Wattage Needs for Generators
Determining wattage for the generator means adding up the watts needed to supply each piece of equipment you plan to run.  Most appliances will have two wattage numbers:  start up (or surge) watts and running watts.  Be sure to use the start-up wattage number in your calculation.  Consider any equipment or appliance that is critical for:

• Emergency food and supplies
• Necessary medical equipment
• Climate control
• Other critical equipment, such as office equipment

Write down this list of necessary equipment and keep it with you when shopping for generators.  The generator vendor can help you review the totals in determining what make and model of standby generator or backup generator to choose.  Though you may not need to run all of the equipment simultaneously, it is still important to consider the total wattage. 

Conscientious generator suppliers will recommend that you buy a generator that is 20-25% larger than your current wattage need.  This is not just sales hype.  Because a standby generator or back-up generator is a significant investment, you want to make sure that it will last over many years even if your needs should change or grow.

Fuel Supplies for Generators
The best fuel supply for standby generators or backup generators is natural gas or propane gas.  Natural gas piping and the natural gas supply is not usually affected by severe weather and would be available as a ready fuel source.  Natural gas is especially effective if your generator is directly connected to your home or business natural gas plumbing. 

If your area does not have natural gas pipelines, then propane gas stored in a propane gas storage tank is an effective alternative.  Like natural gas piping, the propane storage tank can be directly connected to the standby generator with gas line plumbing that will ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply.

Both natural gas and propane gas are clean burning, efficient, and cost effective.  With both natural gas and propane gas there is no worry about deterioration over time, which might happen with either gasoline or diesel fuel in long term storage.

With the right wattage and fuel supply, a standby generator or back up generator can provide emergency electrical power to your home or business ensuring the safety off all.  In AZ, you will want to consult with experienced gas line contractors for installing generators and fuel supplies.

R P Gas Piping provides gas line solutions to all needs, from homeowner to business to commercial installations. Natural gas and propane gas, gas line installations, gas line plumbing and repair, gas storage tanks, and gas generators are the most popular services of Fry’s company that prides itself on outstanding customer service.

With excellent ratings from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), R P Gas Piping has become a company that is trusted and respected in the Arizona business community, and is frequently recommended by current customers as well as professional service and utility providers.

In the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area Fry and his business are known for their strong stand on safety. Each employee and contractor on a job site is accountable for both quality and safety, a philosophy that helps R P Gas Piping stand out from the field of gas piping contractors. R P Gas Piping is committed to safety on job sites and leaving safe quality workmanship behind.

R P Gas Piping’s famous, “DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME,” mentality has helped the company gain and maintain a recognized leadership position that not only supports their safety and quality standards, but also creates value and promotes cost savings for customers. Every job and every customer – no matter how small or how large – receives the same efficient use of time and materials that results in a superior finished project done correctly the first time.

All of the honorees were asked to give advice about entrepreneurial success. Fry’s advice is also his philosophy for business success: “You have to be willing to grow as a person with your company if you want your company to grow. Go to school, educate yourself, read books, find mentors and hold on! Get in and get your hands dirty in all aspects. It will make you respect yourself and people will respect you, which will help you build your company.”

Standby Generators
A standby generator is designed to automatically provide electricity during a power outage. It is permanently installed at the home or place of business. The system – in standby mode – constantly monitors utility power 24/7/365. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) will detect a power failure and will send a signal that automatically disconnects from utility feed wires, connects generator feed wires, and starts the generator engine. The home or business will receive power from the generator smoothly and with minimal interruption similar to operating from utility power. When utility power is restored, the ATS will switch back to utility feed wires and return itself to standby mode.

Backup Generators
A backup generator, also known as portable generator, does not offer automatic outage detection. When utility power fails, the business owner or homeowner must start the generator‘s engine manually. Power is then available to selected appliances by setting up extension cords directly from the backup generator to the needed appliance.

Other Considerations
Most standby generators will exercise themselves at regular intervals that can be set by the homeowner or business owner. During a short run, perhaps 12 minutes, the standby generator will lubricate its engine, charge its batteries, and run a diagnostic check. Some models may even alert the owner immediately to any potential problems. A backup generator will require the owner to run periodic maintenance and diagnostics to ensure that is remains in perfect working order and ready for use at any moment. Owners of standby generators, which are permanently installed and automatically engaged, are less affected by weather conditions when the device is needed. Owners of backup generators will need to store, retrieve and fire up the generator manually, often times during severe weather conditions that might prove problematic.

