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TO: OUR READERS
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RE: QUILT STYLE
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We make every effort to ensure that the directions in our books are accurate; however, there are times when information gets misprinted. We have discovered errors, primarily in the cutting tables for the quilts in our new book Quilt Style. Before you begin your quilt, click on the link below for the most updated information and corrections for your project. Then proceed to make your selected quilt using the new directions posted. Happy quilting!
Click Here for updated instructions.
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Project Difficulty:
Moderate
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Standby generators serve as a backup source of electrical power in case you experience a power outage. Your food can stay cold, your lights can stay on, and your TV can keep you informed.
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1.
Choosing a Generator
When selecting a generator, there are several factors to consider.
Types
a) Permanent standby generators are hooked up to your house's electrical wiring. This type offers faster results; many generators automatically turn on after a few seconds during an outage. No hassle with starting, plugging appliances in, etc.
b) A portable standby generator is not connected to house wiring. Instead, you plug appliances directly into it, via extension cords. (Fig. 1)
Wattage Needs
Wattages come in two types: run and surge. Run wattage is the power an appliance needs to run continuously. Surge wattage is the power an appliance needs for just a few seconds or minutes in order to start.
Determine how much wattage the generator will need to produce. Add together the run wattages of every appliance you might use, and then add another fifty percent for the starting loads. Appliances with electrical motors may need an even higher surge wattage. To find out the wattage, look on the name plate of the appliance. If wattage isn't mentioned, use the formula Amps x Volts = Watts.
For a rough estimate of how much wattage you'll need, go by the following rule of thumb. If a portable generator, not wired to the house, will provide power to very light loads, such as one or two small-wattage appliances at a time like lamps, then you'll be looking at wattages around the 1500 to 2500 watt range, depending on the appliance wattage you want to power. If the generator will power moderate to heavy loads or provide electricity to the house through a transfer switch, you want at least a 4500-watt generator. This will still not provide enough power to use an electric stove or an electric water heater.
Gas Tank Size
Most standby generators run on gasoline. The gas tank should hold enough gas for the time you need the generator to run. If the generator is only going to run for a short period of time, such as two hours or less, you don't need a large gas tank. However, if the generator is going to feed power to the house most of the day or night, you need a large gas tank. Some generators have a fuel gauge built into the lid that tells you how much gas is left in the tank. You can sometimes purchase these gauges separately. Caution: Never fill the generator while it is running--always stop the engine first.
Electric or Manual Start
Generators are either started manually or via an electric starter. Electric starters are easy to start. Be careful when starting up hand-pull generators; like starting an old lawn mower, it's easy to pull a muscle. Start the engine every few months to make sure it runs properly and that the battery (for those with electric starters) is still charged.
Frame or Dolly Mount
A frame-mount generator is meant to stay in one place; it is very heavy to move. A generator with a built-in dolly has wheel(s) to aid in moving the generator from the garage to where it is to be used. Do not be dismayed if you find the generator you want and it has no wheels--it is easy to make a dolly for the generator. Simply build a wooden platform big enough for the generator to sit on and then screw four castors onto the platform. The larger the wheels or castors, the easier the generator will move across rocks and grass. Some companies also make wheel kits that can be added to their generators. (Fig. 2)
Cords and Outlets
The generator will have an array of outlets on its side. Pick the generator that has the outlets you need. (Fig. 3)
A generator may come with outlets for several types of voltages: 120 volts, 240 volts, or 120/240 volts.
If you are going to hard-wire a generator to the house, via a transfer switch, you need a generator that comes with a four-conductor twist-lock outlet that is labeled 120/240. A special 4-conductor cord is then connected between generator's four-conductor outlet and the transfer switch.
Do not confuse an outlet that says 240 volts with an outlet that gives you both 120 volts and 240 volts. A 240-volt outlet should not be used to power a house, it is for an appliance that uses 240 volts only.
For a portable generator, if you are going to be using extension cords, then you need a GFCI outlet for 120 volts. These are on almost all generators.
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2.
Using and Maintaining the Generator
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to connect, use, and maintain your generator, including how to ground it. All generators, whether permanent or portable, should be operated outside and not in the house or garage, due to the gasoline fumes. After you purchase it, you usually have to fill it with both gas and oil.
For a permanent (hard-wired) standby generator, you must have a qualified licensed electrician connect the generator to your home's wiring, and you need to have the wiring inspected by the local building department. For this hookup, the NEC requires that a double-throw switch is installed. This transfer switch makes sure that the power from the utility lines is completely unavailable (do not do this by the opening the main circuit breaker or removing the main fuse block). It prevents the electrical power from the generator from possibly back feeding from the house into a transformer, and then traveling as high voltage through the power lines. This is a dangerous situation that risks the lives of you, your neighbors, and any crews working on the lines. When normal power is restored, the switch also prevents your home from receiving that power in addition to the generator's, which could cause considerable damage.
When using your generator:
* Always check the oil and gas before you start the generator.
* Always use clean gas. The most common problem with hard starting is water (from rain) and debris in the gasoline.
* Never start the generator immediately after filling the tank if you have spilt gasoline onto the generator--let it evaporate first.
* Make sure the load does not exceed the capacity of the generator.
* If you have a portable generator, use extension cords that can safely handle the load.
* Always let a portable generator run for several minutes before plugging in any appliance. For light loads, plug the appliance directly into the GFCI receptacle. If you are using extension cords to run several appliances, plug them in at different times several minutes apart, never at the same time.
* Make sure the wind does not blow the fumes back into the house or garage.
* Batteries have a habit of dying after a few years, so be sure to check the battery (simply by starting the generator) a couple times a year. One problem that seems to plague batteries is corrosion at the terminals. Each year you should clean the terminals and coat them with an anti-oxide grease to prevent corrosion buildup.
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