Power Outages: Here’s What to Do to Stay Safe
We all use a lot of electricity in our lives – so much, it’s easy to take for granted. Here are just a few of the things you’re likely to miss if you ever experience a power outage in your home:
- television
- computer
- landline telephone
- washer and dryer
- microwave and electric stove
- dishwasher
- refrigerator
- hot air furnace
- air conditioning and fans
- personal care appliances
- electronics chargers
But while power outages can cause inconvenience, they can also be dangerous. If you’re hit by a power outage this winter, here are the steps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to stay safe:
Use generators wisely.
Use your generator outdoors away from doors or windows in case of fire. Ideally, have your generator serviced regularly, and especially before cold weather or hurricane season to ensure it’s ready and safe for use. Store fuel separately; don’t be tempted to leave a fuel can next to your generator while it’s running.
Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do NOT run a generator anywhere inside your home – even in a basement. If your generator is kept in a garage or shed, wheel it outdoors for use or keep your garage doors wide open for ventilation. Don’t use your gas stove to heat your home. Likewise, don’t use a camp stove or grill inside your home, and don’t use fuel-powered lanterns for light or heat.
Regulate your temperature.
Wear layers of clothing including a hat to conserve temperature and use blankets to add an extra layer of warmth. Make sure your clothing and footwear stay dry. Make sure you get plenty of food and fluids, but avoid drinking alcohol which can significantly disrupt the body’s ability to maintain a healthy temperature.
Avoid downed lines.
If a power line comes down, stay in your home or your car and wait for help to arrive. If your cellphone is working, call 911 and report the downed wire. If you’re in your car and a power line causes it to catch fire, open the car door but do NOT step out; instead, leap from the car as far as you can and then shuffle at least 50 feet away keeping both feet on the ground to prevent electrocution.
Get prepared now.
Keeping an emergency supplies kit on hand helps ensure you’re ready when the power goes out. Stock it with canned and dried food, bottled water, flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies, a blanket and enough prescription medication to last for at least three days. Avoid using candles or fuel-powered camping lanterns since these can increase your risk of fire. Keep your emergency kit in a safe place that’s easily accessible.
Keep an eye on food and water.
If refrigerated food reaches 40 degrees or more, toss it out. If you use an electrical water purification system, have a secondary manual system on hand for backup use. Many systems use a series of filters or iodine tablets to eliminate pathogens and particulate matter.
Finally, in prolonged power outages or if you’re elderly or sick or you have very young children, seek out an emergency shelter until power is restored.
When’s the Last Time You Tuned Up Your Generator?
Keeping your generator in good shape means keeping it tuned up so it’s ready for action. If you’re handy, you can perform your own tune-ups; if you’re not too handy or you’d rather not be bothered by tune-ups and all they entail, we can perform a tune-up for you. Give us a call at (732) 536-0444 and we’ll be happy to schedule one for you.
If DIY is more to your liking, here are some tips to help you get started:
- First, take your generator outside if you have it stored in a garage or shed, or wheel it away from your house if you’ve got it stored outdoors. Keeping it in a clear, open area while tuning it up prevents carbon monoxide poisoning and reduces the risk of setting something on fire if something goes wrong.
- Next, look it over for any signs of wear, like cracked or broken parts or frayed wires. Check the exhaust to make sure it’s clear. Make a note of any parts that need to replaced.
- Change the oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is when it pays to have plenty of supplies on hand, tucked away on a shelf in your basement or garage; it’s no fun having to leave what you’re doing to go out and buy parts and supplies.
- If your generator has been stored unused for a long period of time, drain the old fuel to prevent it from “gunking up” your engine. Add fresh fuel and a stabilizer if you plan on returning it to long-term storage.
- Check the air filter and spark plug and replace them if they’re damaged or dirty.
- Make sure all the connections are solid and all bolts are firmly tightened to prevent vibrations that can cause damage over time – not to mention make operation much noisier.
- Once you’ve completed your tune-up, turn the generator on and make sure it’s providing power the way it should.
- Turn it off and wipe it down well with a dry cloth before returning it to storage.
