Doubts about electric generators for the home can arise at any time, be it before purchasing equipment or during its operation, which is why we want to give you answers to each of the 15 most frequent questions that usually arise. Pay attention.
Before buying an emergency plant
1. What is an electric generator?
A piece of equipment that converts mechanical energy, in this case from a motor, into electrical energy to supply it to certain devices. In the event that the electrical network stops working, the light generator has the ability to operate automatically to provide energy to your home.
2. In what situations would you need a light generator?
There are at least four circumstances:
As a preventive measure in the presence of blackouts.
Due to failures in the electricity supply, caused by natural disasters.
When in your locality the electricity network is not available or is not stable.
If the power of the electricity you receive is not enough to cover your needs.
3. Which is the best option, a stationary light generator or a portable one?
It depends on what you need it for, but to be clearer let's talk about each one.
Portable
These work as a complement to carry out some activities at home, that is; to supply electricity to certain appliances, to provide power when doing outdoor activities and even when you go on a trip.
Stationary
They are effective in supplying electricity to your entire home, even for long periods of time. They tend to be more powerful and are characterized by their high performance. They allow you to provide electricity to most of your electrical devices. In addition, they are the best option if a continuous service is required.
4. What capacity is correct?
In this sense there is no concrete answer, because it is related to the needs that you present. In other words, it is proportional to the number of electrical devices to which you want to supply power. It is important that you allow an expert to help you make this calculation, so you will avoid inconveniences in the future.
Why is the help of a professional recommended? Because if you chose an emergency plant with less power than you need, an overload could occur in this device, because the energy demand would be greater than its capacity. Otherwise, if you select a plant with more power than required, even though it would produce the necessary energy, it will consume more fuel, therefore, you would face an unnecessary expense.
5. What fuel do you use?
The portable ones generally work with gasoline, on the other hand, the stationary ones do so with LP gas or natural gas, and therefore you will not need to recharge it every time you use it, since it can be connected to the gas supply that you already have installed in your home.
6. Do electrical generators produce noise?
Usually yes, due to its mechanism, however, the emergency plants that offers you have soundproof booths to reduce sound and provide better quality to users.
7. What should you take into account if you want to install a stationary plant in your home?
The location where it will be placed, considering that this must be a level surface, with adequate ventilation, away from other devices and located outside your home, for security reasons. The area must be easily accessible and have adequate lighting, to facilitate the maintenance tasks that your electric generator will need later.
If you do not know which you’re best option is, you can wait for the experts to carry out an evaluation and tell you which the most appropriate area for its installation is and avoid risks.
8. What does ventilation refer to?
When we talk about adequate ventilation, we mean that the air, in that place, must have an efficient exit and entrance, without restrictions or factors that generate a warm environment. Electric generators need large volumes of air.
After acquiring an emergency plant
9. Can you install it yourself?
It is best to request the support of an expert, to ensure proper installation and avoid accidents. However, you can perform the necessary tasks to ensure that the place where it is placed meets the requirements outlined above.
10. What oil to use?
If the oil tank is about to end, consult the manual of your equipment, in it you will find the corresponding specifications and avoid damaging it. An SAE rated detergent oil meeting API Class requirements for gasoline engines is recommended for electric generators.
11. Does the light generator require maintenance?
Yes, especially preventive maintenance, to ensure proper operation and prolong the useful life of the equipment. The frequency and type will depend on different factors, among them, the use that is given to the electric generator, the environment in which it is used and the general care that is given to it. Did you know that 70% of failures in electric generators are due to lack of maintenance?
12. Can a generator be linked to the home electrical network?
Yes, they can be connected to it through a transfer switch. However, this connection should be done by a qualified expert, it is very dangerous for you to do it on your own.
What is the use of linking them? So that when detecting an interruption in the main power network, the switch sends a signal to the emergency plant and starts up to supply power to your home. After the main network is established, the switch will take care that the plant stops operating, so that the electrical network resumes its function again.
13. What happens if you overload your light generator?
Although this shouldn't happen, you should know that computers are designed to withstand situations like these for a short time, including the ability to automatically shut down, as a security response, to keep your computer safe. If you want to reverse the fault, you just need to correct the overload and restore generator operation. However, these situations reduce the useful life of your electric generator.
14. Can an emergency plant be used in unfavorable weather conditions?
They have been designed to work in extreme environmental conditions, however, it is recommended to protect them from the weather to avoid short circuits, breakdowns, and oxidation and prolong their useful life.
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