained technicians will perform all necessary generator checkups and any required repairs so your property has power even if there’s an outage. Residents throughout NJ wishing to learn more about our services can contact us today.
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Risks of Attempting DIY Residential Generator Repair
Many homeowners consider themselves very handy. While you may be able to accomplish most do-it-yourself (DIY) chores around your home, one task you should never attempt without the proper training is generator repair. Untrained hands should not perform electrical repairs of any kind. This can lead to devastating consequences, including costly damage and serious injuries.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. proudly supplies residential and commercial generator repair near Marlboro, New Jersey, and beyond. In addition to our inventory of top-rated brand names, our team specializes in generator maintenance. Here, we discuss the dangers of DIY generator repair and why you should never attempt it without guidance or assistance from a licensed professional.
Potential Safety Hazards
Standby residential generators pose serious health and safety risks when not properly handled. Homeowners who are unaware of these risks put themselves in harm’s way when they attempt to repair their generators without any guidance or prior knowledge. Hazards of generators can include:
- Standby generators produce dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas, which can be deadly if inhaled.
- Overloaded generators as a result of DIY work can lead to fires.
- Homeowners who attempt to repair generators themselves are exposed to the risk of electrical shock and electrocution.
Professional generator repair technicians take all the necessary safety precautions while performing repair services. This ensures everyone remains safe and avoids the common safety threats associated with backup power solutions.
Cause Further Damage
Residential generators are complex backup power solutions. They are comprised of several important components that are needed to provide homes with power during electrical outages. Homeowners who try to make repairs without completely understanding what they are doing can end up creating more damage. Depending on the severity of damage caused, homeowners could find themselves paying more for repairs than originally necessary. In some cases, they may need to replace their generators altogether.
Temporary Fix
Generator repairs performed by homeowners may offer a temporary fix. Without proper knowledge of what’s causing the malfunction and how to perform repairs correctly, the problem will most likely keep occurring.
Repairs performed by trained professionals are a much more effective solution. Professional generator repair is likely to be higher in quality. This is because technicians have undergone the necessary training to identify the problem and fix it properly. In addition, generator service providers often offer warranties or guarantees on their work. This provides homeowners with peace of mind that they are covered should an issue stemming from the same problem occur in the future.
Professional Generator Repair Services We Offer
Routine maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to keeping your residential generator in proper working order. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. prides itself on delivering top-quality services designed to extend the longevity of your generator while maintaining its performance. As part of our comprehensive maintenance programs, we perform the following tasks:
- Assess all wires and parts
- Tighten any loose bolts and connects and make sure they are clean
- Replace filters and change engine oil
- Inspect air filters, spark plugs, and other essential parts
- Look for fuel or oil leaks and perform the necessary repairs if found
- Gauge coolant levels and check for any signs of leaks
- Test air intake and ventilation systems
- Monitor and repeat field testing
- Perform any software updates
All repairs performed by Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. technicians are administered by factory-trained mechanics using factory-authorized parts.
Call Today to Schedule Reliable Generator Repair in NJ
When it comes to repairing your residential generator, turn to the experienced team at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. Our advanced maintenance and repair offerings will help keep your generator in top shape and ready to operate when needed. To ensure your generator never misses a service, we recommend clients take advantage of our generator maintenance contracts. During service appointments, we will perform all necessary generator checkups and any required repairs to ensure your backup power source remains in prime condition. New Jersey residents wishing to learn more about our professional generator repair services can contact us today.
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Integrating EV Home Charging Into Your Daily Routine
Electric vehicles (EVs) are an eco-friendly alternative to gas vehicles that have greatly increased in popularity in the past few years. However, to drive an EV, you first need to charge it and it’s not always easy finding a charger around town.
Installing an EV home charging station at your house is a way to always ensure you have convenient access to a charger. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers EV chargers and EV charging installation to people throughout New Jersey. Here, we share more information about how to integrate EV home charging into your everyday routine.
About Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are vehicles that don’t use gasoline but run on an electric battery that requires regular charging. Think of your cellphone— you use it daily and then must charge it at night, so you won’t end up with a dead battery when you need it. The same can be said for EVs— they need to be charged frequently to keep working at optimal performance. EVs can be charged either with public chargers in parking lots or with home charging stations, although most EV owners opt to charge at home.
