FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
More than ever, businesses and families are turning to alternate energy sources to provide back-up power when their electricity fails. An emergency standby generator produces reliable electricity to businesses and homes during storms and outages, ensuring your comfort and protecting you from unforeseeable losses.
To help you understand generators, here are a few questions and answers most frequently asked by our customers:
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Which are the most important loads to have backed up by my generator?
It is important to think about the losses associated with a power outage. The loads would vary greatly depending upon the application.
Business: The critical loads may be just the computer server room or may entail lights, phone systems, offices, warehouse lighting or the entire building. It is dependent upon the amount of coverage needed to maintain critical functions during an outage or to keep the entire operation running.
Homes: Critical loads covered normally includes sump pumps, furnaces, well pumps, refrigerators/freezers and some general lighting. Add to this such essential loads as TV, Computers, Garage Door Openers, ovens, microwaves, security systems, medical equipment and air conditioning. Each customer is advised of the size of the generator needed to cover his/her own particular requirements. |
Are Generators difficult to operate?
Standby generators operate automatically as needed. They do this
through the use of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which can detect
when the regular power supplier goes off-line. The ATS automatically
transfers the load back to the utility company once steady power has
been re-established.
The GenSet exercises itself once a week and is fueled by natural
gas, propane, or diesel. Yearly maintenance is required on the
generator, like any engine, and can be performed by the owner or
through our service department.
Alternate Power offers its' "True Tracker" Monitoring System to keep
track of a generator's on/off functions so that problems can be
detected early, before an emergency situation arises.
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What is involved with installation?
The generator is typically installed outside near your incoming gas and
electrical service. The ATS is installed near your main circuit breaker
panel. Installation prices vary depending on the distance. Alternate
Power, Inc. (API) provides free on-site installation estimates which
include all material costs. |
What size generator is right for me?
The size of the generator (in kilowatts) is dependent upon the loads
the customer wants to have available on standby power. Generators
should be properly sized to operate between 60% to 75% loaded allowing
for periodic surge from motor loads/start-up. |
Are Permits Required?
In most areas permits are required to comply with local codes and
ordinances. You should check with your city, village or town about
their specific requirements. |
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