STANDBY POWER UNITS

Abstract

Electricity plays a critical role in agricultural operations. However, the importanceof a continuous electrical supply is not always recognized until a power outage occurs.Some operations, such as ventilation for confinement poultry or swine operations, maybe able to tolerate only very brief power outages before the animals begin to suffocate.Operation of water pumps, mechanical feeders, milk coolers, and milking machinesare all dependent on electrical energy. In the home, loss of power may mean loss ofrefrigeration and possible spoilage of food, or the loss of heat due to inactive furnacecontrols. Since rural power systems by nature cannot be 100% reliable, the everincreasingdependence on a continuous supply of electrical energy has created theneed for standby electrical generation equipment.<br><br>Standby power equipment can eliminate the inconvenience, frustration, and economicrisks of power interruptions. Farm operators must decide if they will buy theinsurance of a standby generator or if they will accept the risk of power failure. Thecost of the system must be compared to the possible financial loss and inconveniencecreated by a power outage.<br><br>This chapter is intended to describe the types of standby units available and giveguidance on selection, installation and operation of a standby unit.