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Generator Maintenance
03/04/2010
I cannot stress how important maintenance for your generator can be…especially if your generator has been in service. This 2009-2010 winter has presented several areas with some very long power outages. Every time your generator turns on and runs it will require some maintenance, even it is just checking the oil level and/or doing oil changes.
If your automatic generator goes into service and stays in service for more than 24 hours, you should look at the unit at least once a day. Check the oil level and check all the air vents to make sure they are free and clear of debris. Look at your control panel to see if there are any alerts that need attention. During the “off” season when you experience the least amount of outages it is a good time to contact a factory representative to check the unit internally. Most authorized dealers have a checklist of services they can perform and some dealers even offer maintenance contracts to service your generator on a regular basis. These services can include: Replace spark plugs and air cleaner, check the charging system and the radiator (for liquid cooled units only). A factory trained technician will also do valve clearance adjustments, check the voltage output and replace fuses as necessary.
Portable generators aren’t much different. Check the oil level regularly, oil changes, spark plugs, air cleaners, spark arresters (bet you didn’t know they needed cleaning!) and the extra added care of what to do about any unused fuel left in the tank. Manufactures provide specific instructions in the owner’s manuals about how to store your portable generator and how to drain any unused fuel for long term storage. The reason for this is to prevent “gumming” in essential fuel system parts. It is always necessary to drain the fuel if the unit is not going to be stored for more than 30 days without use. Safety tips on how to drain your generator should be followed according to the manufactures recommendations.
For the best performance from your generator it needs to have the best maintenance. Authorized service centers are listed on the manufactures websites or you can always contact us at Norwall PowerSystems 928-453-4494 or sales@norwall.com if you have trouble locating a dealer.
Please note: Contacting an authorized dealer to perform routine or recommended maintenance on your generator is not a service covered by warranty or your purchase price.
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Generac Power Systems
Generac Power Systems Sizing Tool
Generac Power Systems Sizing Guide PDF
Generac Power Systems Videos: How Does it Work, Automatic vs Portable and More…
Briggs & Stratton
*These Sizing Guides are intended for estimating purposes only. Actual power requirements of high demand appliances vary widely by brand, model and capacity. Always have an authorized dealer or qualified electrician analyze your specific requirements before making a purchase decision.
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Industry Talk
For me looking at a specification sheet and understanding the statistics is second nature, after all I’ve been factory trained. But for the average consumer reading about generators can become confusing, the terminology can be like reading a different language. After awhile instead of becoming informed you just have more questions. Maybe if the terminology was explained the specifications would make sense and become more understandable. Always remember you can email (sales@norwall.com) or call us (928-453-4494) at Norwall PowerSystems with any questions.
Almost all of the automatic standby systems Norwall PowerSystems offers operate on either natural gas or propane. These two fuels are slightly different in their composition so for the units that can operate on both fuel types the output is also slightly different, you will see an output rating for natural gas and one for propane. Propane is the higher rating, natural gas slightly lower.
Btu’s = Natural Gas at 1,000 Btus per cubic foot or Propane at 2,520 Btus per cubic foot. Don’t forget to have your fuel supply and fuel line installed according to local codes and mandates.
Nema = The rating for an enclosure, such as the cabinet on a transfer switch. Nema 1 is an indoor rating, Nema 3R is an outdoor rating. There are other Nema levels depending on the application; these two are the most common for generators.
Normal Operating Load = When a generator is at approximately 50% load/capacity.
Rated Power = The maximum output for continuous duty operation. This rating does not include any surge capacity.
Sound Output = The industry standard for measuring sound output levels is 23 feet (7 meters). While the db(A) is often listed on spec sheets the distance it was measured is not always stated.
Surge Capacity = This rating is not always published by the manufacture, an authorized dealer can help your installer determine if the unit has enough surge capacity. Surge capacity should only be considered for starting amp requirements and never relied on for continuous duty operation.
Transfer Switch = Used to safely transfer electrical loads from one power supply to another. Almost all of the standby units use automatic transfer switches and a portable generator would use a manual transfer switch.
Source: Generac Power Systems
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Sometimes for inspiration we’ll conduct internet searches to gather ideas about what to write or share next…we stumbled across this article and my first though is why isn’t this news being blasted all over the place. A hybrid electrical system for RV’s that will help reduce energy and fuel consumption and is also a clean power source, WOW. Now, so I don’t plagarize anyone or forget to tell you all the details I have the artilce from biztimes.com (Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin Business News/BizTimes Daily) in it’s entirety below. Enjoy!
Published
November 25, 2009
Generac develops new electrical system for RVs
- BizTimes DailyGenerac Power Systems Inc., a Waukesha-based manufacturer of residential and commercial standby generators, today introduced a new Hybrid Electrical System for recreational vehicles (RVs).
According to Generac, as today’s motor coaches have all the bells and whistles and comforts of the home, they are using far more energy than ever before. The appliances and accessories that need to be powered are increasingly more sophisticated and advanced and need a dependable, clean power source.
Generac has partnered with Magnum Energy and Precision Circuits Inc. to introduce the first Hybrid Electrical System to deliver all the power needed for large RVs without having to install a larger, more costly generator.
