The expense of any main appliance is the most crucial thing to consider when making a purchase. Fees are typically underestimated for equipment purchases because homeowners fail to look at all the factors concerned with placing the equipment in their homes. Emergency standby generators are no different, and there is more than the purchase of a generator and delivery costs to look at. The true cost a consumer or business will incur to set up an emergency generator depends on the generating unit chosen, the type of automatic transfer switch, local codes and regulations, extra accessories, and installation labor and materials.
Automatic Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switch selected will factor greatly into the installation labor and material fees. Some automated switches replace the entire main service panel while others install between the main panel and the meter to select between utility power and emergency standby generator power for the entire home. Due to involving changing the homes service equipment, these switches will cost the most tot install. Simpler installations that cost less in terms of equipment, labor, and products connect to the main panel and only power circuits chosen as essential or critical. They connect to a double-pole breaker in the main panel for utility power and to the generator for emergency backup power. The switch distributes power to a sub-panel, or to circuit breakers contained within the switch. When a power outage occurs, they transfer the essential circuit to generator power. In the home the remaining circuits are without power. Variations on both of these options will give you a choice, and inevitable affect your final cost.
Electrical Connections
Just one of the features of connecting a standby generator to a home or business is set up of the automatic transfer switch. Another element you will need to take under consideration is wiring between the transfer switch and the building. It includes controller wiring for communication between the transfer switch and the generator, and feeder lines that carry electricity from the generator to the transfer switch for distribution to the home’s electrical system. Other wiring may incorporate remote, wired controllers set up inside the home and modules for handling 240-volt, high-voltage appliances such as air conditioners, electric dryers, water heaters, and well pumps. Possibly raising the cost of installation, each device is connected to a managed power device each requiring additional wiring.
Fuel Connections
Fuel to run an emergency backup power generator runs through supply lines from the building’s natural gas lines or from an LP gas tank. This will require additional supply lines in either case. A natural gas installation may demand a different meter in order to supply sufficient gas for the backup generator. In liquid propane installations you may possibly demand a new regulator for the same reason.
Budgeting Costs
The ideal way to find the true costs relating to the installation of standby power generators is to check with an installer authorized by the generator manufacturer. They can help you navigate permits and building departments and advise you on the type of installation that best suits your needs and your budget.
For more info go to: www.GeneratorPowerForLess.com