3 Features All Emergency Power Backup Services in San Francisco Must Have

Severe weather patterns have hogged the headlines of late, with a new storm seemingly rolling in every few weeks. And this is having a catastrophic effect on the country’s power.

The International Business Times reports that the U.S. electric grid is now disrupted for longer than an hour 285 percent more often than it was in 1984. That means America sees more power outages than any other developed nation in the world.

No wonder more and more people are turning to temporary power equipment to keep the lights on. While those outages are costing U.S. businesses as much as $150 billion each year, they could cost you a lot more than money.

A lack of power could put your family in danger. Compromised water purification systems, inoperable refrigeration resources and disabled temperature control can cause illness and dangerous exposure to the elements.

But before you rush out and buy an expensive temporary power system to safeguard your family in a time of crisis, have a careful think about what exactly it is that you will need during an emergency. There are so many forms of power equipment, with an array of capabilities, that you could easily end up either overpaying or owning machinery that fails to do the job you need it to.

These 3 features are essential for any emergency power equipment, and are scale-able to the needs of your own home.

1. Power

This is not as obvious as it might seem. Depending on the wattage of your system, you could provide enough current to charge a cellphone or light up the entire block. First, work out which items and appliances you will need most during an emergency, then calculate their combined power requirements, taking into account any start-up boosts they may need, and shop around for a system that can produce enough juice.

2. Fuel

The power system you buy may run on gasoline or propane gas, and it is worth understanding the difference between them before you buy. Both bring a varying degree of risk, and they will have their own burning efficiency to consider – the last thing you want is to set fire to the home you’re trying to power, or run out of fuel in the middle of a natural disaster.

3. Multiple Output Plugs or a Transfer Switch

Depending on which appliances you require and how many there are, you may need to run several extension cords from your emergency backup power system into your home, and for this you will need multiple output plugs. But if you plan to power your home via one standalone emergency power system, first ask an electrician to install a power transfer switch into your current electrical system.

Rent or Buy Emergency Power Equipment in San Francisco

If you’d like to rent or buy a backup power system in San Francisco, turn to Allied Rental Co. Call 415-644-5792 to learn more.