Generator Reviews

Perkins Generators

2011-06-15T12:01:00.024-04:00

Perkins Generators

Perkins Engines Company is a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. It is a well known and trusted engine manufacture worldwide. Perkins global product support is provided by 4,000 distribution, parts and service centers. One in five trucks uses a Perkins engine. Aurora Generators Inc is now manufacturing diesel power generators with Perkins engines.

Perkins Generators were previously only available in one size. Aurora generators has announced they are manufacturing their famous generators in sizes from 9 kVA sizes to 300 kVA.

Aurora does not charge extra for the silent enclosure, automatic voltage regulator and built in fuel tank. This has helped keep Aurora a leader in North America for small compact diesel generators.

Businesses push on through storms

2011-05-11T08:19:00.000-04:00

Businesses push on through storms

After the April 27 tornadoes and the power blackout that followed, many DeKalb industries and businesses were forced to shutter, but some pressed on to remain open and provide services through the county's darkest hours.

Arguably the most impressive of these was the Best Western Hotel in Rainsville, which sits squarely in the midst of tremendous destruction caused by an EF-4 tornado that roared through DeKalb.

The tornado completely destroyed the nearby Huddle House and badly damaged property on each and every side of the hotel, including Plainview High School and the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum, just across the street. But, somehow, the hotel not only remained standing but continued to operate in the days after the disaster.

Hotel manager Mego Shah said the hotel was scheduled to be booked solid that day as a number of people impacted by earlier storms in other parts of the state had called to make reservations. However, after tornadoes also decimated Rainsville, he said none of them came.

The hotel did still have guests that day though, but none were injured even though Shah said the tornado did clip the side of the structure.

"Despite everything, we decided to stay open mainly to accommodate the guests that were here," Mego said. "We had one lady here in a wheelchair, and she couldn't go anywhere. We just wanted to help out as much as we could."

Down the road in Fort Payne, another hotel - the Holiday Inn Express in Fort Payne - also kept its doors open for guests, despite being without power for several days. Paige Mewes, director of sales for Holiday Inn, said the hotel management never even considered closing down.

"The guests were very understanding," she said. "Most people were just very happy to have somewhere to stay. It's amazing how everybody came together and said, ‘OK, we're going to do this.' All the employees just showed up ready to go to work."

She said employees from a sister site in Gadsden came and picked up laundry from the hotel twice a day, took it to Gadsden, washed it, then brought it back.

"They were constantly bringing us supplies," she said.

Mewes said the hotel was filled to capacity and even housed a wedding party during the storms and blackout. The hotel's power went down on Wednesday, the day of the storms and returned around midnight the following Friday, just in time for the party to prepare for a Saturday noon ceremony.

It wasn't just hotels that pressed on, though - a lot of people needed places to stay, but even more were searching for food. Waffle House in Fort Payne became one of the few places one could get a hot meal during the blackout. Operating on generator power, the restaurant continued to serve food each day during the blackout until normal power returned.

Mewes was a customer there on one of the days when the Waffle House was packed to capacity.

"They were working so hard," shad said. "They were understaffed and overcrowded. I just wanted to cry for those ladies who were working in there that day, I don't know how they did it."

United Grocery Outlet also turned to generator power to serve their customers as well. Assistant Manager Nita Stevens said the generator hadn't been used in several years, but it "fired right up" and provided the grocery enough juice to power lights and cash registers. Freezer trucks were brought in to preserve the store's frozen products, and the decision was made to open.

"There were customers lined up all the way to the back of the store," she said. "We were open the entire time and what really struck me was that during it all, all the customers were very kind and patient - there was never a harsh word spoken. People were just grateful we were open and once we realized that the generator could keep us operating we wanted to be there to serve the good people of DeKalb County - we knew there were a lot of people in need of grocery items."

Eric Bruce, owner of Bruce's Foodlands across DeKalb County, said employees were able to secure a silent diesel generator at its Fort Payne location hours after DeKalb and most of North Alabama lost power and also provide customers with needed grocery items.

"We had a lot of dedicated employees helping to make things available to people," Bruce said. "We did everything we could to help folks out."

At Wal-Mart in Fort Payne, generators were also used until power was restored, but the store went without power for about 24 hours.

Service also continued on at some industries, such as Ferguson Enterprises in Fort Payne. Kim Hastings, human resources director for Ferguson, said powerful generators were installed there several years ago that allowed the plant to keep running.

She said a supplier from Anniston brought gas to power the generators.

"We had 80 percent of our employees show up on Thursday, the day immediately after the tornadoes and 90 percent show up on Friday," Hastings said. "We continued to work a normal schedule. Once we got past the emotional impact of our county being hit so hard, we pressed on to provide products to clients in multiple areas."

Those products were needed. Ferguson, a distribution center for plumbing supplies, provides products to Decatur, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and other areas also heavily impacted by the April 27

tornadoes. They also supply sump pumps to Memphis, Tenn., where they were badly needed for use in efforts to help alleviate flooding conditions being caused by an ongoing surge of the Mississippi River.

"It really helped perk up our employees to know that we were helping people in those areas," Hastings said.

She said Ferguson employees have also been working to help locally in other ways, including volunteering at disaster relief distribution centers. She said Ferguson's management team has been travelling the county since the disaster and cooking food in various areas.

Other businesses also kept going through the blackout, including Lowes and Tractor Supply Co. in Fort Payne. Others helped in their own way. Santa Fe, in Fort Payne, rather than have food spoil, opted to give it away, asking in return for donations to the Red Cross.

"It's really amazing how everyone pulled together and weathered this crisis," Mewes said. "People everywhere really went the extra mile."

Major power outage in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

2011-05-10T19:41:00.000-04:00

Major power outage in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Caused by a lightning strike

MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) - A lightning strike disabled two transmission lines that serve Michigan's central and western Upper Peninsula, leaving tens of thousands without power Tuesday.

Numerous schools were closed and some businesses idled, including the Tilden and Empire iron mines in Marquette County. Crews in helicopters and on foot were inspecting the power lines and towers for damage while others worked to restore electricity to darkened homes.

The lightning bolt hit two lines that transmit power between Oconto Falls, Wis., and Kingsford, Mich., about 3:30 a.m., said Anne Spaltholz, spokeswoman for American Transmission Co., which owns and operates the lines.

With another line in the area down for maintenance, a large swath of the Upper Peninsula was without power, from Munising to Escanaba and west to the Keweenaw Peninsula.

"Essentially we had a blackout," Spaltholz told The Mining Journal of Marquette.

The outage affected more than 50,000 customers served by Upper Peninsula Power Co., spokeswoman Lisa Prunty said. Also knocked out were about 27,000 customers of We Energies, although power had been restored to nearly all of them by 8 a.m., spokesman Brian Manthey said.

With three key lines out of service, the system became unstable and triggered the shutdown of Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette, which supplies the iron mines.

They had enough power to keep the lights on in their offices but were unable to process iron ore, said Dale Hemmila, spokesman for Cliffs Natural Resources, which operates the mines.

"To run these operations we average 270 megawatts on a daily basis and we're nowhere near that right now," Hemmila said early Tuesday afternoon. The company was expecting to be shut down from eight to 16 hours, he said.

Venezuela Restores 90% of Power After Blackout Affects 10 States

2011-05-10T19:37:00.001-04:00

Venezuela has restored 90 percent of power knocked out by a blackout today that hit 10 states in the western part of the South American nation.

Two separate transmission failures took about 3,000 megawatts of capacity offline, and the states of Tachira, Merida, Trujillo and Barinas were "totally" affected by the blackout, Igor Gavidia, head of power transmission at the Electricity Ministry, said today on state television.

“We’re working to bring stability to the system,” Gavidia said. “Everything is practically resolved.”

A helicopter was dispatched to collect more information on the cause of the blackout that also affected the states of Zulia, Yaracuy, Portuguesa, Cojedes and Lara, Gavidia said. The Paris-based International Energy Agency said last month that increasing blackouts in Venezuela may cause oil output to decline. A blackout on April 7 struck the capital of Caracas and 15 states.

Venezuela’s largest refining center, the Paraguana complex in Falcon state, was not affected by the blackout today, an official for state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA, who isn’t authorized to speak publicly, said by telephone.

Do You Need Continuous Power Generators?

2011-05-10T19:30:00.000-04:00

Do You Need Continuous Power Generators?

Before you set out to buy diesel generators for emergency power needs, you should determine the requirements you need. Sometimes you only need enough power for short periods of time and possibly the traditional standby generators will do.

Typical standby generators can be fueled with diesel and meet a power outage needs operating for several hours. However, many standby generators are not designed for operating days on end so, if you are subjected to frequent power outages for long periods of time, consider investing in standby generators that are designed for prime or continuous use as an uninterrupted source for emergency power. Unless you buy standby generators that are designed for industrial use, you may overload your choice for backup generators exposing them to repetitive breakdowns and need for repair.

Top Choice for Remote Operations

There are certain situations when it may be less expensive to operate prime and continuous diesel generators rather than purchase power from the local utility grid. Also, for large industrial uses, there may be some limitations placed on the amount of electricity that can be drawn from a public grid creating a need to augment what is available. Many remote businesses such as mining, construction, oil and gas exploration, ranching and farming demand the best diesel generators to ensure smooth, continuous business operations.

Features to Consider for Continuous Power Diesel Generators

All machines called upon to operate continuously for extended periods of time need to be ruggedly constructed to handle the heavy demands placed upon them. This holds quite true for continuous or prime diesel generators as well. These machines have to withstand the rigors handling friction produced between moving parts and operate under conditions of sustained heat for long periods of time. Therefore, diesel generators rated for this kind of use tend to be a bit more expensive than traditional standby generators or home backup generators. Some features you need to consider are:

Cooling System – needs to be quite large for continuous power diesel generators. The continuous fuel combustion creates an enormous amount of heat that has to be removed to ensure operation. Liquid cooling is recommended since circulating water absorbs heat the best when wrapped in a jacket around the engine.
Air Cleaner – Large continuously running diesel generators need heavy-duty cleaners, filters and assemblies that work automatically since constant running prohibits manual cleaning.
Running at Lower Speed – Large diesel generators kept running continuously need to operate at low revolutions per minute (RPM). Most traditional standby generators operate at about 1800 RPMs. Continuously running diesel generators should operate in the 1200 RPM range, or lower at 900 RPM, if possible. Lower speeds increase unit life while reducing maintenance costs.
Power Output – Continuously running diesel generators are available providing anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of rated capacity for unlimited time. The output is constant at the rated capacity. Where loads are solely dependent upon power supplied by diesel generators, it is highly recommended that two identical diesel generators are installed. These should be connected in such a way that when one unit fails to perform, the other automatically kicks in.

For emergency preparedness and complete control of continuous power in the middle of nowhere, you can always call Emergency Power. The leader in diesel standby generators today, supplying governments and militaries on the North American continent.

Meet Mr. Standby: Generators You Can Always Count On

2011-05-10T19:13:00.001-04:00

Meet Mr. Standby: Generators You Can Always Count On

Standby generators are great tools for providing electrical power in a situation where (or when) commercial electricity is not available. This can be due to a number of different reasons including weather or man-made disasters, famous for interrupting the relied on flow of electricity to your home or business.

Blackouts occur all the time throughout the country, storm imminent or not. Sometimes these power outages are due to regular and routine maintenance or in high temperatures from overload on the system. At times power outages are caused by a vehicle accident, dead or dying trees falling on the lines… even ordinary equipment failure or construction faux pas.

None of these short comings on the part of the electric companies would be of any concern to your, your family or your business with automatic standby generators taking up the slack of power companies and poorly designed power grids. And then – there is Mother Nature, and your fellow humans.

Lots of Power Needed

For homes and businesses needing a lot of power, standby generators may be the ideal instruments providing emergency electrical power during blackouts. In fact, most large businesses and government, medical and educational institutions have included the installation of permanent standby generators as part of their emergency operation plans. There are many entities that are dependent upon a constant delivery of electricity in order to operate smoothly.

Most people are familiar with portable diesel generators or gas generators that can provide electricity to a couple of selected appliances or devices. Their more serious counterparts are large standby generators that typically supply power to the entire building where they are installed. Depending upon that building’s power needs, there may be several standby generators connected together, providing the required electricity to keep that business or organization operating in a smooth, consistent fashion.

Home Use Of Standby Generators

Technological advances in the construction of standby generators have led to their being affordable to many homeowners across the country. Many units large enough to power an entire home, can be purchased for around $4000 -5000. In many storm-prone areas of the country, residential developments include in housing plans the installation of permanent standby generators to provide electricity, since history dictates yearly storms produce most power outages.

In the southern coastal areas of the United States, where hurricanes hit regularly, homeowners may face several outages during the summer months – every year. This may lead to the choice of purchasing standby generators as a wise investment protecting home and family. For home based businesses operating a strong online empire, power on demand despite the weather will be crucial to their future.

Safety Is Necessary

Just like any type of industrial equipment, there are a number of different safety concerns when it comes to operating standby generators. One factor that was taken out of consideration is any chance that carbon monoxide poisoning may be a threat. This is because standby generators are located in safe places outside the home and are enclosed in containers.

Installing CO detectors, much like smoke detectors, is an action that might be considered. It is also highly recommended that all standby generators be installed by professional electrical contractors, to prevent any kind of electrical shock or other electrical problems that a homeowner’s limited knowledge of electricity might cause. If you buy standby generators are not installed properly, they can present a hazard to technicians working on utility power lines or pose a threat for creating a fire.

Diesel is Your Best Option.

If you have seen one whole house generator, you haven’t seen them all – there many different kinds of fuels that can power home standby generators. Diesel fuel remains the number one popular choice. Diesel engines do not require spark plugs for ignition. They are safer to operate than gasoline, natural gas or propane fueled backup generators.

Before you buy backup generators it is extremely important to determine the right power sized unit. There are several crucial factors you need to consider. These would include fuel choices,generator operating speeds and built-in cooling systems. The best emergency backup generators will be fueled by diesel.

Watts Up Really Matters

Businesses should know their exact wattage needs before they buy backup generators. Not knowing what’s up with your watts, is like buying the wrong sized pants. Also, since all available fuel types create a great deal of heat – for both portable generators and standby generators – selecting ones with a liquid cooling system is best for longevity of benefits from your private electricity production investment. These units run many times more quietly than the old fashioned technology of air-cooled backup generators.

ETQ Generator Reviews

2011-05-10T11:52:00.000-04:00

WOW, check out this video of an ETQ Diesel Generator Reviews. The muffler glows red hot and spits out molten metal. There are lots of bad reviews out there but this one takes the cake. Poor guy could not get the generator started and when it did, this happens.

Diesel Generators

2011-05-10T11:38:00.000-04:00

Aurora Diesel Generators has done a generator demo video showing the differences between their diesel generators and others. Very well done!

If you notice, there is no other company making anything with UL, CSA or ETL approval like they are. This means their generators have received laboratory testing and electrical certification that others have not been able to pass. It really speaks for the quality of the product.

Fixing your diesel generator

2011-03-09T20:41:00.001-05:00

Although a licensed electrician is the expert to call for generator repair, a patient home handyman with common sense and good tool skills can do many generator repairs safely and efficiently.

Now with sites like iGeneratePower.com you can find every portable diesel generator part you need to make that diesel generator of yours run like new again.

I've been watching this site as as they add hundreds of parts from Generator starter motors and key switches to piston rings and glow plugs. Finding the parts you need to repair your own generator is easy. Shipping is out of both Canada and the United States via UPS. In a matter of days you can have any generator part delivered right to your door.

Today many people are holding off on buying new generators and just fixing what they have and this website is a great starting point.

Powerful storm left police stations powerless.

2011-02-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

Several North Texans are bracing themselves for what could cause another issuance of rolling blackouts. The county was blanketed in several inches of snow on top of Tuesday's preexisting ice, calling for an increase of power to heat homes and businesses.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued rotating outages Wednesday knocking out power for several vital public service departments and thousands of homes across the region. According to ERCOT's website, rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical services initiated by utilities when ERCOT's reserve power supplies are exhausted. Utilities and transmission providers determine the location and scheduling of the rotating outages.

Rotating outages are the last step in a progressive series of emergency procedures that ERCOT follows according to market rules. ERCOT only calls for controlled rotating outages as a final fail-safe measure to avoid an uncontrolled blackout across the state, the site said.

Jason Erter, spokesperson with the Allen Police Department, said the department had to rely on backup generators to keep daily tasks functioning.

"We went to generator power [Wednesday]," he said. "We experienced two power outages, one in the morning and the other just before 1 p.m., with power remaining off until 7:30 in the evening. But we are not certain that it was a rolling blackout or for other reasons, like ice on power lines. It didn't affect operations in any way."

The Plano Police Department experienced several rolling blackouts Wednesday. Officer Rick McDonald said the department had four sessions.

"No emergency services were interrupted, and only office computers and desk stations were affected for the blackout period," he said. "We have numerous divisions that work out of headquarters but we also utilize air cards for connectivity if needed, as we do our backup generator systems. Dispatch is not part of the police department; they are at city hall, and I do not know what they may have experienced."

The Frisco Police Department escaped the blackouts, said Adam Henderson, department spokesperson.

"Our police department has backup power that can be supplied by generators here on site," he said.Ê"We did not experience any interruption in 911 service and were not otherwise affected by the rolling blackouts."

County residents were not as lucky as hundreds of homes were affected by outages.

McKinney resident Julie Wood experienced two blackouts on Wednesday, the first lasting only half an hour but shorting out her clothes dryer.

The second, coming about an hour later, did much more damage.

"My son heard five big pops," she said. "Our power was out for almost three hours. We had no heat and had to bring in our propane heaters from the garage."

Wood also had to close off the living room of her home to lock the heat in. She said she and her children had to sit under blankets to keep warm until her power came back on. When it did, she was in for a big surprise.

"When the power came back on, we found that three of our TVs, my sons XBOX and the computer were all shot," she said. "You could literally hear the surge frying stuff. There's at least a couple thousand dollars in damages due to the power surges Ñ money that we don't have to spend on new electronics."

With the heavy snow and more falling, residents are encouraged to limit their electricity use by turning off all appliances, lights and other electrical equipment and leaving a task light on to determine when power has been restored, according to ERCOTs website.