EV Charging Tips to Remember
If you’ve recently started driving an electric vehicle after spending your life driving gas vehicles, there is often a period of adjustment to get used to the differences between them. The biggest difference is the fact you must charge your car with an EV. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. has vast experience providing both EV charging stations and installation of the stations, so we can offer tips on integrating EV home charging into your daily routine. These tips include:
Choose the Right Outlet
To get the best EV charging experience at home, you need to make sure you buy the right kind of charger. There are three types of vehicle chargers, including:
- Level 1:This is a traditional household outlet with a 120-volt plug that is best for short-term charging needs.
- Level 2:This is the ideal EV home charging power outlet with a 240-volt plug and works much faster than Level 1 plugs.
- Level 3:This is the fastest car charger available on the market, it is very expensive and can’t be installed in homes.
At Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., we provide Level 2 EV charging stations to ensure you get the fastest home charging possible. As certified installers for Qmerit and Tesla you know that we are the company to trust for your charging needs.
Place Your Charger Wisely
EV home charging stations can be installed both inside and outside, contrary to popular belief that EVs shouldn’t charge in the rain. Where you decide to get your home charging station installed should be a place where you frequently go and can park nearby. If you have a garage but always park in your driveway, perhaps you should have your charger installed there so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of moving your car often. The same goes for people who don’t like venturing out in wet weather— they should place their EV charger in their garage because they likely won’t want to go outside to plug it in when it’s rainy or cold.
Set an Alarm
If you’re not used to having to charge your car, it can simply slip your mind. You don’t want to end up stuck on the side of the road or struggling to find a public charger because you didn’t charge your car at home last night. It can be helpful to set an alarm at the same time every day or night so you can be reminded to plug in your car. You could also plan to plug in your car every time you get home from work, so you’ll never forget, but this only works if you make it a stable routine.
These are just some of the ways to incorporate your EV home charging into your daily routine to simplify your life and know you’ll always have access to a charge.
Install Your EV Charging Station Today
Did you know homeowners in New Jersey, who’ve had an EV charger installed in their home or garage, can receive an EV rebate of up to $250? If you’re interested in getting an EV home charging station installed, this is just one of the benefits you can take advantage of.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers transparent and reliable services and is here to help NJ residents with their EV home charging station needs. Contact us today to learn more about getting an EV home charging station installed.
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Checking for Fuel or Oil Issues in Your Generator
Commercial and residential generators are a valuable investment that can keep your family or business safe during a power outage. Occasionally, however, you may notice something unusual with your standby power source, such as leaking generator oil. Here, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers insights into possible issues related to fuel or oil that may occur in your home’s backup generator.
What Is A Standby Generator?
A standby generator, also known as a backup generator, is a type of emergency equipment that can be placed at a residential home or a commercial property. These units are installed outside your home or business, and they automatically turn on when there is a power outage. Standby generators can use several different fuel sources to generate electrical power, such as propane, diesel, or natural gas.
When the power goes out in your home, an automatic transfer switch signals the standby generator to start up immediately. Generators can be a worthwhile investment for anyone, but they are especially valuable for people who need to refrigerate their medications or businesses that rely on electrical equipment. The benefits of having a standby generator include:
- Protection from voltage fluctuations after power is restored
- Continued power for crucial appliances and electronics
- Possibility for reduced home insurance premiums
Because backup generators connect directly to a home or commercial building’s fuel source, they don’t require portable fuel or need to be refilled. However, standby generators do require regular maintenance, and from time to time they may require replacement parts or repairs.
Signs There May Be An Issue With Your Generator
Just like any type of equipment, standby generators require occasional inspection and maintenance to run at peak performance. If your generator is slow to start up or stops working entirely, look for these telltale signs that it needs repairs:
- Grinding or humming noises
- Unusual odors
- Frayed or broken wires
- Corrosion or other external damage
- Leaking oil or other liquids
Fuel Oil Generator Issues
If you smell fuel oil or notice your generator leaking oil, there could be a few different culprits. You may need maintenance or repairs on the following parts:
Fuel Lines
A fuel leak is often caused by damaged fuel lines. Over time, normal wear and tear and temperature fluctuations can cause your fuel lines to crack or tear. If a fuel line is intact, the source of the leak may simply be a loose coupler.
Fuel Tank
Corrosion, punctures, or minor cracks in your fuel tank can cause it to leak. If your tank is overfilled, it can also be a fire hazard. Thus, fuel tanks should be inspected regularly to catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Air Filter
In general, you should replace your generator’s air filter at least once a year. Some filters can be cleaned and reused, so be sure to check with your technician first. If you see your generator leaking fuel from the air filter, it’s possible that the generator’s oil tank is overfilled or you have a clogged or faulty valve. This may cause oil to leak out and coat the filter.
