• What is the Difference Between Portable and Automatic
Standby Generator Systems?
The differences really have to do with the steps needed to have
emergency power flowing into your house in the event of a power
outage. Portable systems are wheeled units that require you to roll
the generator outside, start it up and hook it up to a power inlet box.
From there, you must go to the transfer switch panel installed near
your circuit breakers and switch the power coming into your house
from the main line to the generator running outside. After the power
from your local utility is restored, you are required to reverse the
setup process.
One of the clear advantages with an automatic Standby Generator
System is that the unit turns itself on and off automatically without
you ever having to leave the safety of your home. Automatic
Standby Generator Systems also exercise themselves once a week.
You can even set the time when the unit will perform this diagnostics
check. The generator will then be ready to run whenever needed.
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• What Size Standby Generator Do I Need to Run Electric Items
in My House During a Power Outage?
The best way to size your home for a generator is to have a load analysis completed by Fish Electric, Inc. The most common items that need emergency power during a blackout are the furnace blower motor, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, freezer, appliance circuit, microwave, lights, TV, water well, septic system and water pumps.
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• Does Motor Starting Require Different Wattage?
Induction motors require larger amounts of electricity for initial startup than when they are running. Some appliances and tools, such as
your refrigerator/freezer, furnace fan, air conditioner, electric chain
saw, weed trimmer, etc. may require more watts than normal running
wattage for motor starting. This must be considered when sizing a
generator to meet your needs.
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• What Does a Standby Generator System Typically Cost?
When you choose the safety, reliability and automatic operation of a
Standby Generator System, there are several items that contribute to
the total cost. The cost of the system includes the generator itself, a
power transfer switch and installation charges. Optional maintenance
contracts can also add to cost if you choose one.
Installation costs may vary, depending on customer requirements.
A professional estimate, per the customer's request will help to
ensure an accurate estimate of installation costs.
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• What Happens in a Typical Installation?
A basic installation includes:
- Delivery of the system.
- The transfer switch is then hardwired by the electrical contractor
into the home or business.
- The transfer switch should be installed within 2 feet of the main
distribution panel and 30 feet of the generator inlet box.
- Final startup inspection of system and completion of startup
form should be completed by the electrical contractor or startup
service provider.
- Cleanup of installation debris after installation is completed.
- Consumer is responsible for making arrangements to provide all
necessary gas service and connections.
Should you ever need service, you can count on Fish Electric, Inc.
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• Is Financing Available?
Yes! In most cases, our customers choose to finance a part of, or all
of the cost. Financing is available to our customers for our standby
generator program.
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• Can I Run a Computer or Other Sensitive Electronic
Equipment Off the Generator During a Power Outage?
Yes, the power coming from your generator is just as safe as what
you normally have coming out of the wall socket. The spikes or
surges that accompany power generation (also known as "harmonic
distortion") are just a normal aspect of electricity. However, when
considering sensitive or expensive electronic equipment running off a
wall outlet, you should use a good surge protector to guard against
small influxes in power.
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• Can I Install the Unit Myself or Does Someone Else Need to?
It is recommended that you have your Standby Generator System
(generator and transfer switch) installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Failure to do so could be dangerous for both family members, as well as outside repair workers trying to fix downed power lines. In addition, improper installation could void your warranty.
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• What's the Difference Between Running and
Starting Watts?
The running watts of a generator equals the amount of power the
unit can produce continuously, while the starting wattage is the additional power that the generator can produce for short periods of time to start items in your home that require larger amounts of electricity for initial startup than when they are running.
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About Maintenance & Use
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• Do I Need to Start the Generator Frequently When it is Not
Being Used?
One of the advantages of Residential Standby Generator
Systems is that they are designed to run or “exercise? once a week for 20 minutes.
All you have to do is program when you want this task to be performed and it will start up automatically. During this time, it will lubricate the engine and charge up the included battery.
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• How Long Will a Unit Run Before I Have to Let it Cool Down
or Refill it with Fuel?
One of the clear advantages of the Standby Generator Systems are
that they do not need to be refueled as often, if at all, because they
run off LP (Propane) or NG (Natural Gas). Additionally, rest periods to
allow cooling are not necessary on liquid cooled units. However, you will need to turn off the unit before refueling (if applicable) or when checking the oil levels, which should be done on a regular basis after extended use. (Refer to your owner’s guide
for instructions.)
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• Do I Have to Worry About Back-Feed if the Generator is
Running When the Power Comes Back On?
No. All of our transfer switches are designed to keep generator back-
feed from occurring. When the contractor installs the transfer system
into a house or small business, they will also hard wire the switch
directly into the circuit breaker. When the home is running off of
the generator, it automatically separates the power coming in from
the utilities and the generator, preventing damage to your house.
Only when the system switches back to power will the appliances
assigned to the generator then receive power from the homeowner's
utility. With the Automatic Standby Generator System, the unit
senses when the power has been restored and automatically
switches back to utility power before shutting down .
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• Who Do I Call if I Have Any Questions or Maintenance Issues?
Fish Electric, Inc. at 281-350-8222. We are always here to help.
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• Can I Vent Exhaust Out of an Enclosed Area?
No. Carbon monoxide gases produced by the engine can be deadly.
Portable Generators are designed to run outside where there is
plenty of ventilation. Never run these units inside a home or enclosed
area.
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• Can I Run the Generator Inside My Home?
No. A generator has an internal combustion engine and uses gas and
oil. The exhaust from running the generator contains lethal carbon
monoxide. Therefore, this unit should always be placed in a well-
ventilated area.
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