Aurora Generators - Review

2011-02-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

Aurora Generators new diesel generators are looking great. Just spotted these on www.Generators.co website and Aurora Generators corporate website. I had the opportunity to review this Aurora Generator recently. The new generators are electrically approved. No other company has anything UL or CSA approved so these new higher standards they are following just blows away the competition.

It occurred to me that everyone else is selling products that do not meet any North American safety or electrical codes. But how can this be? Well it turns out that the laws don't cover generators so electrically there is a lot of junk out there. Not so with this Aurora Generator.

The digital display on this diesel generator now shows frequency also. For those who need exactly 60hz for computers UPS power supplies or other sensitive electronics this is perfect. Before this model no other brand was able to display this. Now Aurora generators let you make fine adjustments to engine speed based on the reading you get from the frequency counter down to 0.1 Hertz.

Other features I like is the glow plugs that really help start the generator when it is very cold outside. This generator seems to be quieter then before also. I'd put it a less then 69 db.

I noticed it uses a Automatic Voltage Regulator. Accessing it to make fine voltage adjustments was easy. When you open the engine compartment door you can find it located right next to the battery. Others don't use an AVR. Others also have them installed inside the alternator where it is virtually impossible to get any access to it if you need to make adjustments or replace it.

Shipping was very reasonable and it came to my door. The only setup required was to put oil and fuel in it and in my case just top off the battery. It started in seconds and just in time too because we had a good winter storm that took out power here for hours once again.

New Generator Discussion Forum

2010-10-08T18:52:00.002-04:00

Check out www.Generators.to it is a new site using Vbulletin discussion forum software. This Generator site has discussion forums on just about everything to do with electric power generation including diesel generators, solar power, living off the grid and generator reviews.

If you are in the generator business, buy or sell used generators, transfer switches or anything related to the power generating industry then you can share a link with them and they will link back to you. Looks for it in the resources section.

We can expect to see this take off quickly. Power generation is a big topic these days and no other place has brought this all together like this site has. Looks great, its fast and has lots of features. Messages starting showing up after a few sites stated linking back to them yesterday.

Shipment of Nuclear Waste By Way Of Great Lakes Raises Concerns

2010-10-06T08:44:00.000-04:00

Shipment of Nuclear Waste By Way Of Great Lakes Raises Concerns

LANSING, Mich. - A plan to transport radioactively-contaminated nuclear generators through the Great Lakes is raising concern from a group of U.S. Senators and Canadian conservation organizations. The 16 school-bus-sized generators are expected to be shipped from the privately-operated Bruce Power facility, about 150 miles northwest of Toronto, to Sweden to be recycled. Sierra Club-Canada Executive Director John Bennett says the company has reversed its plan to store the generators on-site in concrete bunkers.

"This would be the first time that nuclear waste from Canadian reactors would be transported out of the country. And contaminated metals from that waste would actually get into the general stream of recycled metals around the world and would come back to haunt us in our dinnerware, et cetera."

Bennett notes there are 64 other generators that will become redundant in the coming years and may also be shipped when they are decommissioned.

"We don't need to take those risks, you know? We have a plan; it's called 'storing them.' It may be more expensive for Bruce Power, but that's the way it is, and that's the way we should do it."

According to Bennett, in the event of a mishap during transport, the waters of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway are at risk of radioactive contamination. Seven senators from Great Lakes states, including Michigan's Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, have asked Canadian authorities to provide more information and an environmental assessment of the plan. Although officials from Canada have reviewed public comments, so far they have said the plan poses little health risk and indicate they will allow the shipment. The Bruce Power plant generates about one-fifth of Ontario's electricity.

Marijuana Diesel Generator

2010-10-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

Penticton RCMP have concluded their two day long investigation of the Grand Oro Road grow op, seizing a total of 4,860 marijuana plants.

RCMP Corporal Dan Moskaluk says the grow op was set up in two houses, two outbuildings and in three 40-foot shipping containers.

A fourth container was in the process of being outfitted.

Moskaluk says the operation was powered by a single eight foot long diesel generator.

"I've seen similar ones used to power small apartment buildings," says Moskaluk.

The grow operation appeared to have been in use for at least a year, he says.

The two men arrested on scene have been released, and will appear in court at a later date to face possible drug charges.

The Penticton RCMP is continuing it's investigation into identifying the property owners with possibilities of further persons being charged.

Police in Penticton are in the process of closing down what can be described as a significant marijuana grow operation.

RCMP from Penticton and Oliver along with members of the Penticton Regional Drug Task Force raided the property on Grand Oro Road, southwest of Penticton Wednesday evening.

Constable Dan Moskaluk, says while police are still going through the property, upwards of 3,000 to 5,000 mature pot plants were growing on the property.

Moskaluk says plants were discovered in two, two-storey outbuildings on the property.

Two men in their 20s and 30s were arrested on the property.

One man was taken into custody at the time of the raid while a second was discovered hiding in a closet when police returned to the site Thursday morning.

Moskaluk says police also found an AR 15 automatic assault rifle with a fully loaded magazine leaning up against a wall in the living room.

Los Angeles Blackout - Generators Needed

2010-09-29T21:25:00.001-04:00

Massive power blackout in Los Angeles due to heatwave

LOS ANGELES - On the second day today, the whole Los Angeles are experiencing the intense heat of the season.

According to Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, over 29,000 people in Los Angeles don't have electricity today.

There was a massive power blackout according to the agency due to a tremendous power demand yesterday wherein several transformers have exploded.

Even Hollywood itself was affected of the extreme heat wave which have devastated Los Angeles right now. Costume characters such as Spider-Man, Batman and Wonder Woman had a timeout in moving around the Hollywood.

They weren't able to manage themselves wearing costumes in the midst of the intense heat. Catwoman was the only one to wear a costume and entertained the people in Hollywood.

Moreover, the record-high temperature in Los Angeles was recorded yesterday which have reached to 113 degrees Fahrenheit while the temperature today is at 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Schools have cancelled their physical activities due to the hot season.

Although it wasn't confirmed yet, heatstroke was suspected to be the cause of death of two people in Los Angeles, one of them was Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino who was found dead in Griffith Park after he was hiking.

So what can you do ?

Consider buying a complete home power generator.

Today home diesel generators are quiet, clean and small. Diesel Generators are always at the ready to deliver a dependable source of power that will restore your power, comfort and security. A residential generator will keep your home fully operational with electrical power for air conditioning, heating, lights, security, hot water, computers, television, electrical stoves and more. Diesel generators are top choice for power generation because this type of generator starts up and assumes load very quickly and is more cost-effective than other fuel generators.

Diesel generators are also very well suited to both continuous and standby power generation so whether you want to use your generator intermittently or on an ongoing basis, a Aurora diesel generator is the perfect choice for you.

Aside from being more affordable, used diesel generators are very dependable, with most of them are water cooled and are running at 1800 RPM. This gives these generators a longer life span compared to the standard 3600 RPM. These types of generators come in closed and open options. These heavy duty diesel generators are very popular with home owners since they are now made very small, quiet and produce no visible smoke. You can conveniently and fully remote control the units with wireless remote start and wireless remote glow plug whenever in hot summer or cold winter season.

New Home Generators Website Generators.co

2010-09-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

Aurora Generators continues to grow is seen again gobbling up the home generator market share. Generators.co a new website has its focus on high quality diesel generators for home use. It is looking great and with a name like Generators.CO (not to be confused with .com) it has some promising potential to become a huge website with lots of activity. Aurora Generators is the brand of choice. They have already proven themselves in countless consumer reports and review sites.

A discussion forum is in the works and each day new material is being added. This Generator site is using big bright high detail photos to show off their products. They are also using a lot of video instructions, troubleshooting and for sales purposes, demo videos!

Home Generators are becoming very popular despite the bad economy. Many are concerned about their power grid, cost of electricity and storm damage. There is a big switch to diesel powered generators in 2010 since new EPA regulations have forced manufactures to make engines burn virtually smoke free. There is also many fuel options available and new bio diesels popping up all over the place. As gas prices continue to rise, bio diesel fuels drop.

Power To The People. Rolling Blackouts in North America

2010-09-12T02:23:00.000-04:00

China U-turn on enforced power cuts in Hebei

Thousands of people in China are to have their electricity restored after the reversal of an order for enforced power cuts to meet energy-saving goals.

Officials in Hebei province ordered local governments to maintain normal power supplies for residential users.

Hospitals, schools and homes in Anping county have suffered intermittent cuts.

China overtook the US last year as the world's biggest energy consumer, but with a bigger population it is still well behind in consumption per person.

The figures were released by the International Energy Agency.

Factory closures

The local government in Anping cut power to homes and other public facilities, including switching off traffic lights, in a bid to meet its 2010 energy efficiency goals set by Beijing, local media reported.

Continue reading the main story

Tropical Storm Hermine Approaches Texas, Mexico

2010-09-06T17:11:00.000-04:00

Parts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas are under tropical storm warnings as the eighth named storm of the season approaches their coastlines.

Tropical Storm Hermine is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, dropping 10 to 20 centimeters of rain that could trigger flash floods and mudslides. Storm warnings are in effect from Tampico, Mexico, to Baffin Bay on the south Texas coast.

Forecasters say the storm is currently several hundred kilometers off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico. The forecast track indicates it could enter central Texas by Wednesday or Thursday.

Hermine is not expected to affect oil-drilling operations in the Gulf.

Haifu Power Company - Is this a joke?

2010-09-02T13:12:00.000-04:00

Would you send thousands of dollars to a company like this? If Haifu Power Co can't take a few moments to check their grammar how much time do you think they spend on checking their quality.

Thank you Yancheng Haifu Power for telling me what I can expect and look forward to if I deal with you.

Hurricane Earl builds to Category 4 storm, targets U.S. East Coast

2010-08-31T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Earl builds to Category 4 storm, targets U.S. East Coast

Hurricane Earl, now a powerful Category 4 storm, barreled toward the U.S. coast early Tuesday after battering tiny islands across the northeastern Caribbean with heavy rain and winds that damaged homes and toppled power lines.

Earl is forecast to potentially brush the U.S. East Coast late Thursday, before curving back out to sea, possibly swiping New England or far-eastern Canada. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned coastal residents from North Carolina to Maine to watch the storm closely.

“Any small shift in the track could dramatically alter whether it makes landfall or whether it remains over the open ocean,” said Wallace Hogsett, a meteorologist at the centre. “I can't urge enough to just stay tuned.”

In the Caribbean, Earl caused flooding in low-lying areas and damaged homes on islands including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and St. Maarten. Several countries and territories reported power outages. Cruise ships were diverted and flights cancelled across the region.

The storm's centre passed just north of the British Virgin Islands on Monday afternoon. By nighttime, the hurricane was pulling away from the Caribbean, but heavy downpours still threatened to cause flash floods and mudslides in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by drenching already saturated ground.

The Hurricane Center said it was too early to say what effect Earl would have in the U.S., but warned it could at least kick up dangerous rip currents. A surfer died in Florida and a Maryland swimmer had been missing since Saturday in waves spawned by former Hurricane Danielle, which weakened to a tropical storm Monday far out in the north Atlantic.

Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Earl's approach ought to serve as a reminder for Atlantic coastal states to update their evacuation plans.

“It wouldn't take much to have the storm come ashore somewhere on the coast,” Mr. Fugate said. “The message is for everyone to pay attention.”

Close on Earl's heels, Tropical Storm Fiona formed Monday afternoon in the open Atlantic. The storm, with maximum winds of 65 kph, was projected to pass just north of the Leeward Islands by Wednesday and stay farther out in the Atlantic than Earl's northward path. Fiona wasn't expected to reach hurricane strength over the next several days.

The rapid development of Earl, which only became a hurricane Sunday, took some islanders and tourists by surprise.

Wind was already rattling the walls of Lila Elly Ali's wooden house on Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, when she and her son went out to nail the doors shut Monday.

“They say the eye of the storm is supposed to come close to us, so we've just got to pray. Everyone here is keeping in touch, listening to the radio,” the 58-year-old said by phone from the island of 280 people.

After Earl's centre passed, there were reports of roofs torn from homes on Anegada, but the extent of damage across the Virgin Islands was unclear Monday night. Emergency officials said they had no immediate reports of any fatalities or serious injuries.

“Thank God we survived,” said a caller to the British Virgin Islands' ZBVI Radio.

In Anguilla, several utility poles were down and a couple of roofs had blown away, but it was still too dangerous to go out and assess the full extent of damage, said Martin Gussie, a police officer.

At El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, people lined up at the reception desk, the lights occasionally flickering, to check out and head to the airport. There, more delays awaited.

John and Linda Helton of Boulder, Colorado, opted to ride out the storm. The couple, celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary, finished a cruise Sunday and planned to spend three days in Puerto Rico.

“There was a huge line of people checking out as we were coming in, and I thought it was just that summer vacation must be over,” said John Helton, a real estate appraiser. “But we paid for the room, so we might as well stick it out.”

“I don't think we could get a flight even if we wanted to leave,” Linda Helton added.

There were no reports so far of major damage from Earl.

In St. Maarten, sand and debris littered the streets, and winds knocked down trees and electricity poles and damaged roofs. But police spokesman Ricardo Henson said there was no extensive damage to property.

In Antigua, at least one home was destroyed but there were no reports of serious injuries. Governor General Dame Louise Agnetha Lake-Tack declared Monday a public holiday to keep islanders off the road and give them a chance to clean up.

Some 10 to 20 centimetres of rain were forecast to fall on islands including Puerto Rico.

Early Tuesday, Earl was about 240 kilometres north-northwest of Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, and moving west-northwest near 20 kph, according to the centre in Miami. Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 110 kilometres from its centre.

Permanent standby generators – What are they?

2010-08-24T21:40:00.001-04:00

Permanent standby generators are small units, the power generation business or home at any time can be fixed. Permanent standby generators can be used in case of non-connected power supply for a reliable circuits and devices for which they are.

How do they differ from portable generators?

Standby generators are different from small portable generators that they are "permanent" facilities and arenot be induced, once installed in one place. Permanent standby generators offer a number of advantages over smaller portable generators. Since standby generators are not to be moved, they can accept higher sound baffling system to reduce noise. These devices are larger, so that they generate increased power density. Another advantage of the increased size and mass to withstand adverse weather conditions, where anormal portable generator would be damaged or rendered unusable.

How Standby generators work?

Standby generators operate a fuel like natural gas or liquid propane to power a motor that generates electricity with. They can also be operated by other fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Normally, the generator is connected to the house through a transfer switch, with a structure, the main electrical panel interfaces.

Smaller generators canproduce as little as a few hundred watts of power, while the larger industrial size generators can produce hundreds of thousands of watts of power. The most common and most widespread stand-by generators for residences range from seven to fifty thousand watts kilowatts of power.

Such as standby generators to provide electricity Residences?

In the event of a power failure to prevent the transfer switch automatically isolates the house from incoming power linesElectricity from the generator travels through the ranks. Then the transfer switch is enabled Brownout timer and starts the countdown to make sure that the power failure is not temporary. As soon as the voltage drop timer counts (typically about 10 seconds), the generator starts a warm-up cycle. If the generator transfer switch power from the generator head is heated in the main electrical panel and switch the circuits it is connected. If the main subject line currentrestored to your home, the automatic transfer switch back to the home or business to the main power and to isolate, to move the stand-by generator, making any chance of electrical feedback. Now that the standby generator is isolated, it was starting off, cool down and wait for the next power failure.

Beaten black and blue for blackout

2010-08-24T21:33:00.001-04:00

TAIF: Power failure is very common in many places. But it has became annoyingly frequent in the Hawi. A number of local youths believed that the interruption of the supply was because some technicians were doing it deliberately.

So when the youths found a Pakistani maintenance technician passing by they stopped him, dragged him out of the car and started beating him. They said the man had repaired the connections to their houses many times but the power failures occurred even after that. They thought that the technician was playing some mischief. But a company source said the disruptions were caused by a major maintenance work under way on the main transmission line, Shams daily reported on Monday.

Quiet Backup Generators: No Loud and Obnoxious Roar

2010-08-24T21:30:00.000-04:00

Quiet Backup Generators: No Loud and Obnoxious Roar

Perhaps the image you are conjuring up is an older one of the families going on power from backup generators. This happens when either some man-made or natural disaster killed your local grid. The good news is that backup generators manufactured today, although never running on quiet mode like stealthy submarine patrolling enemy waters, the noise produced no longer presents serious problems as older backup generators did, and still do.

A Mainstay of Seaside Life

This is a rather important issue to consider,

especially for anyone living in the coastal areas of the country off the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. Owning backup generators is as commonplace as owning a refrigerator – the difference being backup generators (depending on your size selection) will power that refrigerator when an emergency arises and your normal source for electrical power is unavailable. In the past, this necessary emergency piece of equipment constantly roared a headache-producing sound. Now, up-to-date manufacturing techniques have produced better muffling components resulting in fewer sales of aspirin during power outages.

Not Just For Emergencies

Backup generators may be the ones specifically manufactured with features appealing as a short-term, limited source providing electrical power. However, people prone to use of a little imagination, view these machines as extremely noisy when cranked up and running during a power outage. Today’s technology is producing equipment that is getting smaller and quieter all the while. The aim toward generator improvement has been to provide a superior product that is more portable and less obtrusive when it comes to roaring into action. These technological advances now make selecting generators as direct power sources allowing the staging of many remote events that in the past were geographically prohibited.

Not Powering the Whole House

Obviously, smaller – and quieter – backup generators are not designed to replace the power source running every light and appliance in the home. Today’s small and portable units are not designed to run power to a ton of devices but are suitable providing enough power to make it a little more comfortably through a temporary power outage. Typically, you will find a small generator in the 1000 to 2000 watt power range – capable of powering a few lights, oven, laptops or as a selected energy source for a tailgate party or camping trip.

Many Uses for Small Power Units

Once a backyard carpenter had to rely on a series of long laid out extension cords providing the necessary electricity to power hand tools. However, small, quiet-running portable backup generators can do double duty powering a variety of different equipment such as sanders, drills, circular saws and other powered hand tools wherever electricity is unavailable – especially for projects on large properties where the work needs to be completed far from the house or available power source.

Here, portable backup generators become another tool for do-it-yourself projects. The best way to find appropriate backup generators to meet your personal needs is to conduct an online search. You can shop at your convenience surfing the Internet since it is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Why you should avoid gas generators.

