Why Businesses Need Emergency Generator

Most businesses that are open 24 hours or that hold vital information that needs to be retained have some type of emergency electrical generators. Imagine after a natural disasters, two gas stores across the street from one another. One has an emergency backup generator that powered by a fuel like natural gas that provides electrical power to keep the store active an open. This store would draw in all of the business of course. This is just a very simple scenario of how businesses can save money and even lives by having an emergency generator. Casinos, hospitals, and many hotels have emergency generators to insure that people are well taken care of. Most businesses these days have some sort of emergency backup generator that saves money, reputation, and a lot more. 

Emergency Generator After Natural Disasters

People can not prevent natural disasters but can try to limit the damage caused during and after the event. Hurricanes can ravage an area for weeks and cause blackouts in several areas. Tornados and even strong wings can knock down power lines in different counties. Earthquakes can cause all types of electrical outages that could last days. All these natural disasters and others are good reasons to have some type of emergency generator. To be able to provide electrical power for baths, cooking, and other necessities after a natural disaster is a great asset. Having electricity after natural disasters that have knocked down all most power lines can be the difference between life and death.

The Need for Emergency Electric Generators

Emergency electric generators are used in many areas of daily life from residential to many business and industrial applications. Imagine being stuck after a blackout caused by hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, or random power outages like the 2003 incident that effect the northeaster United States and Canada. There is no power for anything and candles are the only source of light inside. Now imagine it is winter and the temperature is freezing cold outside with no warmth inside. These are all possible cases where an emergency electrical generator can help by providing backup power. Power outages will always happen and emergency backup generators can help prepare for these times. 

Key Considerations for an Emergency Generator

Before even deciding on an emergency generator there are some key factors to narrow down. First the type of application. A small 3 bedroom house in Florida may not require as much power as a 4 bedroom house in Wisconsin and both do not require as much backup power as a casino or hotel would. The type of application really sets the need for different levels of electrical production which can result in different engine and fuel types.

Next there is fuel type. Depending on where the emergency generator is located, different fuel types maybe better suited. Remote areas may be better suited with propane fuel where urban areas would be better with natural gas emergency generators. The next key factor is on how much energy is needed for all applications to run smoothly. For residential or small businesses, a wattage calculator can help determine this but for high industry standard power needs, a lot of considerations have to be considered. These key considerations should help narrow the types of emergency generators needed. All that is left is to find good brands that are well regarded for their reputation at providing emergency generators. These will include Generac, Cummins, and Onan.

Maui’s $61 M Biodiesel Plant

Biofuels Trust Fund and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) subsidiary have setup a Biofuels Trust Fund for promoting the use of biodiesel for use in Hawaii. The joint venture is planning the opening of a new Biodiesel plant capable of processing multiple vegetable oil feed-stocks, ideally those produced on the islands or surround pacific rim countries.  The plant will be located on a 15 acre site of Maui Electric Company’s Waena Generating Station site and will start at being able to process 40 million gallons per year and is expandable to handle 120MGPY. Profits placed into the trust will be used to fund other areas involving biofuels including research and support for local feedstock production. This is definitely a good move for the companies and Hawaii as a move from depending on oil burning diesel generators and should help keep locally produced feedstocks at stable prices. Visit Blue Earth Biofuel for more information on this biodiesel project.

Cummins Recalls Generators

Cummins Power Generation Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled approximately 3,300 stationary natural gas and propane fueled generators, of these 2,100 residential and 1,100 commercial products, because of potential fire and injury hazard. This potential fire hazard is caused by faulty fuel shut-off valve that fails to close and may lead to gas leak leading to further dangers. The following model numbers which can be found on the nameplate in the front base of the generators: commercial models GGDB, GGMA/B/C, and GNAA/B/C, and residential models RS15000, RS20000, and RS30000. The recalled generators also have serial numbers A050734102 through L068998479 along with the branding “Cummins Power Generation”. These generators were sold at Cummins Power Generation’s authorized distributors and through http://www.costco.com/ from January 2005 through February 2007. Consumers should stop using the generators immediately, place the Operator’s switch to OFF, and disconnect the battery. Consumers should contact local Cummins Power Generation distributor or dealer for a v5.18 upgrade. For more information contact Cummins Power Generation Inc. at (800) 888-6626, Option 3, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the official recall announcement at http://www.cumminspower.com/na/about/news/2007/news-2007-6.jsp

