Top Tips for Generator Winter Maintenance
If you follow our blog, hopefully you performed your winter maintenance back in the Fall; if you didn’t, here’s a reminder of a few things you can – and should – still do to help ensure your generator is ready to work when you need it this winter. And if you did prep your generator for cold winter back in the fall, you may still want to review to make sure you’re keeping up on ongoing maintenance tasks to keep your unit in top performing shape:
- Invest in a cold weather kit. These kits usually include both battery warmers and oil heaters, and may also include additional items like fuel additives, covers and a few basic replacement parts. Cold weather kits are designed for specific types of generators, so be sure you choose the one that’s best for your make and model. Depending on the items you already own, it may make more sense and save you more money by buying individual items. If you’re not sure what items you need or which brands are right for your generator, ask us; we’re always ready to help.
- Buy a battery warmer: Just as your car can have trouble starting cold weather, so can your generator. Battery warmer units are typically controlled by a thermostat, which means they turn on and off automatically. Some units sit under the battery, so be prepared to do a little minor disassembly to install one.
- Add an oil heater: During cold weather, oil turns from a liquid lubricant into a viscous sludge that often isn’t able to provide important protection to your engine and its moving parts. Like the battery heater, oil heaters turn on when the temps hit a certain level to make sure the oil in your generator remains at the right viscosity for proper use. Read instructions carefully; some heaters require you to fill your unit’s oil reservoir with a 5W-30 synthetic oil before use.
- Check your extension cords for wear, including “kinked” or bent areas that can cause shorts. The time to replace them is now before the snow starts to fly and shoppers run like mad to clear off the shelves of anything generator-related. While you’re getting a new cord, consider stocking up on other generator essentials to avoid the need to go out once a storm hits.
- Run your generator often: Not only does running it every few weeks ensure it’s running properly, but it also helps ensure bearings and gaskets stay lubricated. That’s especially important when the generator sits idle, since fluids can settle and gum-up, meaning they’ll be less effective and won’t do their job as well. Over time, that can lead to damage and unexpected problems when running during the cold months of winter. Don’t be lazy – be sure to take your generator outside and well away form your house before starting it up and let it run for 10 to 20 minutes or so. Wipe it off before putting it away to make sure to remove any moisture that could cause corrosion.
Taking these simple steps to proper maintenance is the best way to make sure your generator is ready for use when you need it. Questions? Give us a call. We’re ready to help.
Winter Storm Juno
IMPORTANT STORM MESSAGE:
We are preparing for a major winter storm in our service territory. We are reminding all of our customers to remember to clear all snow away from your generators.
Our storm restoration plan has been activated, and our crews are on stand-by to respond should outages occur.
If you experience an outage, please report it to JCPL at 888-544-4877 (888-LIGHTSS) or on their website at http://bit.ly/1H0yme9.
We recommend following these tips from JCPL to be prepared for outages before they happen:
- Light. Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.
- Warmth. Have extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person. Do not use gas stoves, grills or other open-flame appliances as a heat source. They could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas could build up in your home.
- Water. If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water.
- Food. If your home has an electric range, stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.
- News and information. Keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand. You can:
- view current outages on our 24/7 Power Center outage maps on a smartphone,
- follow us on social media for updates during significant storms,
- or get updates on outages you reported via text message or email –learn more about this service here.
- Means of communication. While a cell phone will work as long as its battery is charged and the nearest cell tower has power or backup power, many cordless land-line telephones require a plug-in power source to operate, and may not work if a power outage occurs. You may want to keep a plain, hard-wired telephone handy to report your power outage (888-544-4877) or to call for help in an emergency. These phones operate on power delivered through the phone line.
(Source: http://bit.ly/1CZa2Tv)
If your generator fails to start, call us at Corbin Electrical Services for 24 hour service at 732-536-0444.
Enjoy the snow and remember Safety First!
4 Tips to Help You Upgrade to Better Security Lighting
The primary purpose of security lighting is to provide enough light to prevent and deter crime as well as provide security for workers, visitors and other people in the area. Unfortunately, all too often, security lighting simply addresses the task of “feeling” safer rather than “being” safer. And there’s a big and important difference between the two. Feeling safe can actually place you at greater risk for crime since you’re operating under the illusion that you’re safe, when actually the lighting might be just bright enough to offer a criminal a clear view of what he or she is doing, but not enough to keep them away. Being safe, on the other hand, ensures the types of lighting in use as well as their placement and design maximize visibility for everyone, providing a major deterrent to criminals.
