Useful Tips for your Power Generator
GeneralCover your propane tank with our camo covers it will help it blend into the bush or vegetation. They really work! Install the generator as close as possible to the fuel supply, to reduce the length of piping. A separate regulator for the genset is suggested. Check the generators oil frequently, especially during or after an long power outage. Portable GeneratorsAllow sufficient room on all sides of the generator for cooling of the generator and fire safety. An overhead shelter is a very good idea. It will keep the direct rain water or snow off the generator, preventing shock or damage to the electrical system. Pay special attention to where the exhaust will end up. One will not last long breathing that stuff! If your budget will allow go with a bit bigger generator than you think will do the job. A bit more power is better than a shortage of power. Keeping in mind this is a long-term purchase. Standby GeneratorsAll generator installations must be completed by a licensed electrician and propane / natural gas fitters. In some areas gas installers are self regulated, electricians are not. So make sure that a permit has been applied for and proof of this is presented to you upon completion of the job. You may need this for insurance purposes. Keep in mind when positioning your generator that the air inlets and outlets should not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc. If prevailing winds will cause blowing or drifting snow, consider using a windbreak to protect the unit. Always clean the snow away from the intake and exhaust vents ( while the genset is not running ). If you are away from your generator for more than one week have someone check it for you. Install the generator on high ground where water levels will not rise and endanger it. Do not install your generator where rain gutter down spouts, roof run-off, landscape irrigation, water sprinklers or sump pump discharge may flood the unit or spray the enclosure, including any air inlet or outlet openings. Also watch for steel roofs and direct run off of water. If there is no other location you may need to build a secondary roof to protect the unit. Where strong prevailing winds blow from one direction, face the generator air inlet openings to the prevailing winds. Avoid window wells, low windows, intakes for HRV and furnaces. Consult your Gas installer before you commit to the positioning of the genset. Keep show shoveled away from the inlets on the generator and don\'t shovel around the generator when it is running. Install the generator as close as possible to the transfer switch. REMEMBER THAT LAWS OR CODES MAY REGULATE THE DISTANCE AND LOCATION. Consider whole house power it is a bit more money but much more user friendly. Propane tanks must be a minimum of 10 feet from generator and/or regulator unless the regulator is vented. 420 tanks (Oversized BBQ tanks) can be placed adjacent to buildings or property lines. Torpedo tanks must be located a minimum of 10 feet from buildings, generator and property lines. Set your weekly exercise time for early in the week. If there happens to be a problem it\'s better to call on a Tuesday rather than a Friday. If you are a cottager you may want to pick a day you will be there so you will hear it run or add an hour meter. This is a great option for the customer and the servicing dealer. GenerLinkNEW 40A GenerLink put your 10 kw or larger portable to work. Safe, quick and easy. www.generlink.ca Make sure when you buy the GenerLink that your portable generator has the correct receptacle to power your home. It should be a 125V/250V 20Amp twist lock, 30Amp twist lock or 50Amp straight blade. Most 5000 watt generators or bigger will be ok. Not many 3000 watt or even 4000 watt generators will work. So please double check before you buy. NEW The GenerLink wireless RF Module. This module can be put inside your home allowing you to see when the Utility power comes back on without having to go outside and check the GenerLink indicator light. When the green light comes on you can shut your generator down. This will pay for itself in saved gas in no time. This module cannot be added to your existing GenerLink. MaintenanceIt is really important to look after your generator whether it is a portable or automatic home standby unit. Either do your own scheduled maintenance or hire someone like us to do it for you. It will be just one less thing for you to worry about. The battery is the biggest problem with portables. They always seem to be dead when you need them, so check out our Battery Tenders listed on the accessories page. AccessoriesConsider optional cold weather equipment like a battery warmer, oil pan heater, Tank heaters, Automatic Temp Controller or a FreezeAlarm for your cottage, home or business. If you will be traveling for more than a week at a time the FreezeAlarm does more than just call when the temperature drops. It also calls if the temperature rises to high and for us more importantly it monitors your automatic generator and calls us if it fails to start for some reason. Now that is peace of mind! Make sure to remove the paint from the metal oil pan under the pad location. It will provide better conduction of heat to the pan and oil. Extended Warranty OptionsDid you know that we discount the Generac Extended warranty to those that buy and have us install their Generac Automatic Home Standby system. |