Live Earth

Live Earth is finally here and the concerts all across the world will hopefully not be just for entertainment but a learning experience for everyone in the ultimate cause that everyone, no matter what age or race, is a part of and that is protecting the precious environment. For electric generators, this is extremely important as finding more environmentally friendly methods of producing high amounts of electricity efficiently is the goal. There are tons of other ways individuals can help out just by changing to better light bulbs or lowering the thermostat and using more blankets. Check outhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17632436/wid/18298287/ and http://www.thedailygreen.com

Eugene Water and Electric of Oregon

Appraise has to go to the change in Eugene Water and Electric for offering it’s customers, both residential and businesses, different options when it comes to energy. Not only does the electric company offer the typical fossil fuels but has been offering wind power and starting to take more steps into it’s Greenpower option which includes electricity produced by renewable energy. The company also has a solar electric program which purchases excess electricity generation from customers who have photovoltaic (PV) panels and inverters. More and more people need to start converting to renewable energy especially after the Live Earth events and more electric companies should start investing in renewable resources. With the break up of the larger energy structure, smaller companies and larger ones should all start investing into these types of energies.

US Electric Grid Shutdown

CNN released an article on an experiment created by the Department of Homeland Security called the “Aurora” project that simulated a hacker attack on a power generator that caused the generator to stop working. The hack changed the operating cycle of the generator and sent it out of control, spewing smoke and shaking before finally stopping entirely. This potential disaster could actually be produced at the nation’s power plants and generators which could cause massive power outages for months. This would cripple the economy as lead to major catastrophes. This quote by Robert Jamison, an acting undersecretary of DHS’s National Protection and Programs Directorate, is not reassuring at all. “I can’t say it [the vulnerability] has been eliminated. But I can say a lot of risk has been taken off the table.” This means that terrorist groups may quit training suicide bombers and instead train cyber hackers that would cause a devastating attack by knocking out major power grids that would leave millions without power. The idea is quite scary. Check out the story athttp://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/27/power.at.risk/index.html.

Buying A Backup Generator for A Hurricane

When it comes to hurricane season, manufacturers find themselves busy at work to meet with the supply and demand of generators. The best time to buy a generator is between power outages, not right before or during. However, many people wait until this time to shop and unfortunately are put on waiting lists for delivery dates.

Critical Decisions For Critical Times

Right now, any type fueled portable generators and standby generators are the most commonly sought after. They each offer varieties of grades, styles, wattage and horsepower. Most importantly is first you must decide what’s best and suitable for your own needs. The GRADE of a generator is the purpose of it. What type of generator you are looking for; recreational, emergency, jobsite, and home standby. The STYLE is also known as the type of fuel your generator is using; gas, trifuel, diesel, air cooled, liquid cooled and PTO. The wattage will range among brands and models from 900 watts to 100+kW.

Tips For Buying Generators for Hurricanes

Wattage is the most important part of deciding what generator is right for you and your family. For example, a 5,000 watt generator can run a fridge, freezer, fan and 60 watt light bulb for about 8 hours, no problem. You should always choose a generator though, that will produce more power than you will actually need while running major appliances. You never want to overload your generator and cause the circuit breakers to burn out.

If you’ve waited until hurricane season to buy a generator, forget shopping online for the best deals. Go down to your local home store like Home Depot, Lowe’s or Wal-mart. You’ll be able to speak with experts, tell them your needs, find one that’s right for you and take it home that day.

Tips While Using Generators During Hurricanes

DO NOT use your generator indoors. During hurricanes this is going to be difficult to do. Candles and ice chests packed tightly should be able to hold you over until it’s safe to venture outside. While outside, it will be important to figure out a dry location to use your generator. Too many people are killed every year because of CO2 fumes found indoors.

NEVER run your generator in standing water. They produce enough electricity to electrocute you. Even if you’ve purchase a protection device, it’s not a good idea. You can also risk ruining your generator.

TURN OFF all appliances before shutting down your generator. By doing this you will be prevent damage to the electrical circuits. Never allow any appliances to be near water, standing or moving, and keep an eye on water levels to make sure your generator is in a safe location.

Recommendations of Generators

The Coleman Powermate Pulse II generator can be found at Wal-mart for under $500. Weighing only 76lbs, it’s easily handled and maneuvered to different locations. It has a 1.3 gallon gas tank, which ends up being about 7 hours of continuous running time on a 50% load. Two 120-volt AC outlets and circuit breaker protection allow this generator to go just about anywhere to power up small appliances.

The Guardian 13,000 Watt (LP)/13,000 Watt (NG) Home Standby Generator can be found at Home Deport for just under $3200.00. Its perfect for hurricane season and professional installation is included with all purchases. These generators are capable of powering your entire house for days. It has an automatic transfer switch, so within 15 seconds of a power outage, you're back in business.