2010-08-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

LEHIGH ACRES: A Lehigh Acres home was heavily damaged after a fire that may have been started by a generator, according to a witness.

The owner of the home at 1122 Westminster Street told firefighters he was running a generator around 12:30 p.m. and stepped in the house for a moment.

He then noticed the outside of the house was on fire, according to the witness.

The flames were reportedly fueled by gasoline the homeowner had stored in the car port.

It took foam for Lehigh Acres firefighters to finally knock down the flames.

No one was injured in the incident.

..... This is why diesel is a better choice. It is not as volatile as gasoline. You can toss a match in a bucket of diesel and it will not catch on fire. Kind of hard to explain to an insurance company why you kept gallons of gasoline in your garage and burned your house down. Check out EmergencyPower.com and find out more about Diesel Generators.

World’s largest hydro fuel cell deploys

2010-08-12T10:34:00.002-04:00

The largest hydrogen fuel cell in the world, CLEARgen™, will be deployed from Burnaby, B.C. to Eastlake, Ohio for a trial period that will last five years, marking the first ever deployment of its kind. Hydrogen fuel is considered to be one of the world’s cleanest and greenest sources of energy.

Ballard Power Systems and Ohio FirstEnergy Generation Corporation have agreed to allow the U.S. utility to activate the fuel cell generator. CLEARgen™ is based on the proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology developed by Ballard, enabling strain to be taken off of the power grid during periods of peak demand, and insuring uninterrupted power to customers in the summer months, when demand is generally at its highest. The fuel cell system has the capability of producing up to one megawatt of power, which is enough to power 500 homes on its own.

"It's a huge leap forward and a significant first for Ballard," stated Michael Goldstein, Ballard's Chief Commercial Officer. "More importantly, we believe this deal helps ensure that fuel cell technology will be an integral part of the clean energy solution identified as a priority by President Obama."

The Ballard generator has multiple advantages that outweigh power generation from diesel or coal. The device is transportable and can easily be relocated to other sites to meet various seasonal needs. Additionally, as fuel cells utilize hydrogen for generating electricity, producing solely heat and water as byproducts, they prove to be more environmentally friendly for generating power.

Ballard’s CLEARgen can supply clean energy to remote communities within Canada, or around the world, which are generally too far from the electrical grid and must rely on noisy, dirty diesel generators for power. The generator is also capable of running off byproduct hydrogen from chemical plants to produce clean electricity for sale to the power grid that power the plant. Ballard’s fuel cells also power zero-emission bus fleets, supply cell phone companies with backup power solutions and power fleets of forklift trucks at major distribution centers.

Generator used during power outage causes fire.

2010-07-25T08:44:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: South Bend apartment house fire erupts early Saturday

Fire investigators say a generator being used during a power outage played a role in an early morning South Bend fire.

Firefighters were called to a duplex apartment building the 2400 block of West Western Avenue just after 6:30am.

Two apartments were being rented out in the home.

The home lost power in the storm's last night and some of the tenants started using a generator.

Investigators say that the generator on the back porch was apparently too near some lawn furniture and that sparked the fire which then spread.

Investigators say the residents were using the generator to power their refrigerator so they wouldn't lose their food.

No one was injured in the fire.

Power out for 10,000 in Oakland County

2010-07-25T08:39:00.000-04:00

Power was out for several hours today for about 10,000 DTE Energy consumers in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills after a downed power line caused an equipment failure at a substation this afternoon.

Eileen Dixon, DTE spokeswoman, said it's not clear what caused the line to go down, but the outage occurred around 12:37 p.m. Saturday in the area of East Walton Boulevard and I-75. Power was restored in the area early Saturday evening, but about 1,000 scattered Oakland County residents remained without power following Friday's storms.

"(System-wide) we've got 40,000 still out. We expect, of the 40,000, to have the vast majority back up (Saturday) night, weather permitting," Dixon said. "We're gonna work real hard to get everybody else back by the end of the day Sunday, but, inevitably, there will still be a handful of people without power on Monday."

Aurora Generators Acquires New Domain Names

2010-07-23T09:28:00.000-04:00

New domain extension was launched this week. ".co"

25 years after the launch of .COM, there are more than 90 million domain names registered in the .COM extension. The .com domain space is crowded and choosing a recognizable, short domain name can be very difficult.

Finally a new domain name competitor, fit for companies, corporations and all other forms of commerce, the extension ".CO," has entered the market.

Aurora Generators Inc has acquired the domain names related to popular generator search terms

BackupGenerators.CO
DieselGenerators.CO
GasGenerators.CO
GeneratorReviews.CO
Generators.CO
PortableGenerators.CO
PowerGenerators.CO
StandbyGenerators.CO

Ontario Power Authority suggests new price for micro generators

2010-07-08T09:08:00.000-04:00

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has decided it wants to revise downward the price it is prepared to pay for new grid-tied ground-based micro electricity generation, opening negotiations with a new suggested price of 58.8 cents per kWh.

In a press release issued on July 2, 2010, Colin Anderson, CEO of the OPA is quoted as saying "The OPA believes the new price category is fair, reasonable, more accurately reflects the costs associated with ground-mounted projects and maintains the long-term stability of the program. It enables the program to continue to meet its original goals and provides proper value to both generators and ratepayers."

The OPA, which operates under the auspices of Ontario's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, has the delicate task of encouraging new generation of green power, while at the same time paying as little as it can on behalf of consumers.

The MicroFIT (Micro Feed In Tariff) Program is designed to enable homeowners, landowners, farmers and others to privately install Photo-Voltaic (PV) and other installations that would feed green energy from non-centralized locations back into the grid. This would reduce Ontario's dependency on fossil fuel-based generation capacity, replacing some of the energy requirement with non-polluting sources such as PV, wind and micro hydroelectric. The PV installations would be small (less than 10 kiloWatts capacity), and could be mounted on a roof or on the ground.

Initially, under the old RESOP programme, the price was fixed at about 42 cents per kWh (kiloWatt-hour) generated, guaranteed over the life of a 20 year contract. Subsequently, in the MicroFIT programme, the price was revised upwards to 80.2 cents per kWh to encourage more interest. This resulted in 16,000 new applications which placed a strain on the capacity of the authority to process applications, leading to significant delays in the approval process for potential generators.

The OPA clearly feels that at 80 cents it has overpriced the offer and is seeking a reduction in the price for ground-mounted systems. At 58.8 cents, the new suggested price is 25% lower than the price which attracted so many expressions of interest.
The programme has spawned an industry whose major stakeholders are the hydro power consumers (represented by the OPA), the individual producers, and a number of specialist technical companies who offer support to set up the generating capacity for the producers, providing various services including supply and installation of equipment to arranging inspections and permits.
The change in price has come as a pleasant surprise to consumers, but some potential generators on the waiting list are not very happy.
Steven Kayser, CEO of Greenworks Solar Power of Ottawa, Ontario, notes, "With the announcement of a possible new price category for ground-mounted systems, there has been significant concern from potential customers and we are happy to see that they are expressing their concerns to the Ontario Power Authority. If the OPA does decide to create a new price category, however, the onus will fall on companies providing ground-mounted systems to find ways of providing their customers with a system that can still provide them a reasonable rate of return. GreenWorks remains a strong believer in the microFIT program, and is prepared to take the steps necessary to be able to continue to provide their customers with an excellent investment."
In order to assist landowners to decide whether the investment is a wise one or not, organizations such as RetScreen International have developed freely-available spreadsheet applications which take various parameters such as geographical information, a database of the productive capacity of a range of solar panels and the price per kWh as input and provide an output summary of the benefits and costs, both real and economic, of the installation. The result is a picture of the profitability of the project, providing the payback intervals and the expected rate of return before taxes.
Given this change in one of the most important parameters, thousands of Ontario landowners, farmers and entrepreneurs will be revising their spreadsheets and also their opinions as to whether to proceed with their plans or not.
Some potential investors are finding that while the price of 80.2 cents compares favourably with a bond at 3%, the new suggested price does not. "Everyone can make up their own numbers" said one commentator; a critical point in the calculation appears to be how the equipment is valued at the end of the contract. Will the panels still be worth something or will some new technology come along to supercede them?
Others are caught in the unenviable position of having signed a contract for installation based on an expected revenue stream at 80.2 cents but do not yet have a contract with OPA for that price.

As reported in the website Ottawariverinstitute.org "MicroFIT solar systems are now installed & running with Hydro & ESA approvals but no contract from the uncommunicative OPA. We need to appreciate that no 2 systems will be installed at necessarily the same cost, & that a financial analysis based on an understood revenue stream is needed for a decision. Many have done this at 80.2 cents. "

A typical installation requires a capital investment of $50,000 to $100,000 depending on capacity, and is intended to repay through generation revenues both the cost of the installation and provide an economic return over the life of a the 20-year contract.
According to the OPA press release, the OPA will be holding webinars to discuss this new proposal and is inviting comments. Details are available from the microFIT website.
Some generators who are already signed up to the programme and have been generating power have yet to see any payments from OPA.

In a letter to the editor of the Frontenac News, Tom Kaemmer of Frontenac County in Eastern Ontario reports "One and a half years ago my wife and I put 14 solar panels on the roof of our house. We considered it a good investment both environmentally and financially. We keep hearing about the micro Fit program and all its benefits. To date it has only benefited Hydro 1, the OPA (Ont. Power Authority), the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), the politicians and the installer of the system."

When contacted on July 6 Kaemmer confirmed that he is still waiting for his first cheque, and as a result of the appearance of the letter in the Frontenac News he has been contacted by others who are similarly waiting for payment, in one case for two years.
One Ontario resident, a participant in the MicroFIT programme who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed the view that even at 58.8 cents there was still a fair return on investment for potential investors. He suggested that OPA was ensuring that cheques were going to those who signed contracts for the MicroFIT programme before those who switched from the old RESOP programme to the MicroFIT scheme in order to benefit from the higher rate.

Aging grid puts us at risk of more blackouts

2010-07-07T18:24:00.001-04:00

Aging grid puts us at risk of more blackouts

"The transmission grid that delivers power to local utilities throughout North America was developed about 50 years ago. If the system is not refurbished it will become more prone to power outages."

The above video shows the recent power station fire in Toronto that knocked out power to more then 240,000 people.

We can expect more days like Monday when a Toronto Hydro One breaker burst into flames, leaving 240,000 sweltering residents in the province’s largest city without power during a heat wave. Much of the Crown-owned utility’s equipment is nearing the end of its design life. As the provincial government reins in spending for political purposes, it is neglecting the aging infrastructure that keeps the air conditioners humming, critics say.

... The time to buy a backup generator is now before your left in the dark!

Toronto Blackout

2010-07-06T18:15:00.000-04:00

Toronto Blackout Coincides With Extreme Heat Alert as Temperatures Soar

Provincial engineers are investigating a transformer fire that blacked out about a third of Canada’s largest city for up to four hours yesterday as a heat wave struck the U.S. Northeast and Canada.

The outage at about 4:45 p.m. in the city’s west end darkened parts of downtown and west Toronto, affecting about 250,000 people, said Hydro One, the government agency that oversees Ontario’s power distribution network.

Power was restored by 8:25 p.m. and an investigation to determine the cause of the outage was underway, the agency said.

“Our engineers and our staff will investigate to see what happened with our equipment,” said Daniele Gauvin, a spokeswoman at Hydro One.

Gauvin couldn’t say whether hot weather, power demand or aging equipment contributed to the blackout. Demand was not a factor in the outage, according to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

“We’re not relying on imports to meet demand,” said Alexandra Campbell, a spokeswoman for the system operator. “We have enough generation in Ontario to meet demand every day through this hot spell.”

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued an extreme heat alert yesterday when temperatures soared to 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit), making it the hottest day in three years. Temperatures were forecast to remain at about that level until July 9, Environment Canada, the national weather agency, reported.

Heat Alert

The alert is to stay in effect until further notice, the city of Toronto said on its website.

The blackout knocked out part of a west end subway line, slowed road traffic without stoplights and darkened an event led by the U.K. Prince Philip, who was visiting the city with Queen Elizabeth, Canada’s ceremonial head of state.

Some high rises in the downtown financial district switched to backup generators while elsewhere firefighters rescued people stuck in 50 elevators, said Captain Mike Strapko of Toronto Fire Services.

Hawaii Widespread Power Failure

2010-07-04T22:09:00.000-04:00

All power has been restored to the Big Island. About 63,000 customers were left in the dark shortly after 8:30 p.m. when several generators unexpectedly tripped off-line, a HELCO representative said.
Crews were dispatched immediately and all power was back up before 10:45 p.m.

200 Amp Automatic Transfer Switch

2010-07-01T23:06:00.000-04:00

Aurora Generators is about to release a new 200 amp 3 pole Automatic Transfer Switch. Connection to an existing generator is very simple and requires very little hook-up. Customers will love the super strong construction, lockable enclosure and low price, it is expected to be released July 2010 and retail for under $700.00 making it a fraction of the price others currently sell them for.

U.S. is Unprepared For Massive Solar Flare

2010-06-28T17:54:00.000-04:00

Dire warning: U.S. unprepared for massive solar flare storm; could lose power, communications

It may sound like the premise for the next Michael Bay, big-budget action extravaganza -- but scientists say a storm from space could change life on Earth as we know it.

And the United States is woefully unprepared for such a disaster, according to a new report.

The potential threat, detailed in a National Academy of Sciences, Severe Space Weather Events report, said radiation bombarding the planet from powerful solar flares could result in the loss of power, water and communications on a global scale.

"It's very likely in the next 10 years that we will have some impact like that described in the National Academy report," Dr. Richard Fisher, director of NASA's heliophysics division, told the Daily News. "Although I don't know to what degree."

Fisher explained that the sun works on an 11-year cycle, and is now emerging from its quiet period.

The next phase -- the solar maximum -- lasts from 2012 to 2015. During this period of time, massive solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can occur which could be strong enough to knock out satellites, disable high-voltage transformers, and cripple communications worldwide.

Doug Biesecker, top solar physicist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), told the News severe solar storms have occurred in the past. The strongest was in 1859, and rendered telegraph machines useless. Another slightly smaller geomagnetic storm occurred in 1921.

"If the 1921 storm happened today, it would knock out power from Maine to Georgia," Biesecker said. It would affect "130 million people and 350 transformers."

Transformers, he noted, can take over a year to fix and are not made in the U.S.

"This raises all kinds of geopolitical issues," said John Kappenman, a principal of Storm Analysis Consultants and the lead technical expert for a study conducted by the Metatech Corp. on the potential impact of solar storms.

"If the blackout affected more than one country, the U.S. would not necessarily be the first in line to get one," he said, noting that transformers are made in Europe, Brazil, China and India.

In addition, it would take a well-trained crew to install new transformers, which weigh more than 100 tons and would need to be shipped via ocean
liners.

Just getting them here "could drag on for several weeks if the transportation sector is compromised," Kappenman said.

Unlike a hurricane, Kappenman said the aftermath of a solar storm could be widespread, with 50% to 75% of the country affected. "We could have a blackout
like never before," he said. It took only a few days to get back to normal after the 1977 or 2003 blackouts. "This time, you might not get back to normal at all."

Chicago Storms - 100,000 in the dark.

2010-06-20T10:06:00.003-04:00

100,000 still in dark a day after storms.

Nearly 100,000 Commonwealth Edison customers remained without power late Saturday in the aftermath of vicious storms that uprooted trees, shattered windows and downed power lines throughout the Chicago area.

The powerless included 34,000 in the city, ComEd spokesman Jeff Burdick said.

(EmergencyPower.com delivers backup generators, standby generators and portable generators to those effected by power outages)

The utility company anticipates the majority of customers should have service restored by tonight, but others might not get power for several days, Burdick said.

In northwest suburban Hawthorn Woods, a boil order for tap water was issued Saturday to residents because of a power outage.

The outage was so infuriating to an Oak Lawn man that he called 911 and threatened to shoot someone because he was so distraught over not having power, police said. After a three-hour standoff, the man, whom police did not identify, was arrested in the home he shared with his mother.

In total, 550,000 customers lost power at some point during the two bands of storms Friday, Burdick said.

He said northwest suburban Des Plaines was one of the hardest hit areas, with almost 30 high-voltage transmission poles "mangled" or knocked over by high winds.

Chicago reported Saturday that 44 crews had responded to nearly 3,000 reports of downed trees since the storm hit.

Just a day after shards of glass fell from windows blown out at the Willis Tower, police reported shattered glass fell from the American Girl Store, 835 N. Michigan, Saturday afternoon. One person hit by the glass was hospitalized in good condition. Officials, however, could not confirm reports that the Friday storms had weakened the windows.

WB447-S Oil Filters

2010-06-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

Laidong Engine Filters - Baldwin WB477-S

Own a diesel engine or farm tractor with the Laidong 4L22BD or KM385 engine? If you do then you know the filters those engines are made by Baldwin. The problem is not all Baldwin filters are available in North America, or at least not until now.

Many people claim the WB477-S filter is hard to find so owners of diesel generators and Jinma tractors have been using cheap substitutes that the engine is not designed for. Using the wrong filter can cause more harm then good.

Now you can go to EmergnecyPower.com and buy the original filters and have the delivered to Canada and the USA in 2 - 3 days.

NY landlord pleads guilty in tenant deaths

2010-06-16T18:42:00.002-04:00

NY landlord pleads guilty in tenant deaths.

(AP) — RIVERHEAD, N.Y. - A New York landlord has pleaded guilty to negligence charges following the 2007 carbon monoxide deaths of three people, including a young mother and her 4-year-old daughter.

Wilson Milord faces up to 4 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 9. He entered guilty pleas to three counts of criminally negligent homicide as jury selection was beginning on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Milord placed a gasoline-powered generator in a West Babylon home he owned, instead of providing an electrical hookup.

Tanisha Armstrong and her daughter, Talani Johnson, as well as a downstairs tenant in the house, were overcome by fumes from the generator and died in their sleep on Nov. 20, 2007.

Milord also pleaded guilty to grand larceny and forgery charges in an unrelated mortgage fraud case."

LA Brownout

2010-06-15T16:50:00.004-04:00

LA-area power 'dip' causes flickering, TV station outages

STUDIO CITY - A power 'dip' centered in the Studio City area caused lights to flicker at some Los Angeles-area homes and businesses today, but Department of Water and Power officials said the unusual occurrence did not cause any power outages.