Coolant
In some cases, the liquid leaking from your generator is coolant, not fuel oil. Coolant circulates throughout your standby generator to keep its engine from overheating. If the coolant is low because of a leak, it may trigger a sensor that prevents your generator from starting up.
Maintenance Recommendations for Residential Generators
Some homeowners have the expertise to perform routine generator maintenance tasks themselves. But if you notice your generator leaking fuel, it’s best to call on a professional. An experienced and licensed technician can inspect your standby generator, determine the root cause of the problem, and take the necessary precautions to prevent further damage to the unit. Once they have identified the source of the leak, they can repair any damaged parts and offer recommendations for preventive maintenance to minimize the risk of future damage to your unit.
Contact Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
If you need help troubleshooting issues with your standby generator or notice leaking generator oil, turn to the specialists at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. Located in Marlboro, New Jersey, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. serves residential and commercial customers throughout NJ. Our clients count on our experienced technicians for generator maintenance and repairs, including:
- Replacing filters
- Changing engine oil
- Checking coolant levels
- Testing ventilation systems
- Inspecting air filters and other essential components
- Cleaning and tightening connections and couplers
For more information about generator installation and maintenance services, schedule an appointment or contact us today.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
Top Energy Grid Areas Where You Might Need a Generator
Electricity is a necessity for most homeowners. Without them, completing many daily household tasks is challenging. Today, almost all homes are connected to a vast network of transmission lines, power plants, and distribution centers. Together, these components make up an electric grid. Even so, some homes experience reliability issues when it comes to their electrical services. One of the biggest reasons why is because of where they are located. In these areas, having a standby power generator when your home is off-grid makes sense.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. provides residential and commercial clients throughout New Jersey with reliable backup power sources. Here, we discuss the locations where an off-grid generator may be most beneficial.
Farmland Area
The state of New Jersey is among the leaders in many forms of agricultural production. In fact, the Garden State is home to more than 9,900 farms covering 750,000 acres of farmland. Farmland areas pose a challenge to residents who live there as many homes rely on older and less reliable rural distribution systems.
When these systems were initially designed and implemented, they were only intended to power electric lighting and a few appliances per household. As society has pivoted to more of a reliance on technology and Internet of Things devices, older distribution systems in farmland areas may not be able to keep up.
Residents of farmland areas who find themselves in this predicament may benefit from having a residential generator to make up for their distribution center’s limited capacity.
Crowded Urban Areas
The population in urban communities has never been higher. Many people flock to big cities because of the jobs and other opportunities available there. Urbanization has increased the demand and necessity for electricity on an already strained electrical supply. The result is more and more power outages and electrical interruptions.
To combat these risks, residents in crowded urban areas can rely on the safety net of a standby backup generator.
Desolate Rural Areas
Power outages can occur for a number of reasons, such as grid overload, schedule maintenance, and equipment failure. Out of all of the reasons why the power goes out, weather is the most common. Lighting strikes may overload electric lines, transformers, and electrical equipment, creating outages. Extreme heat can reduce the output of power plants, cause equipment to overheat, and make power lines sag as the metal in them expands.
Power outages in desolate rural areas are especially problematic. Residents in these areas may experience longer outage times than those located in a more populated location. In these instances, a generator is crucial to have standing by.
Off-Grid Generators at Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.
Depending on where you live, power outages may be a common occurrence. Even though the power stops, your life doesn’t. Folks who live in areas that are more susceptible to power outages need to have a backup plan. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. is dedicated to keeping your family safe by offering reliable alternative power solutions. Even when your home is off-grid due to an outage, our backup power solutions will keep your lights on.
Our selection of off-grid generators is made up of trusted industry leaders, such as Generac, Honeywell, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton. We supply residential generators in an array of sizes, with outputs ranging from 10,000 to 24,000 watts.
Without the proper knowledge, it can be difficult to know which backup generator is right for you. Anyone unsure which residential generator is appropriate for them can rely on our team of specialists. Acting as your generator guide, we will ask questions to get a better understanding of your backup power needs and then recommend which generator we believe is right for you.
New Jersey residential and commercial clients wishing to learn more about which areas are prone to power outages and how they can protect themselves should schedule an appointment or contact us today.
