meng essa Emergency Power At The ‘e Flip Of A Switch (NAPSA)—During blackouts and hurricanes, homeowners are turning to gasoline-powered generators for emergency power. A portable generator won’t replace all the electricity provided by the power company. But it can makelife safer and more comfortable until poweris restored. Getting the most from a portable generator requires some simple planning. Experts at Honda Power Equipmentoffer these tips to help consumers makea safe, affordable A transfer switch, installed by a Preparation, and knowing utility power when the generator is in operation. transition to portable power. your needs and budget,arecritical. “Since home generators range from 1,000 to more than 10,000 watts, a homeowner must under- stand electrical requirements and estimate real emergency needs,” said Kris Delaney, Honda Power ll Equipment Product Planner. a a L = While they can be used to power a computer or television, emergency generators should always be operated outdoors. “Refrigerators or freezers oper- ate on about 700 watts, but require as much as 2,200 watts to licensed electrician, cuts off the start; a computer draws 600 to 800 watts. So it could take a 2,500-watt generator to run a refrigerator, minimal lighting and a computeror TV. A generator must be operated outside and never be plugged into a standard household outlet. “A safe connection starts with a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician,” advised Delaney. “The switch cuts off the utility power while the generator operates, and powersonly selected appliances.” Whenutility poweris restored, the generator and transfer switch are disconnected so that the two powersources do notcollide. The Honda generator line offers variable wattages and other innovative features, including inverter technology that protects against damaging power surges, large fuel tanks, full frame protection andelectric starters. More information, including household wattage calculators, can be found at at www.honda.com.