'We suffered a dip about 3:15 p.m. in the Studio City area,' said Brooks Baker of the DWP. 'We lost no power and had no outages,' he said. 'People might have noticed their lights flickering.' The timing of the dip coincided with sister television stations KCAL9 and CBS2 being knocked off the air for about an hour. KCAL reported on its website that the stations were being affected by a power outage.

The Los Angeles Times, meanwhile, reported that traffic lights were knocked out of service at two dozen intersections around the city.

Baker said DWP crews were sent to customers who reported power troubles, though he could not provide details on which customers were impacted.

The cause of the power 'dip' was under investigation, said DWP spokeswoman Gale Harris."

Plans To Secure Power Grid From Terrorists, Solar Storms

2010-06-15T13:08:00.000-04:00

Plans To Secure Power Grid From Terrorists, Solar Storms

Electricity is all around us. It lifts elevators, pumps gas, lights rooms, cooks food, and even powers a growing fleet of cars. We generally take the vast electric grid for granted until it turns off. Only then do we realize how important it is. Blackouts owing to technical foul-ups are bad enough, but new hazards, some malicious and some from nature, threaten to create electrical disturbances on an unprecedented scale.

New legislation, passed June 9 by the U.S. House of Representatives and referred to the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources committee, hopes to strengthen the grid’s robustness against attacks of many kinds. The immediate aim of the Grid Reliability and Infrastructure Defense Act is to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the main federal agency responsible for electricity matters, to establish security rules for utilities and other energy companies.

The GRID Act amends the old power law by recognizing several threats to the grid. One of these is an attack that tampers with grid computer control systems. Some utilities report fending off thousands of such cyber-attacks per day. Another is infrequent but potent geomagnetic storms, which can happen when eruptions of material from the sun send cascades of particles into Earth's atmosphere. These particles can cause beautiful auroral displays ("northern lights"), but can burn out the wiring in orbiting satellites and induce short-lived but large voltage surges in grid equipment on the ground. Past such storms have burned out expensive equipment and left millions in the dark. A carefully detonated nuclear bomb could emit radiation pulses that could do some of the same damage.

"The electric grid's vulnerability to cyber and other attacks is one of the single greatest threats to our national security," said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., chairman of the Energy and Environment subcommittee and one of the sponsors of the bill. "Every one of our nation’s critical systems -- defense, water, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, law enforcement, and financial services -- depends on the grid. This bipartisan legislation is critical to protecting the United States against this emerging threat."

One of the chief fears addressed by the GRID Act is that a major power outage might be long-lasting, especially if critical components were affected. Even "a small disruption in the power supply can wreak havoc on our economy, while an extended blackout of months would be catastrophic," said Rep. Fred Upton, R- Mich., another sponsor of the bill.

The GRID Act stipulates that energy companies take more precautions to guard against the highlighted threats. This would include having more spare parts on hand to deal with breakdowns. Transformers, the bulky devices that change electricity from one voltage to another, are particularly vulnerable to disturbances. Companies might pool their resources, and if necessary pass along the cost of extra equipment directly to consumers.

The act also creates a category of "protected" technology security information that is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, the better to foil those who would plan terror attacks on the grid.

Squirrel causes power outage for 12,000 in N.J.

2010-06-15T12:42:00.000-04:00

A squirrel got into an Atlantic City Electric substation and caused a power outage for 12,000 customers in Gloucester and Cumberland Counties on Monday, the utility's spokesman said.

The substation in Washington Township suffered equipment failure at 11:18 a.m., said spokesman Arthur Garcia. By 2 p.m., the number of customers experiencing the outage had dropped from 12,000 to about 2,100. By 4:40 p.m., the total had fallen to 38. The squirrel was electrocuted.

Carbon Monoxide Generator Death

2010-06-13T17:25:00.000-04:00

Three people found dead in their home after power was shut off due to unpaid bills. Reports say the man aged 18, 20 and 21 where running a gas generator indoors and died of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The home on Hyattsville had been foreclosed and the men where planning on moving by the end of the month. The generator was just purchased a day earlier.

A fire department spokesman said that autopsies would be performed but that the deaths appear to be accidental, the result of inhaling too much carbon monoxide from the generator in the basement.

Overnight Power Outage Affects 15,000 Customers

2010-06-12T12:39:00.000-04:00

TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- Residents in much of eastern Kern County were left in the dark Thursday night and into Friday morning after a downed power line caused a widespread blackout.

On Thursday, power started going in and out around 9:30 p.m. Each time the power went out, it seemed to stay out longer. First it was just for a few seconds, next a few minutes, with the last power outage starting just after 10 p.m. and lasting throughout the night and into the early Friday morning.

According to Southern California Edison, the wide spread blackout was caused when wind blew three power lines down in the area of Oak Creek and Tehachapi Willow Springs Roads.

The downed power lines sparked a 21-acre brush fire according to the Kern County Fire Department, and the downed power lines also caused nearly 15,000 customers in Tehachapi, Bear Valley, Stallion Springs, Mojave, Caliente and even as far away as Kernville to lose power.

One of the customers, who rely heavily on electricity no matter what time a day, is the Tehachapi Hospital. CEO Alan Burgess said the power outage caused the computers to go do down for a brief period of time, but thanks to the generators, the power outage didn’t have any long-term effects on the hospital or patient care.

“Overall things went really well. We didn’t have any significant problems. In fact, in the emergency room, I spoke with the doctor that was on last night and he said it just kind of clicked for a second and the lights came right back on and he was able to go about business as normal,” said Burgess.

The Tehachapi Police Department said during the outage they did increase patrols on the streets and despite a few false alarms when the power first went out, they did not see an increase in emergency calls during the outage.

Southern California Edison was able to restore power throughout the early-morning hours, with power to all of the affected areas being restored around 4 a.m..

For tips on how to prepare for a power outage and who to call for up to date information, you can visit Southern California Edison’s Outage Center online at www.SCE.com.

Can Elmo cause a power outage?

2010-06-12T12:19:00.002-04:00

Mylar Elmo - Not such a happy birthday when the lights go out thanks to balloons like this Elmo one.

WATSONVILLE CA - A power outage that left thousands of Watsonville CA residents without power Thursday evening was caused by a mylar balloon drifting into a powerline, PG&E spokesman Kory Raftery said Friday.

The outage occurred around 4:40 p.m. and affected a large part of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. About 3,000 customers were without power while crews worked to repair the disrupted electrical service.

Statewide, metallic balloons striking power lines cause 100-150 power outages a year, Raftery said.

Blackout 2013

2010-06-11T17:30:00.001-04:00

Solar storms are expected to knock out power systems by 2013 leaving us with the biggest power blackout we have ever seen. There is always good reason to own a power generator or home standby generator but now there is even more reason to not put it off much longer.

NASA has come up with a new way for the Earth to be destroyed – solar storms.

"The sun is waking up from a deep slumber, and in the next few years we expect to see much higher levels of solar activity," said NASA scientist Richard Fisher in a release . "At the same time, our technological society has developed an unprecedented sensitivity to solar storms. The intersection of these two issues is what we're getting together to discuss."

The discussion at the Space Weather Enterprise Forum 2010 to be held on June 8 in Washington, D.C. will focus on the "next peak of solar activity expected in 2013."

The National Academy of Sciences released a report two years ago entitled "Severe Space Weather Events – Societal and Economic Impacts." It warned that a solar activity storm could "could cause twenty times more economic damage than Hurricane Katrina."

Smart power grids, GPS navigation, air travel, financial services and emergency radio communications can all be knocked out by intense solar activity.

There is hope, NASA said, putting satellites in 'safe mode' and disconnecting transformers can protect them from damaging electrical surges. Also NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colo. would have the job of predicting solar activity in time that the nation could prepare.

A huge solar flare caused a geomagnetic storm on September 1-2, 1859 that swept over Earth. NASA Science News reported that within hours, telegraph wires in both the United States and Europe spontaneously shorted out, causing numerous fires, while the Northern Lights, solar-induced phenomena more closely associated with regions near Earth's North Pole, were documented as far south as Rome, Havana and Hawaii, with similar effects at the South Pole.

Scientists are preparing for the modern day equivalent of such a cycle as the sun's solar cycle is expected to peek at about the same level in May 2013 as it did in 1859.

NPR reported that government officials said such a storm could leave millions of people without electricity, running water or phone service. That was the conclusion after taking part in a tabletop exercise that looked at what might happen today if the Earth would see such a storm.

"A contemporary repetition of the (1859) event would cause significantly more extensive (and possibly catastrophic) social and economic disruptions," FOX News quoted researchers as saying.

Solar storms occur when an eruption or explosion on the sun's surface sends radiation or electrically charged particles toward the Earth. Minor storms can interfere with radio signals. A large one can release as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs, according to the NPR repport.

As far as what ordinary people should do? Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said to NPR that the standard emergency kit containing food, water and first aid supplies should work fine.

National Geographic explains....

Texas Hurricanes Hyperactive Season

2010-06-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

Southeast Texas braces for hyperactive hurricane season

Meteorologists throughout the Gulf Coast area are crossing their fingers. Hurricane season began June 1, and this year looks like a doozie.

“Harris County remains among the best-prepared metropolitan areas in the country for responding to natural or man-made disasters,” said County Judge Ed Emmett. “Experts have predicted a highly active hurricane season, but I remind residents that it only takes one storm to devastate a community.”

Residents of the Gulf Coast are all too aware of this. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina drew international attention as parts of Louisiana were completely submerged due to the breaking of levees and storm surge prior to any actual raining.

The national disaster revealed some major shortcomings in the nation’s ability to respond to such devastating weather events while showcasing the strength of everyday Americans, who are ready to lend a hand even as their world comes crumbling down.

In 2008, the North Channel and Lake Houston areas witnessed their own bit of devastation in the form of Hurricane Ike. Even though it was nearly two years ago, there are folks and property that have never fully recovered.

After the event, what had formerly been respectable property and landscaping was tossed carelessly about and it seemed that all the water might never go away. In the middle of neighborhoods and near waterways, boats and wreckage were piled high as if some evil force had purposely sought to demoralize those who returned.

Experts say the average hurricane season sees approximately 10 storms. Six of those become full-blown hurricanes, and of those six, two will become Category 3 or higher, meaning sustained winds that reach between 111 and 130 miles per hour. Some forecasts project this year is likely to see 15 storms, with four of them becoming major hurricanes and four others amounting to lesser hurricanes.

However, despite all the damage that was done and the lives that were lost, Hurricane Ike hit this area only as a Category 2 storm, or winds reaching between 96 and 110 miles per hour.

Now, as Southeast Texas, and the rest of the Gulf Coast, prepares for another active season, just about everyone is taking precautions and thinking about how to avoid unnecessary human loss.

“The decision to evacuate is based on information provided by the National Weather Service and local offices of emergency management,” Emmett said. “Once your local officials order an evacuation, you should follow instructions on when you evacuate, what to do and where to go.”

Evacuation is more than just an expensive hassle. It is a potentially life-saving precaution. It was reported that some 112 died in the United States as a result of Hurricane Ike. Many of the deaths could have been avoided simply by listening to sound advice and getting out of town.

“Precinct Two gets hit first, and it gets hit hardest during Hurricane Season,” said Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 2 Sylvia Garcia. “We have already reviewed and enhanced our precinct emergency plans to respond immediately when the next major storm hits. I encourage all residents to review their plans: plans for power outages, loss of food and water and, yes, even plans for evacuation.”

The thing to remember is that despite all the science used monitoring the situation and all man’s best laid plans, if a hurricane wants to strike, it will strike.

“Your ability to survive disaster depends on you doing your own part to prepare for the unexpected,” Emmett said. “An involved community is a well-prepared community and your partnership with Harris County is the foundation of our homeland security and emergency management strategy.”

Make sure to check out the Sentinels next week for our exclusive Hurricane guide that will be complete with maps and other resources.

“Don’t let your guard down,” Emmett said. “A hurricane, tropical storm, flood or other disaster can occur at any time. Some simple steps will keep you and your family safe. Make a supply kit. Stock enough food, water and emergency supplies for a week. Have a plan to evacuate if necessary. And, at all times, stay informed.”

First Hurricane of 2010 ?

2010-06-09T21:29:00.001-04:00

A cluster of thunderstorms has developed in the Atlantic and moving westward through the Lesser Antilles Islands. This area is along the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and in warm waters favorable for development. However, the strong easterly wind flow may be too much for this wave to fully develop.

The National Hurricane Center is watching this region, but has given it a low probability of development in the next 48 hours. That does not mean it is a gonner, when conditions may become more favorable this weekend in the central Caribbean. Here is the latest statement:

A LARGE AREA OF CLOUDINESS AND SHOWERS MOVING WESTWARD ACROSS THE WINDWARD ISLANDS AND THE SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN SEA IS ASSOCIATED

WITH A TROPICAL WAVE. SURFACE PRESSURES REMAIN HIGH AND UPPER-LEVEL

WINDS ARE NOT CURRENTLY FAVORABLE FOR SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT.

THERE IS A LOW CHANCE...10 PERCENT...OF THIS SYSTEM BECOMING A

TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

Minnesota Power Outage

2010-06-09T16:42:00.002-04:00

Visit EmergencyPower.com for Emergency Standby Generators

WILLMAR — Willmar Municipal Utilities is investigating the sequence of events and equipment failure at the south substation that caused a two-hour power outage May 18 in Willmar and parts of Kandiyohi County, according to Bruce Gomm, utility general manager.

Gomm discussed the outage Monday night with the City Council. The outage was the largest in city history since the utility began keeping detailed records in 1993.

The outage occurred while utility employees were performing a planned and budgeted equipment replacement and upgrade at the 40-plus-year-old substation, Gomm said. The substation feeds not only all of Willmar but a large portion of the county.

“A lot of power for the region goes through that substation,’’ Gomm said. “It’s a major event and we scrambled to get it back up as fast as we can. The cards were stacked against us.’’

The work began at 5:30 a.m. when power from a 230,000-volt Great River Energy transmission line from Granite Falls was switched to a 115,000-volt line that connects to Paynesville. The power was switched to take the larger line out of service and allow the repair work to proceed.

Gomm said Great River Energy was in charge of the switching procedure and Willmar linemen were following GRE’s detailed and specific switching procedure. Gomm said the line crew and power plant personnel completed the upgrades by about 5:30 p.m., or about 2½ hours ahead of schedule.

“It all went better than expected, actually,’’ said Gomm. “We were ahead of schedule. We initially didn’t expect to be complete until 8 p.m.’’

He said the crew was switching the power back to the normal 230-KV line when during the switching procedure a relay caused the substation to “trip out.’’ A relay monitoring the line status sensed an abnormal condition and set in motion a protection scheme to shut down the line segments. This caused a cascading effect, which shut down the substation.

“We were following their switching procedure and we’re still investigating what sequence of events caused the trip that happened. I can’t say much more than that, other than it’s extremely important for us to understand why that happened,’’ Gomm said.

The problem was compounded when a battery bank, which would have provided control power to restart the substation, failed within 60 seconds of the outage.

“Before we were in a position where we figured out exactly what had happened, and exactly what we needed to do to bring the station back, we were dealt a second blow where we didn’t have control power anymore to perform the switching,’’ said Gomm.

“It was a challenge to figure out on the fly. It took some investigating and some quick thinking on behalf of our line crew to hook up a portable generator they had been using earlier in the day to the battery charger and try to recharge the battery enough to get the switching going,’’ he said.

At 7:36 p.m., power was restored to over 99 percent of Willmar customers. At 8 p.m., all service was restored.

Gomm said a temporary battery was in place within a few days and a permanent replacement was ordered while the battery failure is investigated.

After the outage, Gomm said staff reviewed the battery testing protocol. He said batteries at all substations are tested monthly. An investigation indicated the utility could have been performing a more thorough test, which Gomm said has since been implemented.

Gomm said employees did a very good job in responding to the outage. He said several office employees came in to take calls and inform major customers of power status.

The power plant was 75 percent ready to provide power to the town when the outage ended. Gomm said the plant would have been powering the town within that 2-hour period.

Afterward, Gomm said he was told people heard banging or explosions downtown. Gomm said the sound was coming from the power plant as boiler steam was released by pressure relief valves.

Gomm said Willmar will tie into a new substation that GRE will be constructing in 2012 in the Spicer area to provide a second transmission source.

Gomm said electricity is an integral part of life.

“Because it’s so readily available and off so infrequently, a lot of people can take it for granted and forget how important it is to them,’’ he said.

3,995 homes sweat out all-day power outage

2010-06-09T16:22:00.000-04:00

A large chunk of Palm Desert sweltered in 108-degree heat Monday during an all-day power outage
that struck 3,995 homes.

The outage at a Southern California Edison substation hit at 4:47 a.m. after a transformer connection failed.

Full power was restored 9:23 p.m., according to a SoCal Edison spokeswoman.

The blackout area stretched from Frank Sinatra Drive in the north to Hovley Lane East in the south, and from Washington Street in the east to Portola Avenue in the west.

About 220 residents around Cook Street and Hovley Lane had their power restored about 3 p.m., said
Steve Conroy, an Edison spokesman, but the majority of residents had to wait.

“We have to repair a large piece of equipment,” Conroy said.

The impact of the outage spread throughout the city as the day progressed:

Traffic signals along Country Club were knocked out, delaying the morning commute. City crews were
able to fix some that had backup generators and put out temporary stop signs for others, said David
Hermann, city spokesman.

Reagan Elementary, 39-800 Liberty Drive, was closed and students were sent home about 10:45a.
m. because classrooms were getting too hot, officials from the Desert Sands Unified School District said.

No other schools in the district were affected.

By midday, city officials announced that cooling centers were open at the Joslyn Center, 73-750 Catalina Way, and the Palm Desert Community

Center, 43-900 San Pablo Ave.

Local businesses stepped up to help out people impacted by the outage.

Courtyard Marriott, 74-895 Frank Sinatra Drive, offered a $30 discount Monday off the normal $89
rate.

As of 9:30 p.m., 30 rooms had been booked at the lower rate.

Meanwhile, the Stater Bros. at 78-210 Varner Road donated 200 pounds of ice to the American Red
Cross to go toward the cooling center at the Palm Desert Community Center.

C&C Cleaners at Cook Street and County Club Drive is usually open until 6 p.m., but owner David Lee closed shop about 3:45 p.m.

“I got a headache and I've been sweating all day,” he
said.