“For more than 50 years, Generac has garnered considerable expertise in producing small engines, providing innovative and value-driven generator products for the residential, commercial and RV industries. Generac’s staff of talented engineers is responsible for creating this opportunity to expand the company’s RV product offerings, developing a cutting-edge system to answer consumer needs for a better power solution on the road,” said Bill Slavik, director of RV OEM, Generac. “This new power management system allows consumers to now have all the comforts of home without the increased energy costs.”
According to Slavik, the new Hybrid Electrical System can save up to $3,000 on the cost of a larger generator and weighs 270 pounds less – thus, increasing fuel savings and lowering emissions. The smart power management system begins to supply power to the coach one circuit at a time – keeping all startup spikes in energy to a minimum. This allows the system and the Generac generator to run up to three separate air conditioners at one time. If peak demand exceeds the output of the generator, the inverter turns on and supplements the power. If the battery voltage drops too low, the Hybrid Electrical System will begin to shed non-critical loads until a balance is maintained. Once the peak demand is over, the system begins to return service to the preselected loads supplying seamless, clean power.
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Smart Energy Grid
10/29/2009
On October 27, 2009 President Obama annouced a “$3.4 billion investment to spur transition to a Smart Energy Grid”. I’m sure this announcement was wonderful news for those who live in areas prone to power outages. I myself thought great, now I’m out of work selling generators then I read the article further. “The implementation of smart grid technologies could reduce electricity use by more than 4 percent by 2030″. Huh? 2030, that seems like a lifetime away from 2009. What is going to be involved in the transition period from the current electrical grid to the new smart energy grid? I am applauding the White House for moving toward postive action to update our system however, after considering the effort and time it will take to change over, I decided that the business of selling generators is probably not in jeopardy. Providing a backup system for your home or office still makes sense just to have the added knowledge that your property, family, and business are protected.
Use this link to read the entire article about the Smart Energy Grid.
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Expectations
9-24-2009
Hey it’s my birthday today…Happy Birthday to anyone else also celebrating!
You want to protect your family and property by installing an automatic standby generator system. Be sure to get a professional. What should you expect from your installer? Answer: Everything. After all you want nothing less than the best.
Here is what Generac recommends you and your installer should discuss as outlined in their Installation Program Brochure. To read the brochure in its entirety click on this link. Install Program
List of circuits you want to protect.
Fuel Connections: The installer is not always the same person or company that does this part of the installation. Your installer will be able to recommend a fuel provider for a quote.
Generator Placement: The installer can help you determine the ideal place and ensure it complies with applicable codes.
This information would also be applicable if you chose to use your own electrician for the installation. Norwall PowerSystems always recommends you either use an authorized installing dealer or a licensed electrician. As always, contact us any time if you have questions about your generator project.
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Rv Generators
Getting ready for vacation time. Make sure your RV is ready to go!
You check on your generator and find you need a replacement or you just purchased your RV and would like to get a generator…for one reason or another you have made the decision to purcahse a new RV Generator.
Generac has been manufacturing RV Generators for over 35 years. Generac RV Generators have some great features. There is a model that fits most everyone’s needs.
Each unit has a 3 year warranty, and (this next part is fact) the warranty IS transferable if you ever sell your RV or your generator. And a reminder that Generac has one of the largest networks of servicing dealers in the industry.
The exciting news from inside the industry…Generac has enhanced oil cooling capabilities so they can handle longer run times and hotter temperatures with ease. This is great news for those who run their generators often, especially during those hot summer nights.
Happy RVing!
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Getting to Know You
This blog you’re reading is new, Thanks for taking the time to read what we have
…which is what this entry is all about.
I’m going to ask for everyone’s input on what you would like to know. Norwall
PowerSystems sells generators, all types…RV Generators, Portables, Marine and
back up systems for businesses and residence.
Since I haven’t received any comments yet, I’m not sure where we’ll be going with
this blog…
I was going to start by answering one the most common questions asked…
How do I know what size generator to get?
1. The most accurate way to get sized is to have an electrician or authorized
installer do an on site evaluation. You tell them what you want to power with
the generator and the installer will be able to determine the amps you
require which will tell them what size generator you need.
2. Use one of these helpful sizing programs from some of the manufactures
listed on our website.
Generac Residential Sizer
Briggs & Stratton Buying Guide
3. Call us…928-453-4477.
Generator Maintenance
03/04/2010
I cannot stress how important maintenance for your generator can be…especially if your generator has been in service. This 2009-2010 winter has presented several areas with some very long power outages. Every time your generator turns on and runs it will require some maintenance, even it is just checking the oil level [...]
Sizing Tools & Videos
Generac Power Systems
Generac Power Systems Sizing Tool
Generac Power Systems Sizing Guide PDF
Generac Power Systems Videos: How Does it Work, Automatic vs Portable and More…
Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton Sizing Guide
Kohler Power
Kohler Residential Sizing Calculator
*These Sizing Guides are intended for estimating purposes only. Actual power requirements of high demand appliances vary widely by [...]
Industry Talk
For me looking at a specification sheet and understanding the statistics is second nature, after all I’ve been factory trained. But for the average consumer reading about generators can become confusing, the terminology can be like reading a different language. After awhile instead of becoming informed you just have more questions. Maybe if the [...]