Generators
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The purchase of a generator is a personal choice.
Some people with medical reasons actually need a generator. For others, it's a matter of convenience to be more comfortable and to protect their home.
Information about generators can be found on Progress Energy's Web site, www.progress-energy.com/aboutenergy/stormcentral/index.asp. The link to Generator Safety in on the right side menu. Information also is available at www.floridahurricane.net.
People who decide they need or want a generator should decide the size of unit that fits their needs.
"For example, running a 100 watt slow cooker, a 1,200 watt refrigerator with a start up wattage of 2,900 watts and a 750 watt TV would require 3,950 watts. Expect to pay from 400 to 500 dollars," according to www.floridahurricane.net.
To determine the size generator needed, total the wattage of the maximum number of items that would be required to run simultaneously. For items with start up ratings higher than the run ratings, use the higher rating to determine the power requirements.
Progress Energy urges people to use extreme caution when using a generator. Tips given on its Web site include:
- Always operate a generator according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not overload a generator.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by never operating a generator inside or in an attached garage.
- Avoid electrocution by plugging individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with adequate wire gauge.
- If connecting to the house wiring on a temporary basis, have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch for safety and to prevent backfeeding of electricity into the lines outside the home.
Backfeeding can occur when a generator is connected directly to the electrical panel or circuit of a home. Feeding power back into the utility system during an outage will energize the transformer serving the house and could pose a serious threat to line and service and tree crews working to restore power who may not know they are working with an energized line.
Officials urge people planning to make use of a generator to read the manual and learn to use it safely before plugging anything in.
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