External Emergency Propane Generator Installation

Power outage, whether from brown outs, transformer damage, natural disaster or terrorist attacks can leave you without more than lights. Propane is a form of natural gas, is clean burning and relatively inexpensive. It can be used as a fuel source for a BBQ or to power a generator.

Propane and Natural Gas

Propane is often sold in containers which can hold hundreds of pounds of liquid propane gas (LPG).  Many homes in rural areas are both heated and have power provided by propane.  Many of these areas also have liquified natural gas (LNG) pumped through underground gas lines. These can also be tapped to run an electric generator.  The downside, is the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster the underground pipes can be damaged.  A duel system allowing the piped propane or LNG to fill a tank for additional fuel storage can solve this problem.

Location of Tank

Place your tank near enough that you can pipe it safely to the home.  Tanks should be placed away from trees, shrubbery and buildings, unless made of metal for housing the container.  In the event of a gas leak or explosion, you don't want to start a forest fire or burn down your house.  Place the tank onto a cement pad to protect it from dampness during wet winters. Discuss with your electrician concerning protecting your equipment from thieves. Security should also be as important as a safe, propane back-up generator system.

Consult an electrician to assist you in wiring your home to utilize the back-up generator.  Consider a no-fail circuit to maintain continuous electricity during long power outages.  Under normal conditions, AC current keeps all appliances, computers and households functioning.  When the power grid goes down, the backup generator battery provides electricity, keeping things going.  The back-up generator supplies the battery keeping it charged, in turn providing continuous power to your home.