MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It seems as if Old Man Winter has the entire country in its icy grip this year, with no letup in sight. Wave after wave of ice storms, blizzards and freezing cold have battered the East Coast from New England to Atlanta, creating a record year of power outages, school closings, stranded commuters, trapped homeowners and overall gridlock in places that typically don’t experience this kind of severe winter weather. Being without electrical power in dangerously low temps and with impassable roads can be inconvenient, costly and even dangerous.
“The U.S. is enduring winter weather and power outages unlike anything most of us have ever experienced. In extended power outages, homeowners face inconveniences as well as safety concerns and even possible financial losses,” said Vivek S. Malapati, Segment Leader - Residential and Light Commercial for Cummins Power Generation, “Being prepared is the key to solving power supply issues during severe weather. A proactive homeowner who wants the peace of mind and safety that come with reliable electric power should consider installing a permanent standby generator.”
Why install a permanent standby power system?
First and foremost, a permanently installed system is automatic. Once the utility power goes out a backup system is already in place and begins working within seconds. No waiting in lines for equipment, fuel and other potentially limited resources, and then taking it home to get it up and running…and that’s if the roads are open.
A typical residential standby power system consists of a fuel supply, a generator set and an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that connects to a home’s electric service panel. The fuel supply for the generator is usually a natural gas or propane. When the ATS detects a loss of utility power, it commands the generator to start. Then, the ATS switches the home from the utility to the generator, and the generator begins delivering power to the home’s distribution panel.
A good example of an advanced residential backup power system is the new Connect™ Series models from Cummins Power Generation. These models can withstand winds up to 150 mph and an automatic exercise function that ensures that the generators run when needed.
Consult an authorized dealer
Installing a permanent backup
generator is not a DIY project. A qualified and licensed professional
should handle the installation, which includes fuel and electrical
connections in addition to these other steps:
- Determining the right size and model of generator for the home
- Applying for necessary permits
- Installing the generator in a location that complies with applicable codes
- Taking care of regular preventive maintenance and service calls
- Answering questions and guiding the homeowner through the operation of the generator
To find out more about permanently installed backup power systems, consult a local dealer or visit http://power.cummins.com. For more information on emergency weather preparedness, visit http://powertoprepare.com/.
About Cummins Power Generation
Cummins Power Generation, a
subsidiary of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), is a global leader dedicated to
increasing the availability and reliability of electric power around the
world. With more than 90 years of experience, the company’s global
network of distributors in more than 190 countries delivers innovative
solutions for any power need – commercial, industrial, recreational,
emergency and residential.
