A Guide to Backup Power Sources
It's always better to be prepared. Backup power supplies can help you combat outages and interruptions, and keep your most important equipment functional.
But anyone who's looked into it knows the difficulty of finding the right power source. Where do you even begin?
We want to help you out. Read on for a crash course in portable power.
Before You Get Started: Read This First
A generator can be a dangerous tool if not installed properly.
“Backfeeding” is a term that describes what happens when electricity flows in the reverse direction from its normal flow. It can happen when an improperly installed generator fires up and re-energizes our lines, resulting in a dangerous, and potentially deadly, situation for our crews restoring power.
To prevent dangerous backfeeding, purchase a GenerLink and we will install it for you. Visit generlink.com to get started. Otherwise, a qualified electrician must install a transfer switch.
Finally, generators are carbon monoxide factories – never run one indoors. Always make sure it’s at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust pointed away. Portable generators must be kept dry and off wet surfaces, and make sure you use a grounded outlet with the proper extension cord.
As with any equipment, read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.
Meet the Candidates
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Uninterruptible Power Supplies
If all you're looking for is something to protect against surges or interruptions, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system is what you need. A UPS will stop important machines like oxygen tanks or computers from resetting when the power blinks or when voltage drops below an acceptable level. However, they aren't intended to provide extended backup for running equipment. Read our UPS guide to learn more.
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Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations are like giant rechargeable batteries. Like UPS systems, they don’t use gas or propane, and you can charge them when they’re not in use. Unlike generators, they’re extremely quiet and don’t produce fuel emissions, but they’re also not as powerful as other options, and there’s no way to recharge them without another source of power. Portable power stations can typically be used for a few small items like your phone or laptop, or for a couple of your most crucial appliances, like your refrigerator.
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Inverter Generators
Inverter generators, like the rest of the options on this list, generate their own power from fuel. How long you can run them depends on how much you store. Inverters are still quieter than most generators and produce fewer emissions, but usually cost more because of their engine, which is more complex and more efficient. A small inverter has an output similar to a portable power station, while midsize to large inverters can power your air conditioning or space heater in addition to your fridge and smaller items.
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Portable Generators
Portable generators are usually both less expensive and less efficient than inverters, with a similar output to a large inverter. With a portable generator, you can usually expect to keep your fridge and A/C on, potentially with a few other necessities like your well pump, sump pump, some of your lights, or even an electric stovetop range.
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Home Standby Generators
Home standby generators are the big guns. At their most powerful, they more than double the output of portable generators and can keep everything in your home running. The main tradeoff is cost – not only will you normally pay a few thousand dollars for the generator, but you’ll also have to pay for installation, which can double the base price.
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Which One is Right for You?
First, determine what you want to keep using when the power goes out. Then, check the wattages for each of those devices or appliances. Adding these up will give you an idea of what kind of output to look for in a generator.
Don’t forget that some appliances use more power as they’re turning back on, which can be too much for your generator if you’re not careful.
Where to Shop
Talk to an electrician for recommendations on whole-home generators. Search online retailers for other backup power sources.
Please let us know you have a generator
If you recently installed a generator or if you’ve had one for a while and haven’t notified us, please call us at 800.492.5989. We will add a note to your account that will make our crews aware of your equipment prior to making repairs.