A power outage is already frustrating to deal with. But what if you have something in your home that always needs electricity, like medical equipment? Whether you want another layer of protection or you’re just sick of pulling out the flashlights, a home generator can help. With natural gas or other fuels, it can provide much-needed electricity during storms and power outages.
But there’s more than one to choose from. Most people are familiar with portable generators, which are small enough to be carried or wheeled to different spaces. There’s also the whole-house generator, also known as a standby generator. It’s powerful enough to keep everything at home running. So which one is safer to use? A whole-home generator is much safer for several reasons.
Portable Generators Can Overload
Most portable generators don’t have the power to run everything in the house. Instead, they may be restricted to non-hardwired lights or one to two appliances. Many homeowners aren’t aware of how much energy they can draw from a single portable generator and end up overworking it. This results in portable generators being at risk of overloading.
Like your home’s wall outlets, they’re designed to deliver up to a certain amount of electricity. If you plug too many things in, it can overload or overheat a portable generator. This can damage or even ruin the generator. In severe cases, it could spark an electrical fire or damage whatever was plugged into it.
Portable Generators Can’t Power Your Outlets
Portable generators aren’t designed to send power through your home via a wall outlet. Instead, they generate power and deliver it to whatever you have plugged into an extension cord. Some homeowners believe the generator can power their home and plug it into the outlet, putting electricians or nearby workers at risk of electrocution. This is known as backfeeding, and it’s capable of reaching neighbors’ homes as well.
Portable Generators Aren’t As Safe
Portable generators lack the protective casing you’d find on a whole-home standby generator. This could put you at a higher risk of injury if something goes wrong. For example, a damaged generator could cause electric shock or produce a carbon monoxide leak from its fuel supply. Whole-house generators are safely enclosed in a cabinet that protects both you and the generator from trouble.
Other Benefits of a Whole-House Generator
Enough power for your entire home: A whole-house generator is exactly that; a generator powerful enough to provide electricity for all your appliances and electronics. The next time a storm wipes out your home’s power, you won’t have to worry at all.
Directly wired into the electrical panel: Unlike portable generators, standby models are wired directly into your electrical panel. This is safer and more efficient, ensuring electricity can reach every room of the house.
Automatic startup: A whole-home generator reacts automatically when the power goes out, minimizing the time you spend wandering around in the dark.
Safety notifications and emergency support: Generators from trusted brands like Generac can offer additional support during emergencies or if you think something isn’t working right. This comprehensive peace of mind can help make even the most severe weather feel like a breeze.
If safety is your top priority, a standby generator gets the job done right. Certified electricians at A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical can ensure trusted generator installation in Omaha.