Emergency Power Solutions are designed to be a reliable and stable supply of power in the face of impossible to predict weather conditions. You need backup power for your home during a blackout
In the Summer issue of Get Connected, we included a brief article on Backup Power Options. These solutions are even more important now that the seasons of severe weather are here.
In this article we will compare 4 options to provide emergency backup power for your home, including their benefits and limitations.
Option #1 – A Standby Emergency Backup Generator
‘The Ultimate Solution”
it’s not too late to install a Standby generator; Do it now! Be prepared before the winter storms arrive.
- 87% of power outages are caused by severe weather
- Weather related outages have doubled since 2003
Potential Cost of Damage Repair
- Burst or Frozen Pipes – $10,000
- Flooded Basement – $21,000
- Mold Removal – $500-$30,000
- Food Loss – $250-$500
- Alternative Shelter – $110-$180 per night
If you are looking to install a standby generator, we have the experience and expertise to help you make the right choice. A standby generator provides you with 24 hour blackout protection, and peace of mind in knowing your family and home are safe and warm.
At Captain Electric, we ensure your generator is professionally installed, maintained, and covered by our 100% satisfaction guarantee!
Here are the top 3 benefits:
- 24 hour blackout protection
- Capable of fully backing-up the home, Can power everything in a home, including heating, HVAC, lights, appliances and sensitive electronics
- Totally Automatic. Starts automatically and transfers power upon failure of Regular Utility; homeowner does not need to be present
Additional reasons to consider this option
- Automatic Exerciser starts the Generator Weekly, to maintain readiness to work
- Permanently attach to a home – similar to a central air-conditioning unit
- Adds value to your house
- Run on propane or natural gas (self-feeding fuels)
- Quiet reliable power
- Fully Guaranteed Installation, with Warranty
- Maintenance Plan, yearly service to maintain your system in top condition
- Financing Available OAC – Flexible Terms
Option #2 – A Portable Furnace Connection & Portable Generator
Furnace Circuit modifications
A Portable Furnace Connection makes the furnace a plug-in unit. Captain Electric will rewire the furnace circuit so that the furnace can be unplugged in the event of a power failure and then re-connected to a portable generator by an extension cord.
An electrical permit is required. The work should be performed only by an ECRA licensed electrical contractor. This method of installation is approved by the ESA and meets the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code .
There is a single outlet providing a dedicated connection, so the circuit cannot be inadvertently overloaded.
A Portable Generator Independently powers up the furnace in the event of an emergency when the incoming power to the house is cut off.
In the event of a Power Failure, simply unplug the furnace and plug in to an extension cord connected to your Portable Generator.
This is the most basic set-up, and most limited as well, as it will provide power only through extension cords. Depending on the size of the Portable Generator, there may be only one or two circuits available. A 2000Watt Generator with 2 plug-in points is recommended as a minimum size. This will provide power for the furnace and the refrigerator.
This option should be a minimum to consider.
Option # 3 – Power Inlet, Manual Transfer Switch & Portable Generator
This option Uses your Portable Generator to power critical loads in your home. Simply plug your Portable Generator into an Power Inlet Box installed by Captain Electric on the outside of your home, near your electrical panel.
Captain Electric will wire selected circuits directly into a Manual Transfer Panel or Emergency Panel.
The Portable Generator must be manually started, plugged into the Inlet, and the Manual Transfer Switch {or Panel) must be manually switched to “Emergency.”
Only the selected circuits will be energized during a power outage. Furnace, freezer, refrigerator, sump pump, well pump, and a few selected lighting loads may be all that will work with this system.
Option #4 – A Meter Collar Transfer Switch & Portable Generator
Meter Collar Transfer Device
Uses your Portable Generator to power critical loads in your home.
Simply plug your Portable Generator into a Meter Collar Transfer Switch installed by Captain Electric behind your electric meter.
This option requires no rewiring of your electrical system.
Top Reasons for Installing a Meter Collar Transfer Switch
- Makes connecting a portable generator safe and easy.
- More cost effective than an Automatic Standby System, but has limitations and requires the physical ability to Manually start the Generator, refuel, and understand the system.
- Eliminates the use of extension cords and other connections that can be hazardous to customers and utility personnel.
- Detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating dangerous backfeed.
- Equipped with a unique interlocking power cord system that provides a quick and easy connection of a portable generator.
- Customers have the flexibility to run virtually any appliance, up to the capacity of their generator by simply energizing appliances from their breaker panel.
