With hurricane season on the horizon, it's critical to ensure that your generator is capable of handling the load your business requires at any time. By following a preventative maintenance and testing routine for your generator, you can ensure that you will never be without power.
If your generator has been collecting dust at your site, now is the time to get ahead of the season by prepping it for expected heavy use. You'll need to prepare your generator for hurricane season by performing routine maintenance before, during, and after the storm. Aside from routine maintenance, load bank testing should be performed to guarantee that your generator can manage maximum loads before the first major storm comes.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Keep in mind that purchasing a Hurricane season generator is not the same as purchasing a lawn mower or snow blower—even if you're in a panic, you shouldn't buy something that looks fantastic. A stationary generator, which is pre-installed and turns on when needed, is your best chance. However, because of municipal zoning restrictions that regulate permits, setbacks, and inspections once you've chosen the model, they can take weeks to install.
Safety should be the Priority
Even if you purchase a portable generator and intend to use extension cords to power your lights and refrigerator, we recommend having an electrician install a transfer switch for safety and a cleaner connection. An electrician can also assist you in determining the size of generator you'll need based on the wattage of the equipment you'll be powering.
It's practically impossible to get a professional out to test and prepare your Hurricane season generator for high usage during the time leading up to a storm. If it's possible, a single visit could be far more expensive than scheduling load bank testing and maintenance appointments over the year. Testing your generator ahead of time is the smarter, less expensive, and less stressful option.
How to Pick the Best Generators for the Hurricane Season
Portable Hurricane Season Generators
When the electricity goes off (or whenever else you use it), portable generators must be hauled outside and started. Because they usually run on gasoline, you'll need to keep some on hand. If used continually, a 7,000-watt portable will consume 12 to 20 gallons of gas each day. To ensure that the machine is ready when you need it, add stabilizer and run it roughly once a month.
Stationary (Standby) Generators
A stationary generator comes on when the electricity goes out, operates on propane or natural gas, and also starts itself periodically to do diagnostic checks with the least amount of fuss—at least once it's installed. Check the display of most generators for fault codes that may necessitate service from your local dealer. Optional modules on a few models will SMS or email you and/or a dealer if assistance is needed.
During a Hurricane, keep the following important points in mind:
- Do not run inside a closed garage or house since the fumes can cause carbon monoxide poisoning quickly. Keep your generator at least 20 feet away from your house (away from windows and doors).
- If you don't have access to a garage, you can purchase generator tents from hardware stores.
- Have Extra Gasoline on Hand: Have enough gasoline on hand to run the generator for an extended period of time if necessary.
- Before refueling, turn off the Hurricane season generator and let it cool. It's worth noting that spilling gasoline on a hot engine can result in a fire.
- Never Attempt to BackFeed: Backfeeding is when you try to power your home by hooking your generator into an outlet with extra tools.
- Never overload the generator: It's important to remember that a generator is for emergency and can't power your entire house. Only use the generator for the fridge and a few outlets at a time.
Conclusion
Hurricane season has returned. Don't you agree that the hurricane season generator you choose can protect your family and save lives? Pick the finest generator for hurricane season using the tips provided here.