With hurricane season upon us again, being prepared and informed will help you better deal with disaster, should one strike. Hurricane season officially starts at the beginning of June and lasts until the end of November. Oftentimes during a disaster, major utilities such as water and electricity are lost. Taking precautions now instead of waiting until a disaster strikes will help ensure you can “weather the storm” safely.
Some of the most basic preparations can consist of getting all of your flashlights loaded with new batteries, getting an all-weather radio that runs on both AC power and batteries and having a first aid kit as well as plenty of canned food and bottled water.
A more extreme measure that some homeowners have considered is purchasing a portable generator, which can provide you with electricity temporarily during a power outage. However, it is important to know how to properly power up to your generator to not cause harm to yourself and others.
In order to do this properly, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to install a manual electrical transfer switch and back-feed outlet. This is a device that switches the power source from one power supply to another. The transfer is typically from a primary power supply, such as the local utility company (HECO), to a secondary power supply, such as an emergency generator. The electrical transfer switch also transfers power back to the primary power supply (HECO) when emergency power is no longer needed. The transfer switch keeps the two power sources isolated, allowing for a safe transfer from one source to another.
A back-feed outlet is a special receptacle/plug installed near your main circuit breaker panel that is made especially for the generator. This allows your generator to power up your home through the electrical panel, which in turn provides limited electricity throughout it. The size of your generator will determine how much power your home will receive.
This results in a much more convenient way to provide power throughout your home and minimize the need to run extension cords from each appliance to the generator. Keep in mind that depending on the size of your generator and its output, you will only be able to power up essential items such as the refrigerator and some interior lights.
Consult with a licensed electrician to install generator connections and transfer switches in advance because when the storm hits, it’ll be too late!
All G Electric has experienced and knowledgeable electricians capable of installing these components so that your home is properly equipped during the next power outage. Power packages also are available and include installation and a portable generator, a more complete solution for homeowners who don’t already have their own generator.
With a long track record for superior service and professionalism, the company also will thoroughly train you in the process involved of safely switching from the primary power supply (HECO) to the secondary power source (generator). All G Electric is a locally owned and operated, full-service electrical contractor. It is able to handle all electrical areas from troubleshooting to a full rewire of your home and everything in between. The company has enlisted the expertise of Murakami’s Roofing and expanded to include photovoltaic installation and maintenance, making it an electrical powerhouse.
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