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
What to know before investing in a standby home generator
My 83-year-old father started his portable generator after Hurricane Ike in 2008 knocked out electricity for the majority of Houston and ran extension cables to a few lights, a fan, and the refrigerator through an open kitchen window. He faithfully maintained the generator going for five days, filling the fuel tank every eight hours so he and my mother could live comfortably inside. When the city lost power once more during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, my parents hardly noticed. The entire house, including the air conditioning, had power within two minutes of the outage. The distinction? The previous year, my father erected a 22-kilowatt standby generator.
Consumers are thinking about dependable backup power for their homes due to extreme weather, protracted outages, and rising demand on an aging electric infrastructure. Although households have always preferred portable generators, a shift is occurring due to the ease of a standby, which includes not having to manually refill it every 8 to 12 hours or pick and choose which few outlets to power.
Only 0.63 percent of American households in 2002 had backup generators installed, mostly on hurricane-prone coastlines. According to Randy Sandlin, senior vice president of global product management for generator company Generac, that percentage has increased to 5.77 percent. Jesse Adams, the president of Adams in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, thinks he sold and installed 35 standby generators every year ten years ago. Now, that number exceeds 2,000 per year. “More people are working from home, using electric devices, and even charging their EVs,” Sandlin claims. “A standby generator is for peace of mind, not just for storms.”
Keeping warm and secure during a winter power outage
That’s why Tom Dolan and his wife Christina bought a standby generator soon after settling into their King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, house. Dolan says, “We were worried about a medical equipment Christina uses, food deterioration, frozen pipes, and just being confined in the house for days without power. When lightning struck an electric pole two years ago, the generator started up so rapidly that I didn’t even need to turn the clocks back.
There are several factors to consider before buying a standby generator Here are some things to keep in mind.
How they operate
Your home must have access to either natural gas or liquid propane because backup generators don’t function on electricity. When service is interrupted, a transfer switch that connects the generators to the electrical panel instructs the house to switch from the power grid to the generator. Unlike portable types, a standby connects to your natural gas or liquid propane line, so it doesn’t require refueling.
According to Misha Kollontai, a senior test project leader who evaluates generators for Consumer Reports, standby generators performed well regardless of the brand while portable generators varied in performance during testing. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, Winco, Champion, and Kohler are some well-known brands. According to Kollontai, standby units are not much bigger than a sizable air conditioner, typically measuring three to four square feet.
The system does a self-test each week, so you won’t have to be concerned about losing power in an emergency. Some models feature mobile apps that allow you to remotely control the generator or view maintenance reminders. Additionally, standby generators are quieter than portable ones. When compared to a portable unit, the majority create noise at a level between 75 and 100 decibels, which is comparable to an air conditioner or washing machine.
It’s an investment
Expect to pay for the installation as well as the unit and transfer switch. The average price of a generator is between $5,000 and $7,000, although a small 7.5 kW model starts at around $2,000. The cost of installation varies from $2,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on your location, the proximity of your gas meter or propane tank to your electrical panel and whether they are on the same side of the house or not, whether your yard is level or slopes steeply, the ease of access, and the cost of permits. Installation usually takes a day. Additionally, annual maintenance for generators can cost up to $300.
Dolan bought his generator for $14,000, including installation, and he thinks it was a good investment. “I wanted something to power everything in the house,” he claims. “I love how smooth everything is and how it works whether or not we are at home. This implies that we won’t have to worry about our pipes freezing if we lose electricity while away from home in the winter. It ranks among our better purchases, in our opinion.
Your power determines your size.
The more you can power, the higher the wattage. Generators for the entire home range in power from 7.5 kW to 26 kW. According to Adams, the size of your house is less important than the amount of power you require. You choose whether to power the entire house or simply the circuits needed for items like central air, big appliances, the garage door, and the main bedroom during an outage. To determine how much power is being consumed in your house, an installation will often conduct a walk-through evaluation. Or, advises Kollontai, you may look at the average kilowatts used each day on your energy bills. A home backup sizing calculator is also available online from Generac.
You require a qualified installer.
Standby generator installation is not a do-it-yourself project. Adams suggests hiring a generator installer who does it frequently rather than just once or twice a year. An expert takes care of the entire project from start to end, including determining your needs, ensuring you are in complete compliance with local laws, HOA regulations, and any licenses, installing and connecting to gas meters or propane tanks, and doing any necessary follow-up maintenance.
