Generating Help In A Power Outage

How To Buy And Use A Home Generator

By Ellen Kinsella

Long after Hurricane Irene finished battering Anne Arundel County, some local businesses stayed locked and homes remained dark due to widespread power outages. Having no electricity for prolonged periods of time not only causes food to spoil, but it can also cause nerves to fray. Owning a generator as a back-up power source can be expedient, and even life-saving during such times. However, it’s important to have proper guidance because that same machine can turn deadly if it isn’t set up and used properly.

Potential dangers of a generator include carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, electrocution, and ignition. “The safest way to buy a generator is to have a licensed electrician come and assess your home and your needs, and then decide what kind of generator to buy,” explained Scott Beauparlant of Beacon Electrical Services in Millersville. “Most electricians will do this kind of consultation for free, and then when you determine what kind of generator you want, you can order it from an electrical supply company, a retailer, or you can buy it online.”

There are hundreds of models of generators on the market, ranging anywhere from several hundred dollars to $10,000, and even higher. It can be mind-boggling to buy one if you don’t know what you’re doing. To decide which generator is best for you, it must be determined what kind of equipment you wish to power with it. Do you want to power and air condition your whole five bedroom house, or simply be able to cook dinner and charge your computer?

An electrician can help you pinpoint the type and size of generator you need, thus saving you money and/or frustration. You don’t want to wait until your next power outage to find out you don’t have enough “juice,” but likewise, knowing how much power you need can help you save money by avoiding a too-large machine. An electrician can measure your energy usage at both start-up and running wattage, and then accurately recommend the proper size generator, which should ideally have about 20 percent more power than you think you need.

Once your generator is purchased, Beauparlant suggests some steps for safety. “Do not ever run a generator in a garage, sunroom, porch, or anywhere indoors, due to carbon monoxide danger,” he said. “Don’t keep it near windows or anywhere closer than 20 feet away from your house,” he advised.

When the generator runs out of fuel it needs to cool down before refilling it with gasoline. “It should be cool to the touch,” said Beauparlant, “and it should be turned off before fuel is added.” Additionally, Beauparlant recommended that every home should have at least one battery-powered carbon monoxide detector for added safety.

Hopefully there won’t be any more storms like Irene this year, but if you are properly prepared with a generator, you won’t have to worry about it at all.