A standby generator can help you a great deal in case of a blackout, but only if you get its placement right. Here are a few tips to guide you with the placement area selection:
Install It Outdoors
The first thing you should know is that you must not install a standby generator in your house. Electric generators are combustion engines, which mean they produce byproducts of combustion such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. These byproducts of combustion are poisonous, and if you install your generator indoors, the gases will foul up your indoor air and cause you all manner of health. Watch out for your household's health by keeping the generator outdoors.
Keep It in an Area with Good Drainage
There are two main reasons you should keep the generator somewhere it cannot be affected by water. First, the generator may be flooded and stop functioning if it is kept in a flood area. Don't forget that many power outages occur during storms, which means you are likely to need your generator in a storm or during flooding. Secondly, water and electricity don't play well, and exposing the generator to water may lead to an electrocution.
Encourage Air Circulation
You should also choose an area with efficient air circulation for the installation of the generator. For one, this will ensure that any combustion gases that get produced are easily dispersed. Secondly, your generator needs an adequate supply of air for its combustion engine. This means, for example, that the basement or a closed garage is not a good place for your generator.
Install It Close To the Service Panel
A standby generator is usually hooked up to the main service panel of a house so that it can supply all the rooms with power. This means that the generator should be as close to the service panel as possible. The proximity of the generator to the service panel reduces power losses, increases electrical safety, and also minimizes the material (such as electrical wires) used in the project.
Adhere To All Code Requirements
Lastly, there are electrical code requirements that govern the installation and use of standby generators. There may also be HOA (homeowners association) regulations on the placement of standby generators. Adhere to all these codes and regulations if you don't want your generator installation to run afoul of the relevant authorities.
A lot can go wrong if you install your standby generator in the wrong place. Why not let a professional electrician guide you in this project?
When we purchased our first home, we realized that there was a problem with some of the electrical work. Some of the lights flickered when we turned them on, and others really seemed to have issues if they were left on long term. I thought the issues was the light bulbs themselves at first, so I replaced several of them. However, after making those changes, it seemed like things were still having trouble. I began going through and thinking carefully about how to identify and resolve the challenges, and it occurred to me that working with an electrician could be helpful. I turned to the professional for help, and it was a good thing I did. Read more about electricians on this blog.