It’s advisable to shop in advance since you don’t want to be rushing to make a decision during a power outage. Visit a dealer’s physical location to see a variety of items in different makes, models, and sizes. According to Adams, you could even be allowed to test the device so you can determine which features would work best in your home, check out some of the newest ones, and gauge the noise level.
You can inspect the vendor when you go in person. Make sure they have a license, insurance, and factory-trained technicians.
Ask them what they will do if there is a power outage and the generator doesn’t start or function.
“If they can’t answer, they aren’t the right partner,” Adams says. “A generator is a piece of 20-year equipment, so you want a company that’s going to be around for 20 more years.”
NOAA updates hurricane forecast to ‘above normal’ heading into peak months
DENISE CHOW
August 10, 2023 at 11:36 AM
The Atlantic hurricane season is heading into its peak months and federal officials now say the United States could see “above normal” activity this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday updated its seasonal forecast, predicting a 60% chance of 14 to 21 named storms with winds 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 11 could become hurricanes, including two to five “major” hurricanes that reach Category 3 or higher with winds of at least 111 mph.
NOAA’s initial forecast, released in May, predicted a 40% chance of a “near-normal” hurricane season. An average season, which begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30, typically produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes, according to the agency.
Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said the increased likelihood of above-normal hurricane activity is being driven by current ocean and atmospheric conditions — including record-warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean — and the ongoing El Niño event.
“The June-July sea surface temperatures in the main development region of the North Atlantic were the warmest since 1950,” Rosencrans said Thursday in a news briefing.
He added that waters in that part of the ocean last month were more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures are a key ingredient that fuels the formation of storms.
Global sea surface temperatures have shattered records this year, with parts of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean basin all engulfed in intense and persistent marine heat waves.
But El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern, characterized by warm ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, will also play a major role in influencing weather conditions around the world this year, according to NOAA.
El Niño conditions usually suppress storm development by increasing upper-level winds in the Atlantic that can tear hurricanes apart and disrupt major storms as they are forming.
As such, the interplay between warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures and the ongoing El Niño is the main driver of uncertainty in this season’s forecast, Rosencrans said.
NOAA has said there is a greater than 95% chance that El Niño conditions will linger through the winter.
The agency’s hurricane outlooks are predictions of overall activity during the season but do not make projections about storm landfalls. The updated forecast includes the five named storms and one hurricane that have already formed this season in the Atlantic basin.
Rosencrans said people should take precautions now to prepare for the peak months of hurricane season. Historically, about 90% of all tropical storm activity in the Atlantic occurs from August through October.
“No matter the overall activity, we urge you to prepare now for the upcoming core of the hurricane season,” he said, “as a single storm can have catastrophic impacts.”
Benefits of a Home Monitoring Package for Your Generator
Homeowners realize that power outages have become an increasing problem due to a variety of factors. An immediate solution is the installation of home generators. If you choose to have a stationary generator installed for home use, a monitoring package can be included. This provides even more peace of mind because the functionality of the generator is monitored virtually, and so any needed repairs or recalibration is taken care of before an emergency occurs.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. serves all of New Jersey with installations of commercial and residential generators, as well as monitoring packages. Learn more about monitoring packages and why they may be advantageous for your needs.
Monitoring Makes Sure Your Generator Is Ready
We are all aware that extreme weather and other disasters can interrupt electrical service to our homes, sometimes for long periods. High winds and tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and ice buildup are just some of the conditions known to knock out power across the United States. What’s more, while waiting for power to be restored, citizens have suffered cold, heat, smoke inhalation, and the interruption of life-saving medical devices.
Including a monitoring package with the home generator can help protect you and your family during these times of unexpected hardship. Remote monitoring ensures that the generator is always ready to give your house power for operating appliances, furnaces, medical equipment, and other electrical needs during electrical service interruptions.
Convenient Generator Monitoring Packages
A monitoring package uses virtual technicians to regularly review your generator’s capacity and workability. That way, it is ready to turn on as soon as there is a power outage.
For example, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., can access the information 24/7 and provides maintenance and repair services for any problems. In addition, the homeowner can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access this information via the Internet with mobile link, dealer-managed WiFi connectivity.
By notifying the dealer, installer, and homeowner about any incorrect capability or operation, problems can be swiftly handled and generators can get back to providing homeowners and businesses their much-needed service. Monitoring packages for generators helps maintain the safety of your home during electrical emergencies.
