Watt's Up
Learn about how electricity works, get money saving tips and see some interesting articles
​What's a Generlink and how does it work?
June 22, 2023
How do I choose a generator?
June 21, 2023
If you’re a homeowner or business owner, interested in having back up power in place, you might be interested in a device called a GenerLink.
A GenerLink is a small device that connects to your home or business’s electrical panel and allows you to connect a portable generator directly to your electrical system, providing backup power during an outage. In this blog post, we’ll explore how a GenerLink works and why you should consider having one installed.
How does a GenerLink work?
A GenerLink works by connecting your portable generator directly to your home or business’s electrical system. It does this through a device called a transfer switch, which automatically switches your power source from your utility company to your generator in the event of an outage. The transfer switch is built into the GenerLink device, so there’s no need for an electrician to install a separate transfer switch.
When the power goes out, the GenerLink will detect the outage and automatically switch your power source to your generator. When power is restored, the GenerLink will switch your power source back to your utility company.
Why should you have a GenerLink installed?
There are several reasons why you should consider having a GenerLink installed.
Here are just a few:
Provides easy shift to backup power during outages: A GenerLink ensures that you have access to your genertaor power when you need it most, especially during extended power outages. It can keep your freezer frozen, your refrigerator running, your lights on, and your devices charged.
Safe to use: A GenerLink is a safe way to connect a portable generator to your electrical system. It meets all safety standards and regulations, and it eliminates the need for extension cords, which can be a safety hazard.
Saves money: A GenerLink is a cost-effective way to link your backup power. It’s less expensive than a traditional standby generator, and you only need to use it when you need it.
Flexibility: Allows you to backup all of your circuits, unlike a manual transfer switch. While how many circuits you will be able to run at the same time will ultimately depend on the size of your generator. The GenerLink allows you the flexiblity of choosing which circuits to power at any given time.
Should I get a Surge Protected GenerLink?
Many clients want the added benefit of Surge Protection with their GenerLink device. As surge protection is a one time use on the GenerLink we suggest our clients install the non-surge protected GenerLink and install a whole panel surge protection device at the same time. This way you can benefit from surge protection for your entire home while not having to remove and replace the GenerLink or send it out for servicing if ever the surge protector gets used on the device.
When picking a generator to power your whole home in the event of a power outage, it is important to consider a wide variety of factors. Before looking at the brands that are available, look into how often outages occur and how long they typically endure, the type of climate you live in, and what appliances you have in your home that you would like to run on the generator, along with the budget that you would like to spend on purchasing your generator and having it installed. Many neighbourhoods also have restrictions on what kind of generators can be installed based on noise and size. Based on these factors and the advice of an experienced electrician (like the ones at Glenforest Electric), choosing the brand of generator that is best for your home can be greatly simplified.
Learn how to pick the right standby generator for your home.
At Glenforest Electric, we’ve worked with a wide variety of generator brands throughout our time in the electrical field, and not all generators are created equal. Some brands of generators are simply built better than others in terms of longevity and ease of maintenance, making them more affordable and less frustrating to work with in the long run.
Based on years of experience, the brand of generators that we recommend is:
Generac Generators
Generac’s lineup of home backup generators have been the top sellers in the generator marketplace for many years. Their two main series are the Protector and the Guardian, and both are universally recognized as some of the best, most reliable generators in both Canada and the USA. There are a variety of models available that provide different price points, features, and amounts of power. Most models are available with winter weather kits and can be installed fairly easily by an electrician. Many electricians recommend Generac as a go-to option due to their long life spans, durability, reliability, ease of installation, and quiet running.
If you would like to learn more about Generac Generators, or any other home backup power solutions that we offer, contact the team at Glenforest Electric. We would love to help you figure out the best option for your home.
Why should I hard wire my hot tub? Is the plug and play easier?
June 1, 2023
Some hot tubs come set up with a cord to plug into an outlet, known as Plug and Play. Plug and play is a quick and convenient way to start enjoying your new hot tub.
Unfortunately, some drawbacks are worth pointing out.
Plugging your hot tub cord into an outlet only produces enough power to either heat your hot tub or activate the jets, not both at the same time.
The time it will take to heat up and keep your hot tub at the temperature you prefer is noteworthy, averaging about one degree per hour. This lengthy heating process comes at a monetary cost. Because energy is being drawn for such a long period of time the amount of electricity being used can be significant.
Alternately, choosing to upgrade to a dedicated 240V circuit has an upfront cost but lower power use overall. A Glenforest Electric electrician will run a new wire from your panel box to hardwire your hot tub.
Hardwiring your hot tub comes with many benefits. You can count on heating your hot tub at a rate of about five degrees per hour. You can now effortlessly heat your hot tub and enjoy the bubbles simultaneously. Because you are heating more efficiently with the hardwired method, the energy use will be less.
Call us to set up a quote for your hot tub connention!
Why replace existing commercial lighting?
Why replace existing commercial lighting?
October 21, 2019
When trying to decide if changing out the lighting in your business will really make a difference, generally the answer is yes. Not only can you save money, but you can also make the lighting you have more effective ( increasing efficiency of your and employees and systems) and add useful features like timers and motion sensors. Check out this article about a company that took the time to do a lighting audit and reaped the rewards of ongoing savings and efficiency.
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