Lee arrived at his business about 6:30 a.m. to find it in the dark, and sent six employees home once it
became clear the lights wouldn't be coming on anytime soon.

He expected staff to come in about 5 a.m. today — two hours earlier than usual — to take care of the
cleaning that couldn't be done Monday.

Marly Bergerud runs a technology software and hardware company out of her home and was finishing a presentation Monday.

Instead, she found herself throwing away “hundreds of dollars of food.” Her presentation, which was due Monday, went unfinished.

“I can deal with an outage for a few hours, but the entire work day is impossible,” Bergerud said.

Despite the discomforts and frustrations of the day, Thomas tried to remain upbeat.

“I'm surviving,” she said. “I think of people in Haiti. We don't have it so bad.”

Diesel Generators that run on Algae

2010-06-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

Diesel Generators powered by Algae?

Tiny, slimy East Coast algae could eventually be a viable form of fuel for everything from jets to diesel generators and power a new Canadian industry, research scientists said Friday.

Federal scientists and their private-sector partners said a $5-million National Research Council project in Nova Scotia that will test the creation of biofuels from the unicellular organism could help ignite a provincial energy industry.

"It's really cool," Gary Goodyear, the federal minister of science and technology, said during the funding announcement.

The algae — a microscopic version of the green slime that fouls pools and fish tanks — could be used in huge pools for absorption of carbon dioxide. And the chemical reaction of the carbon dioxide, water and organisms produces oxygen, sugars, proteins and plant oils that can be used in engines.

"Biofuels made from algae have the potential to deliver clean air, clean energy, clean water and also have clear economic benefits," said Goodyear.

Wider applications

Algae is already being used to produce biodiesel fuels in North America, but researchers at the National Research Council see wider applications in provinces such as Nova Scotia that rely heavily on coal-fired electricity plants.

Gerry Glazier, president of Carbon2Algae Inc., said he imagines a future where smokestacks from coal-burning power plants could infuse their carbon dioxide into huge containers of the hungry micro-organisms. His company has a method to inject the gas from fossil fuel plants into the algae.

Glazier said his company's early results show the algae infused with the greenhouse gases produce larger amounts of plant oils.

"We're pleased to see the way it's working," he said, gesturing at a jar of swirling, dark green organisms. "We've only done one test for oil and that was spectacular — the oil content increased by 75 per cent."

The entrepreneur said he sees the technology operating side by side with power plants and predicted the first production facility might be in Nova Scotia, if the algae tests in Ketch Harbour go well and funding is found

"We need partners. We need money. We're burning our own personal money at this point," he said, adding he's approached Nova Scotia Power Inc. to see whether they're interested in a pilot project.

State Of Emergency - Leamington Ontario

2010-06-06T08:53:00.000-04:00

State of emergency declared in Leamington

LEAMINGTON, Ont. -- A state of emergency has been declared in Leamington as of 6:25 a.m. Sunday after a tornado swept through the town downing trees, power lines and destroying homes, a spokeswoman said.

No death or injuries have been reported, but weather has caused severe structural and tree damage.

"It's pretty extensive," said Anne Miskovski, spokeswoman for the Town of Leamington emergency management team. "There's a lot of property damage."

The tornado touched down around 3 a.m., Miskovski said.

"We were completely unaware of it coming," she said.

It destroyed properties in the area bordered by County Road 20, also known as Seacliff Drive, Fraser Road and Bevel Line.

Emergency crews assessing the damage have set up road blocks and are warning the public to avoid the storm scene while they look for potential victims under the debris.

"Because there are power outtages and downed power lines, people are cautioned to be very, very careful," Miskovski said.

Ramsond Generator Reviews

2010-06-04T07:16:00.001-04:00

Ramsond Generator Reviews

Thinking of buying a Ramsond Generator? Try searching on google for "Ramsond Generator Reviews" You will be amazed at what you find.

One search resulted in a review form the Better Business Bureau who rates them with an "F" That is the lowest rating a company can receive. Sites like RipOffReport.com and other consumer complaint forums are showing that Ramsond is not alone. DuroPower Generator Reviews shows hundreds of complaints also. What is going on with these companies?

Toronto Hydro

2010-06-02T14:53:00.000-04:00

Toronto Hydro Power Outage Darkens Central Business District

Power has been restored in downtown Toronto after a 90-minute outage affected thousands of people.

A Toronto Hydro spokeswoman had said it was believed an underground cable fault was to blame.

While lights flickered back on shortly after 1 p.m. for most of the area, it took another 20 minutes or so to bring three remaining buildings back up.

Hydro spokeswoman Tanya Bruckmueller says crews re-routed power and are now focusing on finding the source of the problem.

In all an estimated 20,000 customers saw their power go down around 11:35 a.m. ET.

The blacked-out area was bordered by Bay Street in the west, Jarvis in the east, Shuter to the north and Lakeshore Boulevard in the south.

The headquarters of the major banks were apparently not affected.

St. Michael's Hospital was affected but operated on emergency power, a spokesperson said.

The Toronto Stock Exchange was not hit by the outage, and streetcars and subway trains were also unaffected.

Firefighters were called to the scene of several buildings responding to calls about people trapped in elevators. People were also using Twitter to say they were stuck in elevators. One person tweeted there was someone trapped in an elevator at the CFL head office on Wellington Street, just east of Yonge.

Numerous traffic lights were also knocked out in the affected area, causing traffic snarl ups on streets already clogged with late morning traffic.

Toronto police spokeswoman Isabelle Cotton said officers were sent to those locations to keep traffic moving.

Gas Generator Review

2010-05-31T17:23:00.003-04:00

High Quality for under $500.00

You can't find a higher quality 3000 watt generator of this kind for under $500.00 Compare to any big box store generator and this one beats them hands down. Solid all metal welded frame is built to last. Most portable generator do not have 120 AND 240 volt outputs, this one does. It also includes a hour meter, volt mater and 12 volt battery charger output. All it takes is just one easy pull of the recoil starter and it it starts up every time. Its an amazing generator at an amazing price. Watch this video demo on Youtube and see for yourself just how easy it is to start.

It is made by Aurora and is just one of many generators they sell.

Forest Fires cause blackouts in N.E. Ontario Canada

2010-05-30T00:45:00.001-04:00

Thousands of people in northeastern Ontario are without power as swaths of forest fires sweep through the area.

One reported fire is burning a 2,300-hectare section in an area south of Hawk Junction, which is located about 800 kilometres northeast of Toronto.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said there are 236 fires burning in the region, which is high for this time of year.

One fire has destroyed hydro lines between Wawa and Chapleau, leaving 2,000 people without power. Chapleau Mayor Earle Freeborn said the town may be without power until early next week.

But he said backup generators will keep the hospital and water running despite the blackout.

"Something like 10 to 15 towers have been affected between Wawa and Chapleau," said Freeborn. "That's big damage and I can understand how it's going [to take a while] to get this back up and running."

Hydro One said it cannot send crews in to restore power until the fire is under control.

The fire is not threatening any populated areas at this time.

Shake A Generator To Death

2010-05-28T14:37:00.001-04:00

Many parts moving inside the engine create vibrations. Internally a balancing shaft offsets most imbalances. Any remaining oscillating forces that would normally be transmitted to the foundation are dampened using Anti Vibration Engine Mounts. For the engine mounts to do their job they must have a solid foundation to work against. Without this, the engine cannot work properly and will damage itself from the vibrations. Portable generators installed on a vehicle or boat will often break down faster. Portable generators need to be used on the ground or mounted on a firm surface. Personal residential use is what most warranties cover and that means it most often sitting in your garage for example and used from time to time, NOT eight hours a day to power your truck A/C or your boat for example.

Apache Generator Reviews

2010-05-26T16:25:00.003-04:00

Buyer Beware - You can't always trust what people tell you. At first glance you may be attracted to the idea that someone finally has a portable diesel generator that is greater then 6500 watts. Well hold on there a moment. Lets do the math. This Apache Diesel Generator being sold on eBay the seller claims it is 8500 Watts. Impossible! 10 HP is what this engine is rated at. The seller even says so. Do the math and convert 10 horse power to watts and it equals 7500 not 8500 watts. If there was no loss of energy to friction (heat) then I suppose it would be 100% efficient and be able to drive an alternator that produces 7500 watts but that is just not possible. They are not 100% efficient. They are 80% at best. That is 6000 watts and with no reserve or room for surges either.

It is impossible to get more energy then what you put into it. Now lets look at the outlets and add them up.

Ohms Law / The mathematical formula to calculate power says that Power = Voltage x Current. Note that the panel has a switch where you select what outlets are powered. Either the 120 volt outlet or the 240 volt outlet but NOT both. The 120 volt outlets are combined 20 amps and the ones next to it is 30 amps. That is 50 amps in total. The outlet can't handle more and the circuit breaker is fused at 20 amps. 50 amps x 120 volts ( more likely 115) = 6000 So the total power you can get from this generator IF the engine has enough power to supply it is 6000 watts.

Switch to the 240 outlet and it is fused at 30 amps That is 15 amps for each 120 volt phase for a total of 30 amps. 30 x 120 = 3600 Watts.

This is just the obvious, there are many other things you can point out. For example, there is no cold start pre heater and no remote. It is hardly worth the asking price and if you compare to others its not worth more then 600 - $700.00 Since the advertising is false what else can you expect ? This one one brand of generator I personally do not trust and I feel is using false advertising to try and sell it.

Power failure plunges Regina into darkness

2010-05-25T15:35:00.001-04:00

An early-morning power outage left a large part of Regina in darkness for about three hours.

An early-morning power outage, linked to equipment failure, plunged a large portion of Regina into darkness for about three hours on Saturday.

"There was a power outage in the city of Regina this morning," Paul Spasoff, a spokesman for SaskPower. "The power went out at 4:14 a.m. CST. It was restored shortly after 7 a.m."

"The cause of the outage was equipment problems in an area substation," Spasoff said, adding it was not related to the weather.

Regina and southern Saskatchewan were blasted with some snow and colder than normal temperatures overnight, the remnants of a weather system that hit Alberta earlier in the week.

According to SaskPower, about 12,900 homes and businesses were affected by the outage. Among them was CBC Radio, whose Regina office went without power for a time.

Standby Generator Video

2010-05-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

Many people think diesel generators smoke or make lots of noise. Watch this video of an Aurora Standby Generator and see how quiet it is. Notice at the end of the video when it is started and running that there is no smoke. Diesel Generators are a lot different then they where a few years ago.

Small Diesel Generator

2010-05-23T09:01:00.000-04:00

Small Diesel Generator:

A small diesel generator is a proficient technology among the family of generators. Buy from a manufacturer who has successfully cope in the international market and producing engine machinery over the years. You have diverse options when it comes to buying auxiliary power source in generators. These small diesel generators are good choice because they are portable so a lot of people prefer it. They are advantageous because they combine tiny size with high power-source capacity. There are many advantages of this brand of generator and people are choosing it as their supplementary power generators in case of power interruption or even as the main power source in some instances.

The diesel powered engine is a lot more advantageous than gasoline powered engine. There is no need for ignition so maintenance is made easy. Regardless of how often you use this power generator less maintenance is guaranteed. Generators are very helpful facilities in the home and anywhere you want it, they serve their purposes in any situation that call for it. But the small diesel generator proves to be high performance.

Diesel power generators are a lot better than other power generators because they operate with substitute fuels like biomass. Biomass produces less harmful emissions compared to most power generators available that are run by fuel. Therefore it is atmosphere friendly, among other things. To top it all, fuel consumption in generators powered by diesel is much less so expenses made for fuel will be low making it a popular choice among buyers.

A small diesel generator is a great backup for emergency power.
In places where power failures are common and impact long consistent blackouts or or where supply of power is a local issue, being able to use catch up power source is a big problem. Either you go through the routine of waiting until electricity comes back again, or you get your own source of power supply such as a small generator which is ideal for a lot of purposes. This is where the smallest generators come in very handy. Moreover, you can trust the system of diesel storage for a long period of time because unlike gasoline, diesel oil does not evaporate. It is also very safe because it not as much flammable as gas, petrol or propane.

If you decide to buy the small diesel generator, you have to obtain a suitable generator that corresponds to the specific requirements of your wattage. There are many models available for this kind of generator and many of them are of popular manufacturers as well. So if you have to invest for auxiliary power supply go for diesel generators, they are usually high power capacity and highly dependable in its capability to serve your needs. They are excellent solutions because of their advantages in fuel efficiency, less space for storage, less maintenance and of course, an adequate high power supply. Go for small generators because not only are they portable, they are especially convenient and handy!

More power black outs expected

2010-05-22T11:26:00.001-04:00

RESIDENTS of Honiara will continue to experience power black outs in the coming days and weeks due to mechanical problems to one of the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) main generators in Honiara.

This has resulted in load shedding currently experienced in the city, the SIEA management in a public advice yesterday said.

SIEA said the mechanical fault is related to a problem to their 4.2 megawatts generator which is currently under repair.

"It may take a week or two to complete the repair works," SIEA said.

The power shedding will see most of the six feeders experiencing power cuts two hours every day.

This is expected to affect residences, businesses, hospital, schools and other normal services.

Not only that but it will also affect the power supply to the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) pumping station at Kongulai, which means water shortage for certain parts of Honiara.

Yesterday, SIEA had advised some of its major clients to assist them by turning on their standby generators to cater for the expected power blackouts.

Apart from Honiara, Malu'u and Lata are also experiencing power problems due to mechanical fault.

Time to prepare for hurricane season

2010-05-20T16:08:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 and all are encouraged to prepare by preplanning.

Hurricanes have been a part of Texas coastal history as long as the state has been inhabited.

The Great Galveston Hurricane of Sept. 8, 1900 remains the worst natural disaster in the United States in numbers of lives lost in spite of recent hurricane losses.

What will the 2010 hurricane season bring? No matter what the forecast, it only takes one hurricane to make an impact on lives. Preparedness is the key to surviving any hurricane season.

What one does now may well save their life, their family and protect their property from the perils of hurricanes, this year and any year.

Now is the time to update emergency plans and double check emergency supply kits. Establish communication plans with family and friends, and learn in advance what travel routes lead to safety if a hurricane moves inland.

Disaster preparedness should include having a backup or standby generator, developing a family plan

creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go and Securing the home.

For more information on preparedness visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov

What if a Hurricane Katrina Hit the Gulf Oil Spill?

2010-05-20T15:43:00.001-04:00

The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season begins June 1, and scientists tracking the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are beginning to think about what would happen if a storm hit the growing slick.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration won’t release its initial hurricane season forecast until Thursday, but experts said it would only take one storm in the Gulf to complicate the ongoing effort to stanch the gushing oil and limit its environmental impact.

NOAA talking points list a number of open questions, such as whether the oil plume could affect storm formation by suppressing evaporation of Gulf water and how a hurricane could change the size and location of the oil slick. There’s little information about what would happen if a hurricane hit the spill, experts said.

Still, several scientists are worried that a hurricane could drive oil inland, soiling beaches and wetlands and pushing polluted water up river estuaries.

“My ‘oh, no’ thought is that a hurricane would pick up that oil and move it, along with salt, up into interior regions of the state that I am convinced the oil will not reach otherwise,” said Robert Twilley, an oceanographer at Louisiana State University.

“The bottom line is, how much oil are we going to get into our wetlands? We don’t know,” he said. “This thing is gushing out in these huge numbers.”

That’s a question that Florida State University researchers Steven Morey and Dmitry Dukhovskoy are trying to answer with computer models of storm surge and ocean currents.

A somewhat mixed picture “The storm could potentially transport the oil over some distance, we’re not sure how far,” said Morey, a physical oceanographer. “It could maybe break up the masses of the oil, through mixing. And it could also cause oil to wash over the land in a storm surge.”

He and Dukhovskoy hope to have initial results by the time the storm season begins in roughly two weeks. But first they must tweak their computer models to take oil’s physical properties into account.

“Oil on water changes the stress on the water from the winds,” Morey said. “Oil will essentially slide over the water and change the roughness of the water. That’s why we call it an oil slick. … The waves present a technical challenge, as well.”

But Dukhovskoy said he believes the hardest problem might be predicting the size and location of the slick at the beginning of hurricane season, so the scientists can feed it into their computer models.

While the government hasn’t released its initial predictions for this year’s hurricane season, other experts expect an active year.

Last month, Colorado State University forecasters Bill Gray and Phil Klotzbach said they “continue to see above-average activity for the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season.” The pair are betting that warm ocean temperatures and a weakening El Niño will produce 15 named storms, including eight hurricanes. Half of those, they say, will be major hurricanes — classified as Category 4 or 5.

An above-average hurricane year

Another hurricane watcher, AccuWeather meteorologist Joe Bastardi, puts that number even higher. He foresees 16 to 18 named storms, and believes this year’s hurricane season is in line with those of 1998, 2008 and the record-setting 2005 season, which produced hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Emily and Dennis, among others.

Back in Louisiana, Robert Twilley is thinking about the worst-case scenario and hoping that if Louisiana’s wetlands are hit, they’ll continue their remarkable recent streak of recovering from natural disasters.

In 2000, a drought in the southeastern United States turned 100,000 acres of Louisiana’s wetlands into mud flats, or “brown marsh.” In 2005, hurricanes Katrina and Rita carried Gulf water deep into the wetlands. Slow to drain out, the salty water dried out the marshes, Twilley said.

In both cases, scientists saw signs of recovery within a year. But there’s no formula for predicting how resilient the Gulf Coast’s beaches and wetlands might be in the face of an oil spill-hurricane one-two punch. And any recovery would come in the face of the ongoing wetlands loss from human intervention like canals and other earthworks that prevent silt from replenishing the coastal marshes. Louisiana now loses approximately 15 square miles of wetlands each year.

“These systems will recover,” Twilley said. “It’s going to be the length of time that’s uncertain. And the important thing is, what happens in the meantime? What services do the wetlands provide the state of Louisiana? Fisheries, flood control, nutrient removal, habitat for ducks and nesting birds.”

Read entire article from new York Times

Power Problems in St. Thomas Vergin Islands

2010-05-19T21:42:00.001-04:00

ST. THOMAS — Swaths of St. Thomas and St. John went dark again Monday as the V.I. Water and Power Authority struggled to meet the island’s energy needs with a generator down.

