Green Bay, WI -– One winter storm can sometimes interrupt electrical service for days, as thousands of central and north central Wisconsin residents found out several weeks ago. To protect their businesses from power outages caused by snow, ice and high winds, many farmers own standby generators to get them through electrical interruptions.
“Investing in a standby generator is like paying for insurance,” says Michael Kawleski, manager of the Public Service Agriculture Department. “You hope you never have to use it, but if you do need it, it’s well worth the price.”
Standby power units for the farm can by grouped into two basic categories: power takeoff (PTO) or self-contained, engine-driven units. A PTO unit may be all many farms need; however, self-contained units can be activated much quicker than PTO units or even be made to automatically come on-line in the event of a power outage.
When choosing a generator, it must be sized to handle the farm’s total electric load. To determine a generator’s size, farmers should add up the wattage of all equipment that will be operating, keeping in mind that motors require three to five times more wattage to start than to run continuously. Damage can occur to a generator that is overloaded, as well as to electrical equipment and appliances on the farm.
Electrical safety must also be considered with any standby power system, so a double-throw transfer switch should be installed that disconnects the farm from the power line and connects the farm to the generator. This type of switch prevents the generator from feeding electricity back to the power line, protecting the utility line crews who may be working to restore service. It also keeps the generator from overloading by trying to supply electricity to the whole neighborhood.
Farmers who have questions about what size generator is appropriate for their business, or any other farm energy topic, can contact their Wisconsin Public Service agricultural consultant or call the Public Service Business Solutions Center toll-free at 1-877-444-0888.