- Wait a minute – you’re not done yet: Add regular tune-ups to your calendar to make sure your generator is ready for use whenever you need it.
Of course, after all is said and done, your user manual can provide you with a lot of the information you’ll need to perform a tune-up for your generator. Every generator is different, so take the time to dig out that manual and read about your generator so you understand its unique needs, both for maintenance and for operation. Tuning up your generator now means you won’t have unexpected – and unpleasant – surprises when you actually need to use it. Just a small investment of time and supplies now can yield huge returns later on.
Just Like You, Your Generator Needs Regular Exercise for Peak Performance
It’s common knowledge: We all need exercise to stay healthy. But did you know your generator needs regular exercise too? Exercising your generator by running it on a regular basis – even when you don’t need it – helps prolong engine life and can also enable you to identify and even diagnose little problems before they have a chance to grow into major headaches. Even short periods of time without use can result in fuel-related problems and allow moisture to build up in generator components.
Here’s how to exercise your generator to help ensure peak performance:
- First, make sure your generator’s intake and exhaust are clear. Move your generator outside to an area away from your home to prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Next, connect your generator so it has at least a 50 percent load. Turning it on without having it power anything is only partially helpful, because it doesn’t allow you to identify any issues that might occur once power is actually being drawn from the unit. Plus, your generator was designed to work with an electrical load being drawn. Operating it without that load doesn’t enable it to work out as effectively so you won’t get the full benefits. Your generator manual will tell you what the unit’s maximum load is; aim for about half of that during exercise.
- Make sure the generator has fuel and check connections as you normally would before starting it. Then, power it up and let it run for at least two hours. A two-hour period allows the unit to lubricate itself and also ensures any moisture will be completely burned off. While it’s running, listen for any unusual sounds or check for other issues that could indicate a potential problem. And that’s it. Simple, right?
It also helps if you keep a supply of oil, filters and other items for preventive maintenance so you can address any minor issues that might become apparent during exercise. While you’re at it, add regularly scheduled exercise to your calendar – monthly is ideal – so you don’t forget.
Your generator was built to work, and allowing it to remain unused for long periods can result in its operating less efficiently or even refusing to work at all. Exercising your generator is a simple way to make sure it continues to work its best.
Is Your Generator Ready for Cold Weather?
A power outage is never exactly a fun event, but when it happens during freezing cold weather, it can be even more trouble. That’s because generators, like any other type of engine, can be affected by severely cold weather. Have you ever gone out to start your car on a winter day, only to find out it won’t start? No fun, is it? The same thing can happen to your generator, and when your home’s power is depending on that generator, the experience can be incredibly frustrating.
To help make sure that doesn’t happen to your generator this winter, consider buying a winterizing kit for your generator’s brand and model. Winterizing kits usually include a few critical components to help your generator adjust to cold weather so it runs without a problem:
Battery warmer
There are two primary types of battery warmers: the kind that require you to turn them on and thermostatically controlled warmers that turn on automatically when the weather dips below a certain temperature – typically 40° F. Few people want to remember to turn on a battery warmer; as a result, some brands offer only thermostatically controlled options, which means one less thing for you to worry about. The battery warmer either wraps around the battery like a blanket or goes under your battery, turning itself on when it’s needed so you can set it and forget it.
Oil heater
Your generator needs oil to act as a slippery lubricant, allowing the interior machinery to work properly without overheating that comes from too much friction. But like other liquids, oil becomes sluggish and thick during cold weather, which means it provides far less lubrication – and that means extra strain on your generator, especially during cold-weather start-ups. Most generator cold weather kits also include a heater to warm the generator’s crank case, preventing the oil from becoming too thick or viscous. Be sure to check the type of oil you’re using; some heaters require 10W oil and some require 5W oil to run properly. Most heaters also require synthetic oil, so check that too. In nearly every case, you’ll need to drain and change your oil when you install the heater, so the best time to add an oil heater is during regular maintenance before the cold weather hits.
Other accessories
Depending on the length and severity of your winters, you may want to add additional cold weather accessories like special equipment to keep frost from building up on the air intake or alternator. A cover is another good option – not just for cold weather, but for general storage to prevent dust and debris from entering your generator.