After a week of on-again, off-again power, the utility’s water supplies are running low, and many St. Thomas water customers will have reduced pressure — or a total loss of pressure — during the workday and late-night hours until WAPA builds back its water reserves.

“Hopefully, it’s getting better soon,” WAPA spokeswoman Lynette Moreland said. “We have come a long way. It’s just back-to-back right now because everything is out of repair.”

At an April 19 Public Services Commission meeting, WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge Jr. warned a packed audience that the utility had been running without backup power in the St. Thomas-St. John district for weeks, and if a unit failed, rolling blackouts were imminent.

On the morning of May 6, Unit 11, a 20-megawatt steam turbine generator, went down but was repaired that afternoon. Then on May 10, Unit 22, a 22.5-megawatt gas turbine generator, failed followed by Unit 13, a 36-megawatt steam turbine generator that broke Wednesday, and Unit 14, a 15-megawatt gas turbine generator that went down Thursday.

“If you lose units one at a time, you’re OK,” Hodge said. “If you lose two, or lose three, it’s tough on the system.”

As units went online and off-line last week, the utility implemented on-again, off-again rolling blackouts. On multiple occasions, WAPA officials discussed issuing a blackout schedule but decided that scheduled blackouts would be unnecessary when units were brought back up.

The lights stayed on for most St. Thomas and St. John residents over the weekend, WAPA officials said, but at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Unit 15, a 20.4-megawatt gas turbine generator that is 29 years old, failed because of a problem with a hydraulic motor, and the utility implemented rolling blackouts until the generator could be repaired.

The unit was brought back online at 11:06 a.m., and by 1 p.m., the only two customers without power were Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef and Starfish Market, according to Hodge. Units 14 and 22 were brought back online last week. And Unit 13 is scheduled to be repaired by this weekend, Hodge said. However, several generators currently are not running at full power.

Glenn Rothgeb, the utility’s chief operating officer, said some hotels and other large power consumers will continue to use their own generators through Friday, but “unless something else trips,” rolling blackouts are not expected.

WAPA relies on its generators to desalinate the water it sells to customers, and reserves are “much lower than normal,” according to Rothgeb.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., many St. Thomas water customers will lose water pressure — and some will lose water service entirely. Water rationing will continue “until further notice,” according a WAPA news release. The areas that will be affected include:

•    Lindbergh Bay
•    Contant
•    Anna’s Fancy
•    Altona
•    Solberg
•    Upper Savan
•    Agnes Fancy
•    Upper Hospital Ground
•    Berg’s Home
•    Estate Thomas
•    Bakkero
•    All public housing communities.

Feel Safe and Secure with a Standby Generator

2010-05-18T17:04:00.001-04:00

Loss of electrical power makes life miserable, but it does not have to be that way if you own your own standby generator.

More and more people are turning to backup generators, standby generators and portable generators. We have become so used to our electricity and now depend on it for heating, cooling, storing food and all our electronics that when it fails we feel powerless. Many homeowners are installing diesel generators. Today diesel generators are whisper quiet and produce virtually no visible exhaust due to new emission laws. Many like the ones sold by Aurora Generator last over 10,000 hours and unlike gasoline or propane generators they are almost maintenance free.
When you need power think of what powers our trains, buses, construction equipment, farm tractors... It is diesel! With fuel prices increasing clean burning diesel is the number one choice for backup generators. Gone are the days of seeing black smoke come out of an exhaust or the loud noise that heavy machinery makes. With a diesel generator you can even make your own fuel or bio-diesel using waste vegetable oil for example. Diesel produces less harmful emissions then gasoline and is not a volatile making it far safer to store.

Many standby generators are fully automatic and are not as complicated to install as the gas equivalent ones. The engines last longer because they are diesel, slower turning and water cooled.

Diesel Standby Generators or Home Generators cost less to operate, are easier to maintain and with proper maintenance can last you indefinitely. Diesel Generators are built to last and is often used a prime source of power for homeowners living off the grid. You can use them full-time or for emergency standby in trouble areas where power failures are common.

How much power and what size generator you need depends on what you want to power. Portable Generators are great for short-term use of lower power devices and up to a window air conditioner or fridge and freezer and some lights. Larger installed backup generators or standby generators can power your whole home and let you continue living as if a power failure never occurred in the first place.

Standby generators operate automatically with no human intervention. No need to move them around. No power cords to plug in run through your home. Enclosed Backup Generators are weather proof, and are installed outside on some stable ground. They have built in belly fuel tank so there is no need to install expensive an external one or run fuel lines from the home. They are self-contained. The generators can run virtually anyplace you set them down. Smaller units or sometimes put on trailers and used at job-site or just kept in storage until needed. Connection to the home for most of them only requires that the mains power be feed through them. Once the generator detects a loss of power the rest is automatic. It starts up, replaces mains power and restores power then the outage is over.

Feel safe and secure, add value to your home. Be prepared for disasters. Install a Standby Generator so you will never be left in the dark again.

Biodiesel on Backup

2010-05-13T17:25:00.002-04:00

Biodiesel is widely accepted as a fuel for transportation fleets, but the idea of using it for backup power generation has, to put it mildly, remained stationary. However, despite challenges, the idea has merit and there appears to be a growing interest in running standby generators on biodiesel blends to produce green power.

Standby generators, also known as backup generators or emergency generators, are commonly found at "critical facilities"—airports, hospitals, military bases, police stations, prisons, telecommunications centers and water treatment plants. Standby generators are present in all different types of manufacturing: mining and industrial facilities for chemicals, food processing, ore processing, pharmaceuticals, printing plants and semiconductors. Other hosts for standby generators include bank and credit card facilities, high-rise apartment buildings, laboratories, office towers and universities. Finally, small standby generators are found in millions of homes and small businesses across the United States.

There are an estimated 100,000 standby generators in the United States serving industrial and commercial facilities. Collectively, these standby generators represent about 10 percent of total U.S. generating capacity.

The large majority of standby generators are diesel engines, which provide independent, on-site energy sources. The large majority of these diesel engines sit idle all year, except for a few dozen hours when tested or operated for short-term power outages.

Increasing use of standby generators

The steady growth in the demand for power coupled with the challenges of siting massive new power plants and highly visible transmission lines is making decentralized energy resources more popular. The electric industry term is called "distributed generation," as distinguished from large "central generation" plants.

Standby generators are one type of distributed generation resource. Standby generators can start and reach full load in less than 15 seconds. Standby generators may be integrated directly into the power grid, but most are wired to meet specific electric needs at their host facility.

More and more utilities are working with their large commercial and industrial customers to operate standby generators in order to help meet peak loads on the power grid. Customers are being paid to generate power for up to 100 hours per year; this is on top of the normal hours of power generation for testing and emergency outage purposes. In practice, the use of standby generators in anticipation of power shortages should prevent such blackouts. Utilities are asking customers with as little as a half-hour notice to operate standby generators for typically about three hours at a time on hot summer afternoons or cold winter mornings.

Biodiesel in standby generators

Environmental restrictions can inhibit the use of standby generators for peak load management. Standby generators are normally exempted from air emission requirements as long as they are operated only for emergency purposes when the power goes out. If standby generators are operated for power generation purposes in non-emergency conditions, such as to meet peak power needs on the electrical grid, more stringent permitting rules may apply.

Biodiesel may allow increased use of standby generators due to lower air emissions for most types of pollutants. Biodiesel also offers the opportunity to reduce soot deposits, unsightly exhaust gases and objectionable odors associated with diesel engines. Furthermore, biodiesel is less hazardous when spilled. All these benefits increase in importance for standby generators located near populated areas, which is typical.

While transportation fleets are experiencing a surge in the use of biodiesel, generation fleets are far behind. During the California blackouts of 2000 and 2001, a few standby generators experimented with the use of biodiesel. But these have been discontinued, except for a hospital using B100 with an additive to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

Currently, one of the leaders in the use of biodiesel is the U.S. National Park Service (see Biodiesel Magazine, July/Aug. 2004). An overlooked aspect of their leadership has been to deploy biodiesel in standby generators as well as transportation fleets. Standby generators are burning B20 at Channel Islands, Glacier and other national parks. Mt. Rainier National Park is using B50 in two engines, each sized at 90 kilowatts (kW) or about 120 horsepower. Significantly, each engine runs for two weeks continuously and then is shut down for maintenance, while the other runs for a two-week period. They are located in a remote part of the park that is beyond the power grid and is open only in the summer months.

A utility in Minnesota has been using B2 to B5 in a fleet of standby generators to meet peak power requirements for several years. A utility in Tennessee is embarking on an experiment with B100 with a large 2,000 kW generator that will be tested for 1,500 hours of continous operation starting in early 2005.

A pilot project is underway with a target of 16 standby generators in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. The generators are located at facilities such as police stations, water treatment plants, hospitals and casinos. With the permission of the facility owners, the generators will be asked to operate for up to 100 hours per year with B20 or B100 as a way to defer capacity additions to the electric power systems.

The project is being sponsored by Bonneville Power Administration and an assessment on the use of biodiesel may be found at www.bpa.gov.There are significant questions about using biodiesel in standby generators that should be clarified over the next year. More needs to be learned about engine performance, fuel storage and emissions, comparative costs, regulatory acceptance and customer attitudes. At the same time, opportunities may also grow over the next year in the use of renewable energy credits and mandates for utilities to produce more green power.

How to Select a Home Standby Generator

2010-05-13T09:49:00.001-04:00

How to Select a Home Standby Generator

Blizzards, Ice Storms, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, a careless driver striking a power pole — there is no end to the natural and man-made disasters that can shut the power down at your home. In the past people would light some candles, fire up the gas stove, and tough it out. But now, with most homes being nearly 100% electric, losing power can be more than an inconvenience; it can be life-threatening.

Fortunately standby power generators, once exclusively used by factories and large companies, are within the financial reach of any home owner. They’re safe, quiet, and efficient. In fact, the only issue is: Which generator is right for you?

What’s the Watt?

Generators are sold by wattage rating. If you were absent from school on that day, you might not know that wattage is sort of the electrical equivalent to horsepower. Remember Ohm’s law? Don’t worry, I didn’t either. Anyway, Watts = Volts x Amps and Amps = Watts/Volts. While theoretical knowledge is a wonderful thing, here’s some more practical information to help you select the right home standby generator for you.

Power Consumption Calculations

Most every electrical appliance has a tag somewhere that will tell you at least two of the numbers that you need to calculate the right size emergency generator for you. If you have volts and amps, you can use Ohm’s law to calculate the watts.

Of course, if they list the watts, then you’re all set — almost. Electrical motors require up to four times as much wattage to start up than they do to keep running. It’s got something to do with inertia and friction, but I was absent on that day as well. So, a good rule of thumb is to multiply the wattage on the label (or the wattage that you calculated) by 4 if you’re dealing with any electrical appliance that has a motor.

When it comes to calculating the wattage required to run electrical lighting, you could have been absent from school for the entire year and still get this one right. It’s printed right there on top of the bulb. That means, if you want to power a 60 watt light bulb, then you’ll consume… yep, 60 watts of power.

The following chart lists the average wattage for the average household appliances. Use these figures only as a guideline as your appliances may be extraordinarily un-average.

Typical Home Appliances Wattage Requirement Appliance
(multiply Watts x 4 to determine start-up requirements for appliances with motors)

Coffee Maker 1750
0 Dishwasher (no heat) 700 (2800)
1400 Electric Fry Pan 1300
Electric Range 8-inch element 2100
Microwave Oven 625 watts
Refrigerator or Freezer 700 (2800)
Clothes Washer 1150 (4600)
Electric Clothes Dryer 5750 (23,000)
Furnace (gas or fuel oil) 1/8 Horsepower 300 (1200)
1/6 Horsepower 500 (2000)
1/4 Horsepower 600 (2400)
1/3 Horsepower 700 (2800)
1/2 Horsepower 875 (3500)
Lights as printed on bulb
Radio 50 to 200 0
Color Television 300
10,000 BTU Central Air Conditioner 1500

If you were planning to power everything listed above then, at first glance, you might think that you’re going to need a 30,000 watt generator. Maybe buying a small nuclear reactor would make more sense. But wait! Look what happens when you apply a little power management logic to the formula.

Power Management 101

The first thing to remember is that the maximum wattage for anything motor-driven is only used when the motor first starts up. Moments later it drops down to the normal running wattage. So, you need to select a generator that outputs enough wattage to handle the appliance with the highest startup rating. Then, simply make sure no two appliances are started at the same moment and you can dramatically cut down your calculation.

The second thing to remember is that the total of the running wattage column is only an issue if you plan to run every appliance, all at the same time, and all day and night. So you see, by simply mapping out a reasonable power management schedule you can cut way back on the size of your power requirements. For most people a 2500 watt generator will do the trick.

Fuel Requirements

Although diesel-powered generators exist, they are typically used in commercial and industrial environments. For us homeowners there is a choice between gasoline and liquid propane gas (LPG). As a rule of thumb, the LPG models run quieter than the gasoline models. Fuel consumption varies depending upon the horsepower rating of the generator’s engine. An 8 HP model will run about 10 hours +-, at full load, while an equivalent LPG model runs 1 hour for every 5 lbs of fuel that it burns.

Start Your Engines

There are 3 basic ways to fire up a generator. Some models come with a recoil starter, just like a lawn mower’s starter, other come with an electric (battery) push-button starter, and other comes with an auto start switch, also called a transfer switch, that must be wired directly to your home’s existing electrical system.

If you lose power frequently, or there is some device in your home that must remain powered on at all times for health or security reasons, then a transfer switch-equipped standby generator will virtually ensure that you have power even if you are not home when the outage occurs.

In Summary

Now that you have the basic facts, go ahead and make your own wattage consumption chart. Then devise your personal power management program, decide if you need a transfer switch or not, and go shopping for the peace of mind that an emergency generator will bring in times of trouble.

Used Diesel Generators

2010-05-05T17:38:00.002-04:00

Many companies big and small purchase used generators instead of new ones.

It is a cost-effective method of buying a high quality generator. Before any purchase is made it is important to know which kind of generator would be most suitable. Available today are many kinds of power generators diesel, natural gas, electric, propane, and so on. According to experts in the generator business when buying a used generator the most important factors to consider are:

1. The age and usage of the generator. Know how many hours the generator has run , its age and history. Most generator engines have an in built hour meter.

2. Ask whether it was used continuously to generate power or was a standby generator. As a rule, standby generators that are used for power back ups are better maintained than generators in continuous use.

3. Be sure to determine the manufacturer of the generator as well as its model. This will enable you to check on reliability and reputation. Try and get a used generator manufactured by a reputable and trusted manufacturer like Aurora, EmergencyPower.com or Perkins Generators. Buy a unit that is of high-quality and has a long running history.

4. Make sure you gather information on the generators maintenance. As to see maintenance records. Also judge how much the user knows about maintenance needs and repair.

5. Always do a personal inspection. This means a visual inspection, checking for worn out parts, checking of wiring and welding, load test and so on.

6. Used industrial generators should never be bought form just about anyone. It is best to depend on a reputable broker or dealer to find you a used generator. Used generators need maintenance and testing by certified technicians. Choose a broker or dealer who has a solid reputation and has been in the business for many years.

7. Ask about limited warranties and guarantees.

Buying a used generator can be a saving of 25-50%. If the generator is remanufactured that is it has been completely overhauled the buyer will get a limited guarantee on the generator. Always be the informed buyer and go for the inspection armed with information and questions to ask. Buy a used generator online or offline but from a reputed person. Make sure the generator fits you needs determine clearly which kind of generator and which capacity will be ideal for you.

Once the generator is bought and installed do a trial run. Ensure that people responsible for the efficient running of the generator receive training. Establish a periodic starting schedule and ensure that electric contacts are kept clean and bearings are lubricated. Put in place a maintenance schedule for the machinery. If you care for it the used generator will give you long years of trouble free service.

Buy the right backup-power generator for your home

2010-03-31T15:04:00.001-04:00

Buy the right backup-power generator for your home

A generator and the backup power it provides can be a welcome, reassuring presence when the electricity goes out at home.

Portable gasoline-powered generators are one way to get backup power, though the electricity they provide is limited, they can be a hassle to use—you have to have a transfer switch installed to run direct-wired appliances such as your heating or cooling system run extension cords in and out of your house for plug-in fixtures—and they pose a very real safety threat if you don't use them properly. With a portable generator, you might have to have run cords, store gas, and stabilize the gas so you don't gum up the carburetor.

Stationary generators provide much more power than portable units (models we tested produced 6,000 to 12,000 watts) and are easier to use, but they're more expensive. The Aurora Generators offers very well priced backup power systems staring at just a few hundred dollars.

A transfer switch lets you plug any generator directly into select critical circuits in your home's electrical panel box and is the only way to safely power a central heating or cooling system and to route power to wall outlets. A manual switch costs about $325; an automatic version runs about $1,000. We recommend you install a transfer switch when you get a generator.

A lot more transfer switches sell now. It seems people have bought portable generators but are trying to make use of them in a more easier way, Compact panel-interlock switches, which install directly onto an electrical panel box and require less wiring than a full-sized transfer switch, cost about $150.

Gas-powered portable generators we reviewed can use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline a day when heavily loaded. You'll welcome the power they provide during an emergency, but don't forget about fuel storage since gas stations in your area might not be able to pump fuel during a power outage.

Backup systems that use wind or solar power to charge banks of batteries are another option. After an outage, you don't know if the wind is going to be blowing or the sun shining if you need it. Ideally, you'd want both a wind and a solar-based system, but that and the need for batteries greatly increases the overall cost.

Need more Information ? Visit EmergencyPower.com

Emissions & Technology News

2010-03-31T12:45:00.001-04:00

Emissions & Technology News

Universal’s GreenShield Gets CARB Verification

Universal Emission Technologies, a division of Universal, has announced the California Air Resources Board has verified that the new GreenShield diesel particulate filter (DPF) system meets Level 3 Plus system compliance. The GreenShield DPF System is designed for diesel engines that are used on stationary prime and emergency standby power generators and pumps.

To receive CARB Level 3 Plus verification, the GreenShield DPF system has shown it reduces diesel particulate matter (PM) by 85% or more. The system does not increase nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions beyond the 2009 limit of 20% of the baseline nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions (Level 3 Plus) when used in stationary prime and emergency standby generators and pumps.

