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Hi Folks,
I spent a few hours this past week emailing two newsletter readers in NJ and NY on how to wire a portable generator to their furnace.
While I do not endorse this and recommend that you use an electrician to install a generator we're talking about drastic measures for drastic times. So I tool the time to walk them thru it. It made me feel good that I was able to help out two folks and their families even if it is from a distance.
Home Generators
Tomorrow I am installing an emergency generator at my house. Hurricane Sandy did not hit my area nearly as bad as out neighborrs in NJ or NY but we did have a lot of folks without power. This was a warm storm, if it had been a month or two from now freezing pipes would be a real concern.
For the generator I chose a Dewalt 14000 Watt gas, commercial generator with the Honda engine and electric start. [photo above]
The most economical way to supply power during a power outage is to use a portable generator of the appropriate wattage for your needs (at least 4000 Watts for starters) and run extension cords into the house to power chosen appliances.
A safer system is to have an electrician install a power transfer switch connected to the house's main electrical panel. Just fire up the generator, run a single extension cord into the transfer switch and power the circuits you need through the main circuit breaker. This eliminates the risk of electrical "back feed" injuring utility workers repairing downed power lines.
A small portable gasoline-powered electric generator can provide power for TVs, small kitchen appliances, hair dryers, power tools, lights and other comforts of civilization when you are out roughing it in the woods.
Portable generators can also be put to work on construction sites that have no electrical service, providing clean, reliable power to operate AC-powered tools. Most generators are gasoline-powered, a few run on diesel, and some models have multi-fuel capabilities, running on gasoline, propane or natural gas. These are generally full-featured machines with engine idle control, GFCI receptacles and 120 Volt full power switch.
Residential Standby Systems
An emergency home standby generator system is a permanently installed generators connected to you house and usually fueled by natural gas, propane or diesel.
It can automatically restore power to your house in about 20 seconds. When the power goes out, the generator automatically starts and continues to run until power is restored. You can choose a generator that delivers enough power for the entire house (including air conditioning) or go with a smaller unit and power a few selected circuits, like the refrigerator, sump pump, furnace fan and several lights for basic survival.
These all-weather generators are installed outside the home and are wired through an automatic transfer switch to the main electrical panel. The use of an automatic transfer switch is required when generators are connected to home wiring.
Many models can be connected to the home's natural gas line, eliminating the need to fill fuel tanks. Standby system capacities range from 6,000 Watts up to 40,000 Watts and more, and start automatically-even if you are not home.
Watch for my upcoming DEWALT generator review and Cable TV show on installing an emergency generator and related issues.
Feeney Inc. Cable Rails
I'm working on a design for a deck similar to the one pictured abve. For the railings I will be using Feeney Inc 1/8" Standard Cable Assemblies in DesignRail frames with wood cap.
Feeney makes railings for both residential and commercial applications and has a wide range of standard and custom stainless steel cable assemblies for use on railings, fences, trellises and other architectural and decorative applications.
This railing is a deck builders dream come true! All of the cables can easily be cut to size on site and include special Quick-Connect stainless steel end fittings
that work similar to "zip ties," install fast and hold extremely well.
Take Back Your Day Contest:
Win $1000 prize pack!
This is a contest that's easy to enter and one you have a great chance of winning!
In order to enter and win you have to have a messy garage, workshop or tool storage area. Take a photo and send it in!!!
The Click and Go System is a tool storage system designed to improve efficiency and productivity.
Enter to win a $1000 prize pack.
Recent ACC Articles Of Interest
Milwaukee Torpedo Levels
Milwaukee torpedo levels were designed to save time by incorporating two or three tools in one. In fact anyone who holds one of these levels in their hand gains secret leg strength that allows them to be able to sit without a chair . . . Just kidding Tim! [see photo above]
READ MORE: Torpedo Levels
Irwin Tools Giveaway
Everyone loves shiny new tools - whether you've been in the business a long time and have old, rusty tools or are the new guy on the crew and have that daunting task of building out you're tool box.
The folks at Irwin are giving away an Irwin bag full of tools. [too many to list]
ENTER GIVEAWAY: Outfit the new guy giveaway
Gorilla Glue Single Use Tubes
I've been waiting a long, long time for Gorilla Glue to come out with single use tubes.
Gorilla Glue is well known for their multi-use polyurethane glue and its outstanding bonding power and ability to stick to almost anything - READ MORE
READ MORE: Single Use Tubes - very cool!
Keen Welt Work Boot
We have been testing the Keen.Welt on the job site for several months and find them to be well made, durable and easy on your feet and ankles. I especially enjoy the easy release lace eyelets on the top half of the boots.
Read Review | 