Is your generator ready for cold weather? Give us a call at (732) 536-0444 and ask us about our generators and what cold weather accessories you need to make sure your generator won’t let you down, no matter how cold it gets this winter.
How to Make Sure Your Generator Is “Stronger than the Storm”
Hurricane season is upon us, and that means power outages may be just around the corner. Now is the time to make sure your generator is ready to run, no matter what Mother Nature may bring. Here’s what to do to get your generator ready before a storm hits:
Dust it off and tune it up!
When the weather is nice and calm, most of us tuck our generators away in a shed or garage and give them little thought until they’re needed. Prepare for an emergency now by getting your generator out of storage and checking it over to make sure it’s operating properly. It’s also a great time to perform some preventive maintenance:
- Wheel or carry your generator outside and place it away from any open windows or doors before beginning.
- Inspect the generator carefully for any cracked, worn or broken parts, as well as frayed or worn wires, Make note of anything that looks unusual or shows signs of possible damage or extensive wear.
- Dig out your owner’s manual and change the oil; this should be done at the beginning of every storm season to ensure your generator stays in good shape. Always check the oil levels before running your generator.
- Hopefully, you drained the old fuel from your unit before putting it in storage. Fill the tank with clean fuel and add a stabilizer if necessary. Fuel should be refreshed every four weeks or so during the season you’re using it.
- Now check the air filter and replace it if it’s damaged or dirty. A dirty filter means your generator won’t work as efficiently and is more prone to breakdown.
- Do the same with the spark plug, checking for wear or damage and replacing as needed, following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
- Finally, make sure all bolts are properly tightened to eliminate vibrations that can result in significant noise during operation, and can also cause increased wear and tear on your generator over time.
Stock up on supplies
Make sure you have extra filters, oil, fuel and spark plugs on hand, and keep them where they’re easily accessible in case you need to make a quick repair during a storm or in case you need to run it for a long period of time.
Give it a test run
Now test your generator with a few small appliances to make sure it’s operating the way it should. While it’s running, listen and watch for anything unusual that might indicate a problem that requires a professional tune-up or repair.
Put it on your calendar
Not every hurricane will have the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, but even a relatively minor power outage can have a significant effect on your health and lifestyle. Following these simple steps at the beginning of every storm season can help ensure you have the power you need when the rains start to pour.
Weathering Floods, Storms and Power Outages – Helpful Hints for Generator Safety
For most people living in the Northeast, home generators get their greatest use during hurricane season when rains and heavy winds lash the area, knocking down power lines and sometimes keeping them down for days or even weeks. Winter is also a period of typically heavy use, thanks to ice storms that can snap tree limbs and lots of car accidents – both of which contribute to downed power lines. But the fact is, no matter what season it is, most homeowners will experience some loss of power during the course of a year. And many of those homeowners will be turning to home generators to take up the slack.
While home generators can serve an important role in your home, in some cases, they may also be associated with accidents and even injury if not used properly. Nearly all generator-related accidents are associated with the use of portable generators. That’s because portable generators require users to come in contact with them in order to be used: They need to be turned on and off, fuel tanks must be refilled during use, and they need to be constantly monitored while they’re running to ensure they work the way they’re intended. What’s more, portable generators require you to run electrical cords throughout your home to power all your appliances and electrical devices. These problems are all eliminated with automatic generators, which run off your home’s natural gas or LP gas supply and tie directly into your home power system, eliminating the need for extension cords.
According to the American Red Cross, the primary risks of using a home generator include carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire. The organization notes that the vast majority of these accidents tend to occur when portable generators are not used properly or when they’re wheeled indoors for use, exposing the home’s occupants to toxic levels of carbon monoxide (CO). In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 85 percent of non-fire CO deaths are linked to portable home generator use.
If you must run a portable generator, follow these tips to reduce your risk of accidents:
- Read the operator’s manual carefully.
- Keep the generator outside while running, away from all windows including your neighbors’.
- Do not wire a portable generator to your power system; doing so can result in deadly surges.
