09/14/2017
Have you experienced a power outage due to a severe storm or unfortunate situation? Looking for a cost effective alternative to a Standby Generator? Call or text anytime to view your options with installing a portable Generator to supply your home's power needs!
678-900-9911
**Portable Generators**
• These units tend to cost less.
• They run on gas or propane that you may need to store in large quantities. Stabilizer must be added to store gasoline safely.
• You can use them anywhere on or off your property, but they must be at least 15 feet away from your house, doors, or windows—and not in an enclosed space. If it's raining, you must use a tent or cover.
• Several of these models offer electric starting. The battery required, however, may not be included.
• They provide from 3,000 to 8,500 watts.
• They cost from $400 to $1,000.
Guess What: You Need a Transfer Switch
What's that, you say? Well, the short answer is that it links the stationary or portable generator to your circuit panel in one cable. Skipping it could cause appliances to fry, endanger utility workers, and damage the generator.
We recommend that you have a pro install it, and it could cost from $500 to $900, with labor. With a stationary model, the transfer switch turns on automatically. For portables, you connect it and then flip a few switches by hand. It works with 5,000 watt or higher models. For stationary models, it shuts off when the power goes on; for a portable, you flip the same switches back to live power.
Want to save money? Install an interlock device ($50 to $150) instead. This covers your service panel's main cutoff switch—so when the power pops back on, you can't accidentally put the generator on, too (which would be a bad thing). You have to follow a certain sequence to avoid getting an energy spike, hence the budget price.
