A backup generator supplies electricity during a power outage, typically for brief periods. The electrical capacity of a backup generator is directly related to the cost, so buyers must carefully calculate their electric requirements when making their purchase decision. The operation of power generators involves significant safety considerations.

The fuel supply for a backup generator is usually gasoline, propane or natural gas. A backup generator connects directly to the house’s main power supply. A transfer switch on the generator detects a power loss and automatically turns the generator on. This allows the house to have electricity during the power outage with minimal interruption. The transfer switch also turns the generator off when it detects power from the house’s main power supply. Backup generators typically run regular self-tests automatically to ensure these power transfers occur smoothly.

The power of a deck of generator must be greater than its maximum total load when the generator starts up. This generally requires you to add the running our of all the electrical appliances you wish to operate at the same time. You must also add the startup power of your largest appliance to this total, typically an air conditioner or furnace. The startup wattage should be listed on the appliance and is typically three to five times the running wattage of the appliance. You can also calculate an appliance’s power requirement by multiplying its amperage by its voltage.

Backup generators do not typically supply power for the entire house; rather, they usually just supply power for essential needs. A 20,000-watt generator will typically be needed to run an entire home and usually costs about $7,000. A 10,000-watt generator is adequate for a small home or job site, and typically costs about $5,500. Backup generators for emergency purposes only can be substantially smaller.

The biggest risk of operating a backup generator is that it produces carbon monoxide as an exhaust gas. Backup generators were responsible for 85 deaths by carbon monoxide in 2005, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is essential that the backup generator is outside when it is running, preferably at a distance of at least 10 feet. Gasoline engines produce much more carbon monoxide than those that run on propane or natural gas.

Electricity and fire hazards are also important safety considerations when operating a backup generator. You generally need to plug the electrical clients is directly into the generator using heavy-duty extension cords rated for exterior use. A single extension cord should also connect the generator to the transfer switch.

We all know that buying and selling a home can be one of the most stressful things we ever do. And if you’re selling your house, it’s extremely important to make sure your home is up to code. Some electrical code violations are illegal, others are dangerous—some are both! There is a major benefit to scheduling an electrical inspection prior to putting your home on the market: you have the ability to correct any electrical code violations ahead of time, which may help in avoiding delays in the negotiation and sale of your home.

Electrical code violations pose serious health and safety risks to anyone in the home. Don’t fall victim to the common wiring problems and mistakes that, left uncorrected, have the potential to cause short circuits, shocks and even fires. Avoid these violations that could cost you your home—and your life:

When the doors to your home stick, they could be trying to tell you that your home’s  foundation is shifting. If your HVAC system makes funny sounds, it’s begging to be serviced. But what about your electrical system? Outside of an electrical house fire, how does your house try to tell you that it’s in need of some tender love and care by a certified electrician? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, your house is trying to tell you to call an electrician today.

One sign that you should immediately call an electrician is if your circuit breakers are tripping on a regular basis or if you reset the breaker and it re-trips. This is a sign of a bigger electrical system problem that will need the expertise of a certified electrician to diagnosis and remedy.

If your lights flicker often, then there may be a bigger electrical problem with your home. Yes, it is possible that the power grid is being temperamental but it’s far more likely to be something with the wiring in the home. Perhaps even a pesky rodent chewing on wires in the wall leaving you open to a fire hazard.

Much like when you burn food in the oven, a burning smell is definitely a problem. If you cannot pin-point the burning smell to a ruined dinner or lit candle, then you might want to consider contacting an electrician because it could be your outlets or wiring system.

Call us today if you suspect that your home is making a plea for electrical help.

high-tech smart bulb that’s trending in 2015 lighting technology. But in the late 1800’s it was the Edison bulb that transfixed the world as one of the most technologically advanced inventions of its time. In a practical sense, the electric bulb was the ‘smart technology’ of the 1800’s. Fast-forward a century, and the term Edison bulb holds an entirely new meaning.

In present-day design, Edison bulbs are vintage-style incandescent light bulbs with clear glass envelopes and visible filaments. You’ve probably also heard them referred to as antique light bulbs. Today’s reproductions are modeled after — you guessed it — Thomas Edison’s earliest light bulb productions. The exposed filaments (the string-like wires inside the bulb) are what set the Edison bulb apart from its 21st century counterparts like the LED.

It’s interesting to note that while historians agree that Thomas Edison Humphry Bulb doesn’t sound nearly as cool.

Today, when someone characterizes a modern bulb as being an Edison Bulb, they’re usually referring to a handful of common characteristics that these vintage bulbs inspire…

Edison Muckers, Your blog for everything Edison, everyday.