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Portable generators can be used for camping or working around the farm. Photos by James Pratt


Generators Backup power when you need it


By James Pratt O Sizing


Permanently installed home power generators can turn on automatically in case of outages.


“The two most common questions potential buyers ask are ‘How big of a generator do I need?’ and ‘How much will it cost?’” says Vincent Aiello, co-owner of Metroplex Electric in Oklahoma City and a Kohler dealer. Both portable and standby generators are rated by their kilowatt output. To get a general idea of the size of generator needed, homeowners can add up the wattage needed by the appliances in their home. Special attention should be given to appliances with higher startup wattage, like a refrigerator, which can often require two to three times the wattage to start as is required to run. To help consumers with the sizing process, manufacturers such as Generac, Kohler and GE feature sizing tools on their websites. Buyers can enter the square footage of their home and check off a list of typical appli- ances; the websites will output an approximate size needed to power their home. Of course, the best way to size a generator is to contact a licensed and trained generator dealer. Dealers are trained by the manufacturers on prop- er sizing for both residential and industrial generators, as well as installation requirements and electrical codes.


Want to know the difference between “clean” and “dirty” power? If viewing our digital edition, click here for an illustration. Access our digital edition at www.ok-living.coop or fi nd our FREE app at the Apple Newsstand Google Play or Amazon.


“Some customers will oversize the generator to power 100 percent of their current needs, while being able to accommodate future needs as well,” explains Josh Morphew, general manager of Baxter Electric in Edmond, Okla., and a member of Central Rural Electric Cooperative. “Others, who are designing a system on a budget, may only wish to power crucial systems, such as the refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, furnace, etc.”


klahoma is known for severe weather, and when storms roll in, nature can wreak havoc on a co-op’s ability to deliver reliable electricity to its members. Tornadoes, ice, and high winds can bring down even the most well-constructed power lines, leaving homeowners without power for what could be extended periods of time. When an outage occurs, your co-op staff works diligently to restore power; often going around the clock for several days to get the lights on as safely and as quickly as possible.


But, every now and then, the storm damage is so widespread it can take days before every member has power restored. To make matters worse, today’s modern homes require more power than ever, and high-tech appli- ances can easily be damaged by what could be referred to as “unclean” power. Luckily, standby generator manufacturers have all the bases covered.


Newer generators, both portable and fi xed, offer more power and features than ever before at lower prices than in the past. Buyers can choose either a portable generator that can be used for camping or work around the farm, or a permanently installed standby home power generator that can turn on automatically in case of an outage.


28 WWW.OK-LIVING.COOP


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