If you haven’t upgraded your lighting lately, the new year is a great time to review your needs as well as some of the new design and fixture options that can help boost security for your property, your employees and your loved ones. Here are four tips to consider when deciding whether your security lighting needs an upgrade:
- Safe lighting does not mean blindingly bright. One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing security lighting is to opt for the strongest lighting available. Instead of providing extra security, lights that are too bright can make it more difficult for eyes to focus and see clearly, making it more difficult to see potential dangers. Plus, super-bright lights can cause problems with neighbors and may even result in “light trespass” or nuisance charges, which means your effort – and cash – will be for nothing.
- Safe lighting doesn’t mean saving money by installing poor fixtures that only “look” safe and bright. Good, effective security lighting isn’t always cheap, but many people try to cut costs by opting for the least expensive fixtures they can find, a move that can result in inadequate lighting and shadows that actual favor criminal activity. Invest in high-quality fixtures that offer direct lighting without glare and without the risk of burnouts or breakage that often go hand-in-hand with cheap fixtures.
- Safety lighting and security lighting are not the same thing. Safety lighting for use on steps and other areas where hazards can be a problem should not be confused with security lighting, which is typically brighter and covers a larger area. Don’t think that because you light up stair treads, that’s enough lighting to make stairwells safe and secure from criminal activity.
- Take care with positioning. Not only do you want the area to be properly lit, you also want to be sure there’s enough light in areas where security cameras are in operation. A combination of visible cameras and good lighting is often enough to make even the most committed criminal turn back.
The take-home message: Good lighting can significantly increase security; poor lighting always compromises it. To learn about all the lighting options we offer and how they can help your property stay safe and secure, give us a call.
Stay Safe: How to Avoid Electrical Fires this Winter
Household fires can be devastating, even when they cause limited damage. Holiday decorations pose specific risks for electrical fires this time of year, but there are other common causes as well. Understanding the risks and learning how to manage them or avoid them altogether is the best way to prevent household electrical fires this winter. Here’s what you need to know:
Have your wiring checked.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home or if you live in a home with older wiring, having your wiring checked by a licensed electrician can help identify potential problems and fix them before they cause fires. Older wiring may have worn insulation that can cause shorts, and many new homeowners may be surprised to find that a previous owner made some DIY upgrades that aren’t anywhere near safe. Plus, thanks to the rise in electronic devices, the electrical demands of today’s homes far surpass those of just a decade ago, and using power strips or outlet adapters can easily cause older circuits to become overloaded and overheated. Have your wiring checked now for your own safety and peace of mind.
Use extension cords sparingly.
Holiday lighting often uses a lot of extension cords. Make sure they’re in good shape and designed for the job they’re doing – for instance, handling heavier loads or for use outdoors. Also be sure not to overload cords by following the manufacturer limits when stringing cords together. If you find yourself using extension cords for regular household needs, call an electrician and have a new outlet installed in a more convenient location.
Check electrical cords for signs of damage.
From lamps to clocks to TVs and other electronics, our devices get a lot of use, and over time, cords can become crimped, worn or frayed. Check cords regularly and get rid of devices that have worn cords, or take them to a professional who specializes in rewiring devices. Throw out older devices since they may be prone to hidden electrical problems that make the device dangerous to use.
Clean your dryer vent.
Lint-filled dryer vents are a leading cause of household fires. Clean yours regularly – not just the one on the machine, but the big vent hose that leads outdoors as well. Use a special cover on the outside outlet to prevent rodents from using the vents for nests.
Look into GFCIs.
Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, automatically shut off power when they detect electrical currents are following an unintended path, such as through water. They’re especially important in the kitchen or bath where water contact could result in electrocution.
Don’t DIY.
Finally, if you need an upgrade – even something that seems relatively simple – or if you’re having repeated problems, like a malfunctioning outlet or switch, don’t try to save a few dollars by doing it yourself. One improperly designed circuit or loose connection could wind up destroying your entire home. Instead, call Corbin Electrical Services at (732) 536-0444 to schedule a wiring checkup and evaluation.
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.
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