Q: What is the difference between "Blackout" and "Brownout"?
A: These terms refer to complete loss of power i.e. blackout and a partial loss of full voltage from the supply source i.e. brownout. The brownout can result in damage to motors trying to run from a reduced voltage source, they heat over safe limits and suffer catastrophic failure. Incandescent lights will just run in a dim condition, fluorescent lights will falter.
Q: Which is better, a liquid-fueled (gasoline or diesel) or propane-fueled generator?
A: If you have the fuel storage tanks on site for any one of these they are all equal as far as the engine being run. EPA laws are tightening upon fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuels stored on site in that there must be leak containment measures in place for these tank systems. Propane will vaporize if it escapes so there is no ground contamination chance and it is usually present in rural homes and has a high energy concentration. Any fuel chosen can be unhandy if the generator is not connected to a large supply source so as to eliminate manually transferring fuel into a small tank on the genset.
Q: How do I figure out how many Kilowatts my generator should be rated for?
A: The most accurate way is to have a load measurement study done for your structure. This will result in an exact ampere requirement. Also a nameplate study of all motor and heating devices will supply data to be added to a lamp count for an accurate amount to help choose the correct size of generator.
Q: How do I connect a generator to my service panel so it will automatically turn on when the power fails?
A: An Automatic Transfer Switch which is a UL rating is one way. A manual transfer switch UL rated is another way. Generac Generators work with their own Automatic Transfer Switches to achieve electrical backup without human intervention.
Q: How is a professional-grade surge protector better than a power strip I can buy at the home store?
A:Legal definitions declare the device a surge suppressor but the amount of blast (JOULES) that is absorbed is less for a cheaper device usually sold in retail stores. Industrial and professional surge devices have a higher Joules rating because they are made of larger capacity components and conversely cost more.
Q: My house has a lightning rod system- what other protection do I need?
A: The structure is protected from lightning damage that would have maybe blown out a wall or punched a hole in the roof. Lightning surges (Hi Voltage of thousands of Volts Potential) can be induced into the power grid a few miles away from your house and can travel into your house. There are devices which help keep those spikes from reaching that critical electronic device.
Contact Osage Energies to discuss your needs.