- Turn off all appliances before starting your portable generator, then turn them back on one at a time, being careful not to overload the unit.
- Never refill your portable generator while it’s running or while it’s hot since that can cause a fire.
- Never leave a portable generator unattended while it’s running; turn it off at night and if you must leave your home.
- Use a heavy-duty extension cord designed for outdoor use.
- Use a battery-powered CO detector to alert you to dangerous increases in CO levels.
- When possible, upgrade to an automatic generator for safer, more reliable power backup.
While buying a permanent backup generator used to be extremely costly, today’s automatic generators are much more affordable thanks to new designs and features like “shedding” that let smaller generators power an entire home. To keep your automatic generator running properly, all you have to do is have it maintained regularly, just as you have your furnace or air conditioning system maintained.
At Corbin Electrical Services, we can help answer all your generator-related questions. Give us a call today at (732) 536-0444 to learn how an automatic generator could improve your life and your peace of mind.
The difference between home backup power and portable generators
When it’s time to buy an ancillary power for a home, most people think first of portable generators. That’s because portable generators are typically smaller, cheaper and sold at most home centers, hardware stores and big-box retailers, making them much more visible options for most consumers. But while portable generators certainly have their place and function in certain situations, for home use, a home backup power system gives homeowners much greater peace of mind as well as significantly greater ease of use. Here’s a quick overview of the primary advantages a home backup power system offers over a portable generator:
- A home backup power system, or automatic generator, is installed permanently outside your home so you and your loved ones are protected from deadly carbon monoxide gas. In fact, breathing in this odorless, colorless gas is a primary cause of portable generator-related deaths each year.
- Automatic backup generators use your home’s existing natural gas lines or LP fuel supply, making them less costly to run than portable generators. Plus, there’s no need to store fuel or refill the generator. And, you never come in contact with messy fuels.
- An automatic generator is just that- automatic! That means it can turn itself on even when you’re away and turn itself off when power is reinstated. It’s designed to work seamlessly with your existing power system unlike portable generators that must be turned on and off and continually monitored while in use.
- Automatic systems are more powerful and can be configured to handle greater loads than portable generators.
- Because they’re wired directly to your home’s electrical system, there’s no need to run power cords around your home or through open windows. A portable generator must be wheeled into place whenever it’s needed, filled with smelly fuels and connected via a maze of extension cords to the appliances in your home that need power.
- An automatic generator functions without human intervention or monitoring, making them an ideal choice for every home and every homeowner, regardless of age, disability or skill level.
- Finally, even the American Red Cross says that when it comes to home safety, an automatic backup generator is the preferred and safer choice over a portable generator because they are “better suited for providing backup power to the home.”
Both portable and automatic home generators can provide a source of power when the electricity goes out. But when it comes to sheer safety, convenience and overall peace of mind, it’s easy to see why an automatic backup generator is a better choice.
An investment in a backup power system is an investment in your family’s well-being. And thanks to advances in design and technology, automatic generators have become more affordable for many homeowners. Today, leading manufacturers like Generac and others offer a wide variety of systems to suit a broad range of budgets. At Corbin Electrical Services, we can help you choose the generator that’s best for your needs. Give us a call today at (732) 536-0444 to learn more and schedule a free in home estimate.
Choosing the best standby generator for your home
Choosing a generator for your home may seem like a complex process, but it’s actually fairly simple, relying on one central issue: How much power does your home need during a power outage? Most of today’s new homes are built with 200-amp service while older homes and some smaller homes may have 100-amp service. That’s a measurement of the maximum amount of electricity your home is able to consume at any given moment – the maximum load your home’s electrical system can support. But that doesn’t mean you need to draw that much power at all times. In fact, many homes never draw their maximum loads.
When it comes to choosing an automatic generator, you can choose one that matches you home’s maximum electrical load, but you can also select a less powerful model that will still provide plenty of power to run the appliances you need most during an outage. That’s important because more powerful generators are also more costly. For some homeowners, having a system that’s the same “size” as their home’s electrical system provides that extra peace of mind they need to eel truly secure. But for others, choosing a less powerful generator is one way to make installing a backup power system more affordable.
