If your home or business was hit hard by a major storm, it’s easy to assume that it won’t happen again. But power outages can happen at any time, and a storm isn’t the only factor that can cause them.
Even heat waves can cause lengthy power outages – and the longer they last, the more costly they will be.
Temporary power equipment can save you a small fortune and make your life a whole lot easier when the power goes out. From contaminated water to spoiled food and a lack of heating sources, power failures can contribute to all kinds of expenses and health hazards.
According to statistics from Inside Energy, power outages have been steadily rising since 2000. And if you compare outages in 2000 with those reported in 2013, you will see a six-fold increase: from 2.5 disruptions a month to an average of 14.5.
An emergency power system could help you avoid the major costs associated with a power outage. That doesn’t mean you need to invest in a mini power plant; temporary power equipment comes in a range of shapes and sizes so you can tailor the machinery you buy to the requirements of your home and family.
To do that with any kind of accuracy, you first need to know how many appliances your system will be able to power during an emergency.
How Many Devices Can I Plug Into My Temporary Power Equipment?
Each system is different, just as every home has its own needs. To work out the specifics of your family’s requirements relative to the capabilities of your power equipment, start here:
1. Make a List of Essential Appliances
An emergency power system is not designed to power your entire home. Using it to do so would both put a dangerous strain on the equipment and cause your costs to skyrocket.
2. Work out the Power Required by Each of Those Applicances
This information should be listed on the specifications label of each item, commonly attached to the power cord or cable.
3. Account for Start-up Power
Some appliances cycle on and off as they run, and these will require an extra jolt to start up. This extra boost could be twice or three times the usual required current, and if your generator is unable to provide that power, you could cause the circuit to trip.
4. Do the Math
Add up the power requirements of your essential appliances, in watts, and compare that number to the capability of your temporary power equipment. Add an uncertainty percentage to be safe, and if the total is over the wattage of your power system, it might be time to start cutting out appliances or to invest in a larger emergency power system.
Buy or Rent Emergency Power Equipment in San Francisco
If you would like to rent or buy a backup power system for your home or business, contact Allied Rental Co. Call 415-644-5792 to learn more.