Pumps and generators must be powered by 1996 or later certified off-road engines meeting 0.2 g/bhp-hr diesel PM or less based on certification or in-use emission testing and meet the US EPA Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 off-road diesel engine certification standards. Universal Emission Technologies was formed in December 2008 as a division of Universal.

The GreenShield DPFs are part of a new line of emissions control products for stationary engines developed by Universal Emissions Technologies. “Our customers are asking us for packaged solutions that meet current environmental regulations around the globe,” said Brian Kahl, Universal Emission Technologies’ vice president–Emissions. “By also applying our acoustics expertise, we are able to integrate noise control into the GreenShield line, allowing our customers to have a single, cost effective, easy to install product for their exhaust and noise control needs.”

The GreenShield product line controls emissions created by diesel engines, natural gas lean burn and natural gas rich burn engines and turbines. The GreenShield line consists of DPFs, three-way catalysts, oxidation catalysts and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems

Standby Home Generators

2010-03-30T21:09:00.002-04:00

You cannot put a price tag on security and piece of mind. Convenience is another quality that is hard to give a monetary value. In a world of changing climates and increasing natural, and man-made, disasters, it is nice to have something to count on. That is where a standby generator can help.

When Mother Nature strikes with a fury it is nice to know that no matter how hard she hits, you will be able to keep your home functioning with the power needed. Many emergency services and hospitals have been using back-up power to keep functioning when disaster strikes for decades. Large corporations have jumped on board, as well. The home generator has become more popular over the years.

Many people have generators for manual back-up if needed. They know if the power is lost for any length of time they can hook up and run the essential appliances. The only time lost is for the hook-up. Unfortunately, this often means traipsing out in the storm to hook it up and get it going. This is inconvenient at best, and very dangerous at times.

A generator that is already hooked up and ready to switch over when the power is interrupted saves this vital step. Some standby generators are hooked to a switch inside the home or garage, while others have an automatic switch that comes on when the power goes out. This provides for a smooth transition, with very little interruption.

So, who really needs that convenience? It’s kind of romantic sitting by candlelight and listening to that scratchy, static-filled radio. A few extra blankets and you won’t notice the lack of heat. A few trips to the store to keep ice in the freezer will keep that food from going bad, until the store runs out of ice. So, who does need a standby home generator?

Well, in all seriousness, those with in-home medical equipment that requires power; such as oxygen generators, monitors, devices with batteries that require charging, etc. Those individuals who have medical conditions that can be exacerbated by heat or cold need the reassurance that their power won’t be interrupted. Anyone who has medications, or other supplies, that require refrigeration can be affected by power outages.

So, those with medical conditions could benefit from a home standby generator. But, what if you don’t have a medical condition? If you are gone for an extended period of time when the power goes out, you can count on coming home to spoiled food, and depending on the time of year, possibly frozen and burst pipes. If you have a security system that runs off the power to the house, it won’t work very well while the power is out. If it has a battery back-up, it will not be able to run off that battery forever.

But, what if you never leave for extended periods? Then, the piece of mind knowing that you will not be without power for any amount of time will allow you to focus on other needs during a disaster or simple inclement weather. The refrigerated food will stay cold, the pipes won’t freeze, and the home can be maintained in a comfortable state. Life will not have to alter significantly.

The cost of a standby generator would quickly be offset with just one loss. Prices range from just under $2000 (for a 7kW model) to just under $11,000 (for a 45kW model). The value of lost food, water damage, pipe repairs, or other property damage could quickly add up to the cost of a standby generator, and a little more. Some insurance companies offer a savings on the homeowner policy for a standby generator. So, another great benefit of these generators is that they can quickly pay for themselves.

The piece of mind knowing that you won’t have to worry when the lines go down, along with the convenience of being able to go on with life as always with little interruption, make the standby generator an essential piece of equipment. Anyone with medical conditions or equipment requiring power will benefit from the addition of this type of generator. Homeowners in areas with frequent hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, or other inclement weather that causes power outages should consider the addition of a standby generator to ensure continuity in their daily lives. This allows the homeowner to focus on the immediate needs at hand and handle other emergencies as they arise. A standby generator is an investment in overall piece of mind and comfort.

Do You Know How to Choose a Diesel Generator?

2010-03-30T19:23:00.002-04:00

Do You Know How to Choose a Diesel Generator?

A diesel generator is composed of a diesel engine and an alternator or an electrical generator, which converts the power created by the engine (expressed in RPM, revolutions per minute) into the required voltage for homes, industry and remote work sites.The national power grid is put under so much pressure in times of emergency and you can be left for not just days on end, but sometimes for weeks relying on emergency power. Then there is the other issue of lack of supply from you supplier so their are rolling blackouts to conserve power. Then there other influences that affect you power’s reliability - accidents, parts malfunctioning, and bad weather. It does not matter why the power supply is cut, it is all the same, you still worry about food spoiling in your refrigerator and searching for candles you can’t find.

Most think a diesel generator belongs in large industrial applications. While this is true they have their place wherever they are needed for hard work. A large diesel generator ranges from 20 kW to more than 2000 kW - sufficient to run a small power plant. They support our emergency services and backup reliable power for the police, ambulance and fire departments. They provide standby power to transport systems on the roads, at airports and at sea. And keep our communications system up and running in times of crisis. A diesel engine is a reliable workhorse. The harder you work it the better it runs. There will always be a diesel generator brought into to provide emergency power support in times of crisis.

People from all walks of life are turning to the diesel generator for reliable alternative electricity. Home owners, builders, even small business owners are choosing a diesel generator over their gas competitors. Many gas generators are sold at discount prices which makes the diesel powered generator a more expensive option. But ask yourself why they are so cheap and so many more people are opting to buy the more expensive diesel generator. Gas generators have proven to be a much more expensive alternative in the long-term. A diesel generator will outlast gas generator ten times over.

1. A diesel generator runs better if it works hard, 24/7. Many cheap generators from hardware and cut-rate shops are built for occasional use. They barely last a thousand hours, less if put under continual load, before they need a complete overhaul. A diesel generator has fewer moving parts that can break down and will last at least 20,000 hours before any major work will be required.

2. No spark plugs, ignition system, carburetor or distributor means many years of maintenance-free operation if you keep up the regular servicing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for routine oil changes, and change the air, oil and fuel filters regularly. If you do, your diesel generator will reward you and almost last forever.

3. A diesel generator is much more fuel and cost effective,r, and their exhaust fumes are less poisonous than gas generators.

4. They are reliable hardworking alternatives to backup your power when the power goes out. The diesel generator produces quality power with less fluctuations in output. You will not have to worry about running sensitive electronic equipment from a diesel generator.

There are many manufacturers to choose from when searching for a diesel generator. Among them are Honda, Cummins, Pramac, Yanmar and Volvo Penta. These are all reliable names in the generator world. Choosing your generator with the help of your supplier is advised, as they know what situations need certain generators.

Generators and Sensitive Electronics

2010-03-30T19:16:00.001-04:00

Generators and Sensitive Electronics

Inverter generators produce commercial-quality ac power. The Inverter generator power is often equal to what you have at home. The problem is they are very expensive, often are only 120 volts and are limited in power. There is also too much electronics and much more to go wrong with them.

Non inverter type generators are not so perfect. Does it matter? Often not. Most equipment today can handle some electrical noise. They have better power supplies and filtering then in the past. Internal power supplies convert the AC power into lower cleaner voltages that electronics use. A notebook computer for example runs off of batteries that are always on charge so if the power is lost there is no damage. Home computers should always have UPS power supplies to save them in case of a power failure.

Your more likely to have electrical damage due to a local lightning strike then damage from electrical noise produced by most generators.

Even if you are using an inverter generator that converts the DC to an almost perfect AC there is always a risk of a engine hick up or failure and damage from loss of power then any existing electrical noise.

If in doubt use a UPS power supply so even if your generator does fail you always have perfect clean power and the time to safely shut down equipment or restart your generator.

What you need to be concerned about is power failure more then anything. Computers that do not run on batteries for example may be doing some important writing to your hard drive and get corrupt if power is lost. Same with your PVR.

Do yourself a favor and invest in UPS power supplies for your TV, Computers and Sensitive Equipment. They are really your only guarantee. No generator is 100% safe.

Diesel Generators: A Cost Effective And Fuel Efficient Source Of Power

2010-03-23T14:52:00.002-04:00

Diesel Generators: A Cost Effective And Fuel Efficient Source Of Power

With the frequent power cuts, it has become necessary to have power backup generators, especially when you are working on important projects. In order to get relieve from the problem, diesel generators have been introduced. Being very portable and powerful, such generators
have become popular for a wide range of uses. Its features such as trustworthiness, low maintenance cost and ease in operation make it an indispensable option during sudden power failure, surges, brownouts and other faulty conditions. Whether it is homes, offices or hospitals, the generators offer power back-up whenever required, round the clock.

Advantages of employing diesel generators

No one can deny the fact that the diesel fuel generators are more fuel efficient
than the other sources of power supplier. Such generators do not require frequent maintenance and are pioneered to function for long hours incessantly. Various types of diesel generators
are available in the market depending upon the requirements of customers. Some of them are designed for home use, while some for industrial usage. If you want to put generator near your house, then liquid-cooled diesel generator is advised as it is quieter and more dependable.

Some of the common points for which diesel generators are preferred:

•    Low Cost
•    Fuel Efficient
•    Easily Available
•    After-Sale Value
•    Stability and Performance

Diesel generators and their accessories are frequently available in the online as well as offline market. Such machines are amalgamation of two main components namely the engine and the alternator. The engine is used for supplying power, while the alternator turns power into electricity.

Buying diesel generators

Buying diesel generators tend like a burdensome task; therefore choosing the right one can accomplish your crave for getting fuel efficient generator. For finding them at economical rates, you have to make an extensive search through the Internet. By doing so, you will be able to find reputed and established online stores who offer their products and services at cost effective rates. Before cashing a final deal, you have to wonder about the models and features of generators. Careful investment helps you to save huge amount. A good place to start your search is with Aurora Generators. Visit www.EmergencyPower.com today. Aurora specializes in direct to home delivery.

Picking the Perfect Emergency Standby Generator

2010-03-13T04:15:00.001-05:00

The vast majority of us have experienced a power cut, although it typically lasts for a short period of time. But in some cases, these power cuts can turn out to be quite longer than expected. In these cases, it's just smart to possess a standby generator by your hand, as it will allow you normal living during these periods.

The majority of emergency standby generators are run with natural gas, propane, diesel or gasoline. There are some generators which are powered with some alternative fuel, e.g. wood, however they are rarely used. Diesel and gasoline are more regularly used, but then you have to store them close to your generator, and these fuels are not lasting, so every now and then, you will have to replace the held supplies.

Gas or propane generators have one great benefit over the diesel or gasoline driven generators. They do not require any particular reserves, as they are run from the line you get your heating from. But during a heavy storm, when there is a blackout, this line may not work suitably also.

A number of more expensive commercial standby generators have automatic switches integrated. This switch will turn the generator on when you're out of power, but more significantly, it'll turn the generator off when normal power is restored. It really is important not to have both generator and normal power line turned on at the same time, as this could spell tragedy.

Best place to put your generator is outdoor by your house. If you set it up on a protected location, you'll have minimum risks of fire, and you will not have to be concerned about carbon monoxide. All internal combustion engines, alongside the one on your generator manufacture this lethal gas in small quantities.

There are a few extra expenses that you have to be informed of if you decide to purchase a standby generator. Some communities ask for exclusive permits to set up a generator, thus ensuring that you'll install it correctly. Some models ask for concrete foundations, so add that too to your calculated price.

It's not so rare that families buy bigger generators than they need. Typical family shouldn't exceed 25 kilowatts, if they use just the necessary utilities, but don't leave anything to chance, get a professional electrician who will calculate the exact amount you need. He will also help you with the setting up.

Don't just sit and wait for the next power cut hoping that it will not last long, be equipped. Obtain a generator that is adequate for your needs, and will be able to power all the necessary devices. But don't buy a pricey one either with the potential that you will not have a chance to test out.

Look into the standby home generator web site on additional info on Aurora standby generator.

What You Really Don’t Know About Portable Generators

2010-03-13T04:07:00.001-05:00

The most beneficial portable generators are fueled by gasoline or diesel fuel and consist of 120-volt energy outlets like the ones in the walls of your home. What makes portable standby generators so great is they offer everyone safe and sound, clean, easily transportable power when your are disaster or outdoor situations like camping. The best portable generator are incredibly helpful machines, particularly right after the loss of energy from the wake of your storm or other unforeseen circumstance. Typically you’ll notice that small generators will arrive in some basic styles: convenient or standby. An additional wonderful cause to get a standby generator is they run on anything from frequent gasoline, propane, diesel and use a compact portable engine to produce electrical energy.

Best Portable generator are very good for the favorite outdoor recreational activities tailgating, picnicking, camping, and hunting. To strength a generator it could be the same as any other sort of generator they use propane, diesel or sometime natural gas. What tends to make a generator specific aside from standby generators is that if there’s a loss of electrical power in the wake of your storm they is usually used as effectiveness generation. A number of points to don’t forget is always that a small portable generator can last around two full days with no any much more gas to strength it. But one particular factor to bear in mind is that generators are loud and generate anywhere around 80 db. in sound plus some parks don’t let these noisy generators in there parks. Some organizations like Honda item a smaller standby generator that’s all over 45 db for strength.

What you ought to know about price usually having a small generator the cost is usually starting all-around $130 dollars and performs it way up for the higher end to $2,500 dollars on some models, there’s usually a fit for whatever kind of generator you choose but you need to know that some can get pricey. Some with the finest small portable generators and excessive excellent are the Yamaha’s and Honda generators which could fit any of your electrical power needs. It’s important to bear in mind what you desire to mainly use it for ahead of purchasing it so size does matter. Our recommendation is always to look for small portable generators which have been sturdy and also priced well.

You will discover two kinds of best portable generator are accessible: portable generators and permanently installed residencestandby generator systems. You choose to be particular to find a store that offers you the best bang for ones dollar but that also offers a good and reliable at the voltage that you just have to have. To do this merely figure out the total wattage of everything that could possibly be hooked up towards the small portable generator and add it together. If you ever get stuck normally your house appliances will have the wattage posted on the back or bottom. Portable generators are quite valuable tools but need safe and sound handling so that you can prevent serious injury or even death. So please use caution if it’s your first time making use of one particular.

How Big of a Generator Should I Buy?

2010-03-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

A generator can protect your home and provide a feeling of security during a power outage. For people with certain health issues, being without power is not an option. The most general rule of thumb is to buy the best quality, smallest generator you need, but there are many questions to ask and research to do before purchasing a generator.

Considerations

Decide what equipment you will need to run during a power outage. The more items you want to have running, the larger the generator you will need. Be frugal in choosing a needed item versus a wanted item. Typical short-term needs are the ability to run the refrigerator and freezer; security lighting, heating the house, running a sump pump and recharging batteries. Other considerations include special needs or health care issues; electric gates or garage door openers; and alternative heat sources with electric motors or fans. Frequency of use is also a consideration, i.e., short versus long outages, as well as immediate needs for business.

Wattage

Take the list you made and find out how many watts each item uses to operate and how many watts each one needs to start up. An electrician can measure this wattage for you, but you can figure most of the items yourself with a little work. Each item on your list should have an instruction manual or a faceplate attached with information. You can get the wattage from those areas. If the manual or plate lists amps and volts instead, that is okay. Just multiply the volts and amps. Multiplied together they equal watts. You need the start-up wattage and the running wattage. Total all the equipment running wattage. Then, find the piece of equipment with the biggest difference in start-up load and running load. Take that number and add it to your total of running wattage. This number is your wattage requirement. It is recommended to buy a size a little over than number. The second number you will need is the volts. Houses usually have 120/240 volts of service, also known as single phase.

Type

Generators can be hand-carried, permanently mounted and standby. Hand-carried is the least expensive option. They are easy to move and good for short emergencies. Permanently mounted generators are usually a better quality because they run at a lower RPM. Standby generators are expensive. Generators are fueled by gasoline, diesel, natural gas or propane. They are electric start, hand crank or automatic start and are rated by the voltage they can service. The rated capacity is the amount of power delivered for an over time. Maximum capacity tells how long it can operate at full power before overheating. Be sure the generator has a built-in circuit breaker. Gasoline generators need to have a spark arrestor and a muffler.

Home Standby Generators

Standby Home Power - What Size Do I Need.

2010-03-10T07:29:00.002-05:00

Standby Home Power - What Size Do I Need.

Millions of people use standby generators in their homes as a source of emergency power. Every household should have one. They are easy to buy and there are some very good deals available, take your time choosing.

It's not until you lose power that you realize how paralyzed you become. The investment will last you for years, just take care of it. There is a lot of choice and availability out there.

Remember that starting any appliance needs a lot more energy than running that appliance.

Appliances need an energy boost to get them started.

Much like humans really! So don't start everything at the same time. Start them up slowly.

This can really cut down on the size of generator you will need.

It's important to round up not down when you are calculating the size that you need. For example, if your calculations work out at 1700w go for an 1800. This means you can add other appliances and will allow for things you have forgotten about, like when your daughter has to have hair dryers in an emergency! Be prepared for these events.

If you start to get confused just ask a certified electrician to tell you what wattage you will need. He or she will just ask a couple of simple questions and then advise. This advice is normally free of charge. Make a list of what you believe you need to use in an emergency. Then, work out the wattage needs of these appliances. Check out the suppliers recommendations.

They will all usually have this information readily available, they are the experts so let them work for you. You do need to know the appliances you want to run on the portable generator. Don't forget cost of replacing all food in your freezer in your budgeting. So many people make this mistake.

For Information tips and advice on home home standby power please visit EmergencyPower.com

Genertor Transfer Switches

2010-03-10T07:07:00.002-05:00

A generator transfer switch in general is a device designed to power a load from multiple voltage sources. In home generator applications it is used to connect building's electrical wiring either to a standby power source or to utility lines.

When AC fails a Transfer Switch connects the load to the generator while isolating it from mains. Connecting any power source directly into any point of electrical wiring without a transfer switch is illegal and dangerous because of so called backfeeding. Backfeeding (or interconnection) is supplying electricity from your wiring system back into electric grid. It energizes the line transformer serving your house and poses an electrocution hazard for utility workers and for your neighbors who may not know the voltage is present in the line. In any case, your home generator most certainly will be overloaded by your neighbors' loads in the disconnected local portion of the grid or damaged if power is restored while it is back-feeding.