To choose the best standby generator for your home, think about past blackouts in your area: How long do they typically last? How often do they occur? And what appliances or devices did you miss the most while your power was out? For most of us living here in the Northeast, the heating and air conditioning systems are the most critical to keep up and running, followed by the refrigerator and lights, perhaps the microwave for meals and to heat water, and maybe the computer to keep up on news and weather. Some patients may use medical equipment which, of course, becomes a priority. In addition to thinking about past blackouts, it’s also important to consider “worst case” scenarios – what if you were without power for a week or more?
Based on those needs, you can determine the amount of power your appliances and devices need by looking at the manufacturer labels or by looking up your system information online at the manufacturer website. Add up the killowatts consumed by each item and you’ll have the basic amount of killowatts you’ll need (you should also add in additional killowatts to serve as a safety margin). Or you can use this great online tool from Generac to find the right home backup generator for you.
If you still have questions or need help determining the ideal sized generator for your home give us a call at (732) 536-0444 to schedule a free estimate. We’ve been in business since 1978 and can help homeowners just like you determine their needs so you get the right home backup power system at the price point that suits your budget. We can also help you select from a variety of leading generator models, including ones that can shift power from one circuit to another, letting you choose a less powerful system while still getting the peace of mind you need. And one more thing, do not let just anyone advise you on such an important purchase. You know, the pool store down the block that also sells generators on the side. Make sure you let trained and licensed electrical contractors like us assess your needs and provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision.
What is an automatic backup generator?
An automatic backup generator is a power system that turns on automatically in response to a power outage, and then turns off again once power is restored to your home. It’s tied in directly to your home’s electrical system, which means there’s no need to crisscross your home with dozens of extension cords or to run extension cords through open windows to provide power to your appliance, lights and other devices. And it runs using your home’s natural gas or LP gas (propane) supply so you don’t have to worry about running out to check the fuel levels or refilling it over and over again to keep it running, nor do you have to lift or store heavy cans of fuel on your property.
Automatic generators look a lot like a central air conditioning unit, and like you’re a/c unit, they sit outside your home while providing power inside. Automatic generators come in different sizes, or power levels, so you can select a model that powers your entire home or one that supports only the essential items in your home. Many models offered by leading generator manufacturers like Generac offer systems that shift or “shed” loads during use, meaning even a smaller – and more affordable – automatic home generator can handle significantly larger loads than those of just a few years ago.
How does an automatic generator actually work?
Operation is as simple as 1-2-3-4, literally:
- Electrical power is lost – maybe due to a storm, faulty equipment, an accident that’s taken down the power lines or some other cause.
- The automatic generator senses the loss of power – all on its own, with no interaction, prompting or “switching on” by you.
- Within just a few moments, the generator has “powered up” and is providing electricity to your home through its existing electrical system.
- You continue to enjoy your generator-powered electrical supply until the regular power is restored, at which point your automatic generator shuts itself off.
See here how an automatic generator detects a power outage and automatically delivers power to your home.
Unlike a portable generator that relies on you to operate when power goes out, your automatic backup generator can turn itself on and off even when you aren’t home, which means you never have to worry about returning home from vacation to find a refrigerator full of spoiled food or worry a power outage will have an impact on your pets or temperature-sensitive electronics.
And if you or a loved one uses medical equipment that relies on electricity, there’s no greater peace of mind than knowing electrical power will continue to flow no matter what, even if you’re not there to fire up a portable generator.
Of course, aside from convenience, one of the major advantages of an automatic generator is that you won’t have to worry about poisonous carbon monoxide fumes entering your home.
In recent years, the automatic generator sales have soared, and it’s no wonder: A permanently installed backup generator provides power when you need it, where you need it, no matter what. And thanks to advances in design and technology, there are more sizes and options than ever, making them an affordable option for a wide range of home budgets.
At Corbin Electrical Services, we help homeowners learn all they need to know about automatic backup generators and how today’s units can work with their home electrical system to provide greater peace of mind. Give us a call today at (732) 536-0444 to schedule your free estimate.
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