Emergency Power Generators

Almost invariably, after I complete one of my hurricane preparedness sessions someone will approach me and ask if they should buy a generator for their home. My answer is always the same: Generators are like puppies; they can bring a lot of satisfaction but the require a considerable amount of care and feeding.

To successful implement a generator as an emergency power solution requires a lot of thought and planning. The first consideration is how much power is required from the generator, which is dictated by the anticipated load. Consumer-grade generators range from 600 to 15,000 watts. Installation can be nothing more than an extension cord, or require connection to your home's existing electrical system. Two excellent sources for helping with these decisions are available on the Honda website (see links at bottom of this blog).

Another major consideration is whether or not you need just 120 volts, or if you will need a 120/240 volt generator. Large-load devices, such as whole-house air conditions, well pumps, and electric dryers, usually require 240 volts. But with careful planning and usage, most homes can get buy with as little as a 2000 watt generator.

I spent several months trying researching a solution for my home. In the end, I settled on two Honda EU2000is generators. Let me go into the reasons why I think this was the best solution for me, and may be a great solution for many homeowners.

One of the main things I teach in my hurricane preparedness presentations is the need for redundancy. I try to eliminate critical "single points of failure" on all of my emergency preparedness solutions. And by having two generators, I have a backup if one should fail.

There were many reason I chose the Honda EU2000is generators, but one of the most important was the ability to connect two of them together to get a total of 4,000 watts output. Only generators specifically designed for this type of operation can be connected. Trying to do so with two conventional generators can results in serious fireworks, electrocution and possibly death! But with a special cable available from Honda, the built-in microprocessor in one generator will control both of them and synch up the phases. So with 4,000 watts available, I can run a small air conditioner in my bedroom, as well as a TV, lamp, and several other small devices.

The other major advantage of the EU2000is generators is a feature called the Eco-Throttle. This allows the generators to speed up or slow down as the power load increases and decreases. Conventional generators have to run at a full 3,600 RPM continuously to provide power (and usually 1,800 RPM for diesels). The Eco-Throttle serves to not only reduce noise, but significantly reduce gas consumption.

Reduced gas consumption is probably a lot more important than most realize. Remember, during a power outage--especially an extensive one that usually follows a hurricane--gas stations for many miles around may be unable to pump gas for several days. This means that to be fully prepared for the storm, you have to store the gas for your generator around your home or in your garage. If you are running a generator that consumes a gallon of gas per hour, that works out to 72 gallons over a three-day period! However, I recently had a friend use an EU2000is to power two refrigerators in his home during an extended power outage. He reported that the generators loafed along at near idle most of time, and he was able to power the refrigerators for ten hours a day on only one gallon of gasoline!

Another important feature of the EU series of generators is how quietly they run. Even at full power, you can easily converse while standing right next to the generator. For anyone whose had to spend a night in a house without power, you know that the lack of background fans and other distractions can cause the whole neighborhood to be deathly quiet. And if you're the only one running a loud generator, you're probably going to get a lot of flack from the neighbors. After all, you're able to sit in your house with fans, maybe an air conditioner, lights, and a working refrigerator while they try to survive the sweltering misery. Generator envy can attract a lot of unwelcome attention! So having a generator that barely whispers is much more desirable than one which announces its presence for several blocks.

A final word of warning: All gas combustion engines produce carbon-monoxide. This is a colorless, odorless gas that can incapacitate and kill very quickly. After Hurricane Rita, several persons, including a family of four, were killed from running a generator in a confined space where they breathed the fumes. Always run generators outdoors and away from open windows or doors where the fumes could get drawn into an occupied area.

To read more of my emergency preparedness writings, visit my website at:
http://www.HideFromTheWind.com

Honda's web site, Choosing The Best Generator For The Job:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gencho.asp

Honda's web site, Generator Wattage Calculator:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/genwat.asp