The standard U.S. household electrical service is 120/240 volt single phase. It normally has two black "hot" wires and white grounded neutral. The nominal voltage between each line and neutral is 120 VAC and between two lines is 240 VAC. Note that both lines still belong to a single phase- they are obtained by grounding the center-tap of the utility transformer. For such a system a generator transfer switch should be double pole double throw (DPDT) "break before make". Double throw means you can place or throw it into two positions (off position is not counted). Double pole means it transfers both line wires (poles). The neutral is normally continuous and does not have to be switched unless your genset is equipped with a GFCI. "Break before make" means it disconnects load from one source before connecting it to another one. Older 2-wire 120 volt residential systems require a single-pole double throw switch. Likewise, a three-phase generator would need a three-pole device. The TS generally should be installed within 2 feet of the main distribution panel and 30 feet of your genset inlet box.

Normally an electrical transfer switch for home generator has three positions: LINE, OFF and GEN. When switching between LINE and GEN, it always passes through the OFF position. Such break prevents arcing or short circuits during the transition. If power rating of your genset is not sufficient to power the entire house, you may install an additional distribution panel (a subpanel) and hook up the essential lines your want to backup to this panel. This sub-panel will then be wired to the transfer switch. Many commercially available TS come already with a pre-wired panel.

Generator transfer switches can be manual, automatic, or a combination of manual and automatic.

An automatic transfer switch includes a control circuit that senses mains voltage. When utility power is interrupted, it starts up the genset, disconnects the load from the utility and connects it to the genset. It then continues to monitor mains voltage, and when it is restored, switches your household wiring from the generator back to the utility. When the generator is disconnected it normally goes into a cool-down process and then automatically shuts down. Generac and other standby systems usually come with a 100A or 200A auto TS, or have it as an option. An auto TS for residential applications may cost $600 and up.

A manual transfer switch is usually used with portable gensets. For requirements of up to 30A it can cost under $350. Note that an auto TS can also be set to the manual mode if desired.

Note that many models do have their neutral bonded to the metal frame. If such a model also has a GFCI (GFP), it may cause a problem: when a neutral is bonded to ground in two places its current will split, generator's GFCI breaker will trip, and no outlets will function. Possible solutions to this problem are either to not ground the neutral a second time at the genset, or use a so-called neutral switching device (3-pole or 4-pole transfer switch). Before choosing a transfer switch model, be sure to read your genset manual and find out if it has a grounded neutral and GFCI.

Obtain a Standby Generator You Need

2010-03-10T06:56:00.001-05:00

Do you think you’re prepared to be out of power for an extended period of time? Think about the fees; you’ll have to throw away all your food and you won’t be able to perform your work. Buying a residential standby generator will permit you to run all your most required utilities during a longer power cut, thus providing you normal living.

Standby power generators are usually powered with natural gas, propane or diesel. Gasoline was used in the past, however its usage is currently reducing. There are a few alternative fuels, such as wood, but they aren’t proving themselves so good. If you selected to use diesel or gasoline, be ready to switch the fuel in your reserves, as they can deteriorate.

With the use of natural gas or propane powered generators you are free from having to stock up liquid combustible fuel anywhere around your house, that is important if you have kids. But the lines that are used to power this type of generators aren’t as dependable as having your stock by your generator.
An automatic switch is installed on some superior models. The residential standby generator will turn on automatically when required with the help of this switch, so you don’t need to light a candle and go look for the switch yourself. It will also shut down, thus avoiding potential hazards which could occur if you have the generator running when normal power is restored.

Since all generators have internal combustion engines, there is a certain release of carbon monoxide. This toxic gas can be deadly when found in bigger quantities, so don’t put your generator in any poorly ventilated rooms. It is better that your generator is storaged outside, that way your home will also be safer in case of a fire.

Do not think that by buying a standby home generator your fees are behind you. In some communities, you’ll have to acquire a special permit to set up a generator. You’ll spend time and money in order to get the necessary safety papers. Moreover, some models need a concrete foundation in order to function properly.

It is not so uncommon that families purchase bigger generators than they need. Typical family shouldn’t exceed 25 kilowatts, if they use only the necessary electrical devices, but don’t leave anything to chance, get a professional electrician who will calculate the accurate amount you need. He’ll also help you with the setting up.

So, getting a generator of any kind is a secure investment for the future, but you should try to find the one which will be suitable for your needs, and will be worth the money. Do not spend a lot on a big model, but also do not find yourself in a situation when you don’t have enough power for your indispensable needs.

Whats Important To Know About Getting The Best Portable Generator

2010-03-09T17:52:00.001-05:00

Great portable generators are powered by gasoline or diesel fuel and contain 120-volt energy outlets for example like the types in the walls of your house. If you ever don't know currently what can make a generator excellent is they give everyone safe, thoroughly clean, transportable power when you are in natural disaster or an outdoor situations like camping. It's significant to remember that powered generators will come in a few basic sorts commonly standby or lightweight. What's vital to recognize is if you might be seeking to go camping or use your generator on some variety of trip away from your home your much better off obtaining a portable generator. Standby generators are set up usually around your residence but do give extended energy and regularly are large in size.

What really tends to make easily transportable generators excellent is you are able to use them for just about any of the favorite outdoor recreational activities tailgating, picnicking, camping, and hunting to name several. The normal fuel for a generator is generally is diesel or propane plus sometimes normal gas but you'll find some solar energy generators out now on the market and they're certainly getting additional popular since the technologies improves. A single matter to keep in mind is convenient generators are extremely valuable machines, particularly right after the loss of electrical power inside wake of a storm or other unpredicted circumstance. What's best about portable generators are they're wonderful in supplying a clean, safe and sound and easily transportable supply energy in the course of severe weather or camping in remote locations.

Pricing for a transportable generator will usually start about $130 dollars and will perform its way up for that higher end to $2,500 dollars on some versions, there's continually a fit for whatsoever wide variety of generator you need. I advise initial figuring out how significantly wattage you'll be demanding. Prior to shopping for a generator it's often very good to examine out all the electronics that you'll be taking with you out from the field and adding up that total. If you ever do then you will never get a generator that can't accept all your electric driven solutions that you simply bring in your travel.

Some with the best convenient generators and huge high quality types are the Yamaha's and Honda generators. What creates these generators good is there durability and strength. These generators are made with exceptional components and will last a long time. An even better choice is diesel generators. If you're getting a tough time obtaining the right kind of portable generator our recommendation is look for any generator that's tough and can meet your budget.

Easily transportable generators are really structural resources but require safe and sound handling in order to reduce any serious injury and even death.

Standby Home Generators

2010-03-09T17:44:00.001-05:00

Power outages are inconvenient and can cause many problems for homeowners. Violent storms and other types of bad weather can cause these power outages, making them very common. To avoid this problem people are installing standby home generators. With a standby home generator enough power can be restored to your home to live a relatively normal life during this crucial time.

Standby home generators are permanent. They are installed outside the home and activate just like a central air conditioning system, but instead of turning on when it’s warm inside, they turn on when sensing the loss of electricity. This type of generator is much more commanding than one that is portable, supplying power to a much larger amount of circuits.

When a blackout occurs, the standby home generator automatically activates itself and starts delivering electricity to circuits that have been selected by the homeowner. The machine is able to perceive when power has been lost, through the emergency load center and transfer switch. When this is sensed the generator starts, and begins supplying service to the home. This powering system has an engine and runs off of LP or natural gas. The generator is attached to the gas line and through this produces electricity.

Depending on what is chosen to be powered, a standby generator can sustain up to twelve circuits. It can give energy to light the living room or kitchen, to power the furnace, or even to keep heating and cooling systems running.

The generator will run once per week, for only a few minutes, to ensure that the system is working correctly. Having the generator run, even when there is not a power outage, also accommodates the need to keep the engine lubricated.

Standby home generators are tailored to the needs of homeowners that require the benefits of home comfort systems. Having one of these systems can really serve as quite the convenience when dealing with the difficulty of a power outage.

Is Your Business Prepared for Tornado Season

2010-03-09T17:41:00.000-05:00

After the active winter season that many of us have experienced, it's hard to believe that tornado season is right around the corner. Although tornadoes can occur during any month, there are statistically defined tornado seasons for all states. California's season began in January and Georgia's began in March. How do you prepare your business for the tornado season?

Business and industry can limit injuries and damages and return more quickly to normal operations if they plan ahead. A good place to start planning is to visit the Resource section of EmergencyPower.com website.

Consider downloading the FEMA guide you will find it is very comprehensive and takes you step by step through the planning process. But as the guide makes clear, to be successful, emergency management requires upper management support. The chief executive sets the tone by authorizing planning to take place and directing senior management to get involved. When presenting the "case" for emergency management, avoid dwelling on the negative effects of an emergency (e.g., deaths, fines, criminal prosecution) and emphasize the positive aspects of preparedness.

How much does it costs for your business to be down a few hours or a day or two? When you start adding it all up, even a short down time can be very costly to your business.

A standby power system and/or UPS system gives you peace of mind. It helps to protect your business data, telecommunications system, security system, manufacturing processes and most of all, your business reputation.

Don't let the next storm put your business in the dark. Contact EmergencyPower.com today. We want to help you keep your business up and running 24/7/365.

The Advantages Of Diesel Generators

2010-03-09T12:15:00.001-05:00

There are many different types of power generators that can be used for industrial, military, residential and emergency use, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas and propane.

A diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator, which is often called an alternator, for the purpose of generating electrical energy. While there are many different fuels that can be used, it often depends on what is available. In most cases diesel is preferable to other fuels. There are many reasons why a diesel generator is preferable to other types of generators. Diesel generators are able to produce power while consuming much less fuel per kilowatt of electricity produced, for starters, and the power that is produced is much more efficient than the power produced by gas. In fact, power generators that use diesel are able to run two to three times longer for each gallon of fuel consumed compared to generators that use gas. They also require less maintenance, which equates to fewer man hours.

Since an electric generator that uses gasoline or natural gas will typically be designed to run for long hours it will by nature require more regular looking after. Diesel generators can also run for long hours, though, with a mechanism that works on the principle of direct injection without any need for spark plugs. This also makes them safer by reducing the fire risk, which is already reduced because diesel is less flammable than gasoline.

It's possible to find a diesel generator for many different uses, from light residential use to heavy industrial use. The home versions are typically designed in the range of 4 KW to 15 KW, and the industrial versions are typically available in the range of 500 KW to 2,000 KW. The cost will depend on the power. Diesel is known as an affordable power source, though, and the fuel can be purchased at almost any gasoline station.

Is a Standby Generator Right for You?

2010-03-09T08:28:00.001-05:00

The next time a storm knocks out your power—again—you may find yourself thinking about a standby generator. Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or shed and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping essential household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away. Such systems, which start at about $5,000 and go as high as $40,000, recoup about 59% of their cost at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report. Always-on protection doesn’t come cheap. Here’s how to decide if it’s right for you.
When permanent standby makes sense

As with any insurance policy, when you buy a backup generator there’s no telling when, or even if, you’ll need it. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your personal situation, your tolerance for interruptions, and your budget.

If you live in an area with frequent, prolonged outages, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or work at home and need to stay connected, a backup generator can protect you from a disruption you may not be able to afford.

If you live where hurricanes strike, a generator safeguards family members, especially children and the elderly, against the risks of sweltering heat. If you own a second home, particularly in areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, it can protect your property when you’re not around. “It’s a lot more expensive to have your pipes freeze and flood your house than it is to buy a generator.”

If you decide the benefits are worth the cost, here’s how to proceed.
Assess your power needs

Generators are sized according to wattage produced: The more watts, the bigger the unit—and the higher the price tag.

Wattage usage varies from house to house. Your generator supplier or local electrician can do a wattage assessment, or you can ballpark it yourself with an online calculator. You can also get general guidelines from national dealers such as Aurora Generators Inc. EmergencyPower.com

The next step is deciding what you want your generator to power. At minimum, you can run an “emergency panel” of necessities—say, a central air conditioning unit, the refrigerator, and a handful of lights and outlets. “A 17-kilowatt unit is the standard size for an emergency panel, because it has enough power for a central AC unit,” says Will Ferrigno, owner of Assurance Power in Boca Raton, Florida. If you live in a northern climate with no AC and gas heat, your emergency panel could be as small as 7kW, enough to power some lights, the fridge, and gas furnace.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is a generator with enough wattage to power your whole house. A 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub might require as much as 25kW to 30kW.

A third, newer option is a “load-management system,” a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at once. Such a system could run that same 3,000-square-foot house with about 20kW, cutting power to nonessential circuits as necessary.
Consult the right professionals

Most of the time, your generator supplier will also provide setup service. That’s a good option, because you know the installer will be familiar with your equipment. A less expensive way to go—and your only option if you’ve purchased the generator online—is to hire a plumber to connect the unit to its fuel source (usually propane or natural gas, though some run on diesel) and an electrician to hook it into your house’s power supply. Both should be licensed and certified for the brand of equipment you’re installing and familiar with local codes that govern such things as how close the generator can sit to the house, how big the fuel storage tank can be, and whether you need a permit.
Calculate your costs

Prices vary by brand and location (just try buying one in South Florida after a hurricane), but an emergency panel unit of 7kW starts at around $4,500 before installation, while a 17kW unit runs from about $6,000 uninstalled to $12,000 fully set up. A 25kW to 30kW model costs from about $13,000 uninstalled to between $20,000 and $30,000 with installation. The national average for an installed system, according to the Cost Vs. Value Report, is $14,304.

The type of fuel also affects cost. You may need to plumb for a gas line, for instance, or purchase and install a propane tank. Diesel units come with their own tanks, but diesel fuel is expensive and needs regular treatment so that it doesn’t clog the engine over time. (Even if your generator never kicks in, it will burn about 10 gallons of fuel a year in weekly self-tests.) “Talk to your plumber and your utility company before you buy a generator to make sure you can get an affordable power source,”

Once you’re set up, you won’t have to worry about being stuck in the dark or freezing cold again. What’s more, a standby generator can add to your home’s value, which should make you feel doubly warm all over.

Picking The Suitable Automatic Standby Generator

2010-03-09T08:15:00.002-05:00

Home Generators - Home Generator & Standby Generators

Do you think you're geared up for being out of power for a longer period of time? Consider the expenses; you will need to throw away all your food and you will not be able to complete your work. Purchasing a standby home generator will enable you to run all your most needed utilities during a longer power cut, thus providing you normal living.

Residential standby generators are usually powered with natural gas, propane or diesel. Gasoline was used in the past, however its usage is currently dropping. There are several alternative fuels, such as wood, but they are not proving themselves so good. If you selected to use diesel or gasoline, be prepared to change the fuel in your reserves, as they can deteriorate.

For those who buy a generator that is powered by natural gas or propane, you do not need to store liquid flammable fuel on your property. However, in case of a larger storm or any other incidents, there is a possibility that the supply lines for natural gas are out of order as well.

An automatic switch is installed on some superior models. The standby electric generator will activate automatically when needed with the help of this switch, so you do not need to light a candle and go look for the switch yourself. It will also shut down, therefore avoiding potential hazards which may happen if you have the generator running when normal power is restored.

Because all generators have internal combustion engines, there's a certain production of carbon monoxide. This toxic gas can be deadly when found in larger quantities, so don't place your generator in any inadequately ventilated rooms. It is best that your generator is storaged outdoor, that way your home will also be safer in case of a fire.

Do not think that by purchasing a residential standby generator your expenses are behind you. In some communities, you will have to acquire a special authorization to install a generator. You'll spend time and money in order to get the needed safety papers. Furthermore, some models need a concrete foundation in order to function appropriately.

Calculating the size of the generator you need can be quite a challenge. Try to select the one which will be capable of powering only the basic electrical devices, such as the refrigerator, stove and freezer. It's best to hire a professional electrician who will help you with these calculations, and later with installment.

Therefore, getting a generator of any kind is a secure investment for the future, but you should strive to find the one that will be adequate for your needs, and will be worth the money. Don't spend too much on a big model, but also do not find yourself in a position when you do not have enough power for your basic needs.

About Home Generators

2010-03-08T18:13:00.002-05:00

Home Generators

A generator is a machine which is designed to generate AC electricity. Generators are used by companies for getting power to job sites where power may not be available and for homeowners to provide backup electricity in case of an extended power outage. Generators come in a variety of different sizes and designs. Picking the right one is an important step towards ensuring that your electrical needs are meet if the power goes out.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are larger generators which are designed specifically for the purpose of powering most or the entire house during an extended power outage. Most standby generators use a small car engine to operate the generator.
Standby generators can be found in a variety of different sizes. The size is rated by the number of KW the generator can produce. Most home standby generators range between 20KW and 60KW. Industrial standby generators are significantly larger. These produce anywhere between 100KW and 1MW or mega watt. A megawatt is equal to 1000KW.

Fuel Sources for Standby Generators

Home standby generators are powered by either propane or natural gas. In most states it’s illegal to operate a gas or diesel powered stand by generator in a residential zone. Industrial standby generators are almost always powered by diesel.

Portable Generators

Any generator which is on wheels or designed to be moved is classified as a portable generator. Most portable generators are relatively small in size. These range between 1KW and 5KW. They are primarily used for providing power to tools in areas where power is not available. Larger portable units range between 5KW and 15KW. These can be used in the field as well but they are commonly used by homeowners to power small portions of their home if the power is out for an extended period of time.

Fuel Sources for Portable Generators
Nearly all portable generators run on standard gasoline. Some run on propane supplied by a small propane tank but these are rare.

Maintaining a Generator
Generators are all engine driven. Most portable models utilize engines that are similar in style to a lawnmower engine. Many of the home standby variety use a car engine. This means that generators need similar maintenance to a car.

Change Oil: The oil should be changed on a generator periodically. For models without an oil filter the oil should be changed every 50 hours or once a year. For models which do have an oil filter every 250 hours or once a year is recommended.

Air Filter: The air filter should be visually inspected every time the oil is replaced. If it appears dirty then it should be replaced with a new air filter.

Exercise: Generators should be run for one hour once a month. This keeps the engine running
properly. This will also prevent the battery from wearing out if it is a model with a battery.
Inspect: Inspect the generator with every oil change. Look at the hoses and any belts. If you see any cracks or other signs of dry rot they should be replaced.