Choose the Right Residential Generator
There are several types of generators available for keeping the lights on while waiting for electrical grid repairs. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers assistance with an informative generator guide. Here are some highlights:
What kind of generator is best?
There are a variety of power sources used for emergency generators. These include gasoline, propane, and natural gas, depending on what is available in the area or the home. Factors influencing the choice of the generator also include expense, lifestyle, and medical concerns.
Portable generators
These smaller generators must be operated outside, but are usually stored inside, so homeowners must be able to physically bring them outside for safe operations.
There are some limitations to using portable generators. For one, they use gasoline for fuel, so you’re limited in how long you can use them. Secondly, their onboard gas tank design means they should only be used outdoors.
Please note: Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. doesn’t sell portable generators.
Stationary generators
These generators are installed permanently in an outside location and are ready to automatically start up when the electrical power is interrupted. Using propane or natural gas, they are always connected to an existing gas line. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. can help homeowners select the stationary generator that is the right size for operation per their needs until the electricity is restored.
Maintain Electrical Power to Your Home in New Jersey
A residential generator is a good idea for ensuring the safety and operation of your home during emergencies, or any time there is an electrical grid outage. At Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., we customize solutions for residential and commercial customers to ensure we meet their specific needs. New Jersey residents can schedule an appointment or contact us today!
Corbin Electrical Services – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
Preparing Your Home for an EV Charger
Installing an electric vehicle (EV) home charging station requires advanced knowledge of electrical systems and mechanical expertise. At Corbin Electrical Services, Inc., we have extensive experience installing EV charging stations. We even install dedicated generators for EV charging stations in case a home’s electrical system fails, so you’ll always have dependable transportation. Here, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers information on what EV home chargers are and how to ensure EV owners have a safe, reliable way to get their cars energized and on the road.
What Is an EV Home Charging Station?
An EV home charging station is an apparatus that transmits energy to the batteries of electric vehicles, such as electric or hybrid-powered cars and trucks. There are two different types of charging stations, including the following:
Level 1
Level 1 is a common charging device compatible to use with a standard household plug that supplies 110 or 120 volts per kilowatt hour. This charger has a three-pronged plug that connects to a control box. Another longer cord extends out the opposite end of the control box, directly into the car’s electrical port.
The advantage of the Level 1 system is that it requires no extra installation, utilizing a standard home outlet for energy. It should be noted that no heavy appliances should be used on the same circuit at the same time to minimize the risk of blowing a fuse. Additionally, a Level 1 charger can supply about three to five miles for each hour charged. That means it will take about 24 to 50 hours to fully charge a typical EV sedan.
Level 2
Level 2 chargers, on the other hand, offer a more complex system that can be difficult for a novice to install. However, its output can charge up to 25 vehicle miles per hour, reducing the charge time for many cars to about five or six hours. This benefit alone makes the professional installation of a Level 2 charger worth it.
Home Prep for an EV Charger
There are several steps to take to prepare to install a Level 2 electrical vehicle charger. They include:
Locating Power Panel Amps
The first and most critical step is to locate the power panel and determine its amp capacity. A home’s power panel typically supplies between 60 and 200 amps, depending on when the panel was installed though. Most new homes have a 200-amp service panel, while older homes will have a 100-amp panel.
Auditing Energy
Performing an energy audit is a very important step toward making sure you don’t overload the home’s electrical system by adding a Level 2 charger. Department of Energy offers a free self-directed home energy assessment with instructions. At any time, home energy consumption should not exceed 80% of the panel’s full capacity.
Installing Charger
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. installs level-two EV charging stations. These chargers require a 240-volt power source. If your garage doesn’t have an adequate power source, you will need a dedicated circuit and a 240-volt outlet.
Other possible options for plugging in the charger are to find out if the garage has a 240-volt amp socket, often referred to as a dryer socket because it was built to handle large appliances. This will supply sufficient energy without blowing a fuse. Or, install a separate dedicated power system to manage the Level 2 charger’s energy flow to the vehicle.
Visit Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. for EV Charger Installations
Our team is proud to provide environmentally conscious drivers with the exceptional installation of EV home charging stations throughout New Jersey. Our expert technicians will analyze a home’s power panel to ensure your home remains safely powered whenever you’re charging your electric car. To learn more about our work, or to schedule an EV home charging station setup, contact us today.
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. – “We Generate Peace of Mind”
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