Keeping the Lights On During Hurricane-Related Power Outages; Cummins Power Generation Gives Tips for Proper Use of Emergency Standby Generators
MINNEAPOLIS--Sept. 10, 2001--As hurricane season reaches its peak from now until late October, Cummins Power Generation, a leading global provider of backup power systems and a division of Cummins Inc. , recommends some simple steps to help families concerned about the likelihood of a lengthy power outage protect themselves with portable electric generators and home standby generating systems."There's no substitute for advance preparation when dealing with severe weather and weather-related power outages. It's the best way to avoid possible inconvenience, damage, and injury," recommends Dan Davis, Director of Home Standby and Small Commercial Products for Cummins Power Generation.
Over the years, the average American home has become dependent on more than a hundred electrical appliances and devices to provide convenience, comfort and security. Household items often taken for granted, such as air conditioners, computers, furnaces, water heaters, lights, pumps, refrigerators, microwave ovens and stoves, naturally require electricity. A typical large home may consume well over 4,000 watts of electricity at a peak time, such as a summer afternoon.
The problem arises when hurricanes or other types of severe weather cause power outages. Despite the best efforts of local utility crews, hurricane victims may suffer from an extended loss of power -- with any number of costly and dangerous difficulties including flooded basements, spoiled food, non-functioning security systems, and inoperable garage doors.
"The sad fact is that when a hurricane causes a severe power outage, the damage and risk don't end when the winds die down -- in some cases, that's when the problems begin," added Davis.
Portable Generators
The simplest, most affordable solution for back-up power in emergency situations is a portable generator. Available in a variety of sizes -- typically from 2000 to 6000 watts -- portable generators provide varying power outputs. Depending upon load requirements, some of the more critical appliances, such as radios, refrigerators and freezers, water pumps, space heaters, and window air conditioners, can be plugged directly into the portable generator and used safely until the power supply is restored.
"Portable generators can provide emergency power at the flick of a switch in the event of a power outage," continued Davis.
Installed Residential Standby Systems
A more comprehensive solution is what's known as a "permanently installed residential emergency standby system." These generating systems are connected to a home's electrical system, automatically delivering power to keep a home running smoothly in the event of a power interruption or severe voltage drop. They are typically fueled by natural gas or LP vapor.
When utility power fails, the standby power system will automatically start and provide electric power to a home. The system constantly monitors the power quality from both the utility and the generator set so the home connections are protected. When the generator set control system senses a failure in utility power, it starts the generator set, which then transfers power AC power to the home. This sequence of operations will usually occur in less than 10 seconds from the time the power outage occurred to the time when generator set power is connected.
When utility power is restored to normal, the system shuts off automatically and returns to standby mode. The existing electrical system is not compromised in any way by integrating an automatic standby power system into a home.
A permanently installed home standby generator includes many features not found on a portable generator set, such as a more sophisticated control system, a fully weather protective enclosure, significantly quieter operation, and more power, so one doesn't have to "get by" with just a few conveniences. And, because the residential standby system is connected directly to the home's gas fuel system and electrical system, the homeowner never has to fill the gas tank or manually start and stop the generator. A residential standby system is installed outside, and is no more conspicuous than a central air conditioning unit.
"A residential standby system provides a seamless and automatic transfer of power that allows the use of ordinary and indispensable electrical appliances even in an emergency situation," added Davis.
Cummins Power Generation Top 10 Tips For The Safe Use
Of Portable And Standby Generators
Cummins Power Generation offers the following tips for safe use of portable generators:
1. Place the generator in a well-ventilated area, preferably
outside the house.
2. Do not connect the generator directly to a wall outlet or
the home's electrical system, because the power it creates
may flow back into power lines and cause injuries. Only a
licensed electrician should attempt to hook up a generator
to the main electric panel of a home or business.
3. Plug appliances directly into a portable generator with
properly sized power cords, using extension cords if
necessary. Make sure the generator is grounded.
4. Each generator has a rated wattage, which provides a limit
for how many appliances it will safely power. Add together
the wattage of different appliances, and do not exceed the
manufacturer's total rated wattage for the generator.
5. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper use
and load.
The following tips will help assure safe use of a residential emergency standby system:
1. Select a unit of the appropriate size and voltage.
2. Have the system installed by an authorized dealer or
licensed electrician.
3. Make sure the installation meets local community
regulations regarding permanently installed residential
generators.
4. Insure that the generator is properly ventilated.
5. Conduct regular maintenance checks on the system to ensure
it will operate when required.
Cummins Power Generation Products
Cummins Power Generation, a division of Cummins Inc., offers a complete line of permanently installed residential emergency standby systems including 12 kW, 15 kW, 20 kW, and 45kW generator sets with transfer switches under its Onan brand name. An Onan standby system offers several unique advantages that make it the safest and most reliable choice for residential emergency use, including:
| -- | Easy installation |
| -- | Attractive and discrete housing |
| -- | Quiet, neighborhood friendly operation |
| -- | Lockable access doors prohibit tampering |
| -- | A choice of readily available and environmentally-friendly fuels |
| -- | High quality commercial grade parts for secure and reliable performance |
| -- | Modest maintenance requirements |
Cummins also offers Onan brand portable gensets in ratings from 4000 to 6000 watts at 60 Hz.
Cummins Power Generation has the largest and best-trained worldwide certified Distributor network in the industry, offering on-time parts and service, and installation assistance. Cummins Distributors and certified resellers can help select and install the right genset or provide answers to questions on proper operation and maintenance procedures.
Cummins Power Generation is a world leader in the design and manufacture of power generation equipment including PowerCommand standby and prime power systems.
Cummins, headquartered in Columbus, Ind., is the world's largest producer of commercial diesel engines above 50 horsepower. The company provides products and services for customers in markets worldwide for engines, power generation, and filtration. Cummins reported sales of $6.6 billion in 2000. Press releases by fax may be requested by calling News on Demand (toll free) at 888-329-2305. Cummins' home page on the Internet can be found at http://www.cummins.com.