For either standby generators or backup generators it is advisable to run them using natural gas or propane gas as a fuel source. In Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding area, natural gas and propane gas, including all of the necessary gas line piping and propane storage tanks, are readily available. If your home or business cannot afford to be without power, then a generator and gas fuel supply can alleviate your concerns and safeguard your loved ones.

• The difference between standby generators and backup generators
• The features of generators and which ones are most important
• The best wattage and fuel supplies for generators
• The location and installation of generators

Why Get a Generator?
An electrical power outage can last a few hours to several days, and usually happens during major weather events. For most Arizona residents, a short power outage is just an inconvenience. But during the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter, losing your climate control and hot water could actually prove dangerous to the health of the very young, very old, or those who are sick or injured. Even more, losing the ability to run medical equipment could quickly turn life-threatening. There is also the cost of spoiled food and other items that could be damaged without electricity for an extended period.

By selecting a standby generator or backup generator, you have access to electricity during a power outage. And by choosing a generator that runs on natural gas or propane gas, you will have a low maintenance, fuel efficient, and cost effective alternative to municipal electricity available whenever you need it. Properly installed, gas powered generators are safe to operate and the fuel supply is stable for long term storage.

Over the next few blogs, we will explore everything that you need to know about gas standby generators and gas backup generators, whether fueled by natural gas or propane gas stored in propane gas storage tanks. Check back often for the latest installments. Standby generators and backup generators might be perfect solution for your Arizona home and business.

In Arizona, backup generators that are fueled by natural gas or propane gas are growing in popularity.  There are many circumstances in Arizona where owning a backup generator makes a great deal of sense, such as blizzards, triple digit heat waves, or flash floods.  A backup generator to maintain services for your business, home and family can save lives as well as provide comfort.

Both propane and natural gas are readily available, making them the best fuel choice for backup generators.  Gas storage is stable and reliable for years without degradation, providing the necessary heating and power when an emergency strikes.  Standby generators or portable generators can also be run from natural gas or propane storage tanks, as can the engines for vehicles, combined heat and power units, heat pumps, generators, irrigation pumps, and other systems. 

Installing a backup generator means planning for a fuel source.  Any propane gas storage tanks or gas line plumbing should be installed by an experienced gas line company.  The propane storage tank can be installed above or below ground, depending on the property and the local regulations.  Choosing a licensed gas pipeline company in good standing with state and local authorities is essential to ensuring that the gas plumbing installation is safe and is inspected for compliance with all necessary laws.

Even though world events continue to change rapidly, homeowners and business owners can feel secure knowing that a backup generator is prepared for use in any emergency or unexpected situation.  Propane or natural gas fueled backup generators provide reliable, affordable, and efficient power generation as well as peace of mind.

Natural gas and propane gas storage, usage, and repairs are a critical safety consideration for your business or home.  An unlicensed contractor or unqualified contractor can leave you with sub-standard work – a costly mistake that will not be a bargain in the long run.  Gas lines will fail if the proper procedure and materials are not used when the installation process is completed.  Specific permit procurement is required and must be completed to ensure that the proper inspection of the work is completed.  The outcome of an improper installation can be gas leaks, premature corrosion and propane tank failure. 

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC) published information explains:  “Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors’ recovery fund or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under bid the licensed professional.  This bottom line may at first be attractive to the property owner, as a way to lower costs and save money.  Most of the time, it is not.”

This problematic trend in the gas plumbing industry is not only unethical, but truly dangerous.  An unqualified contractor may possess a license, but it may not be applicable to gas pipe work (such as a general landscaping license).  An unlicensed contractor carries no license or insurance at all.

Be sure to verify with AROC that your contractor is licensed and qualified for gas line and propane tank installation. Only then can you be certain that the workmanship, materials, permits and inspections are completed to the highest safety levels.  Anything less is certainly not a bargain.

Check with AROC online at www.azroc.gov or by calling 602-542-1525 or toll free 1-877-MYAZROC  (1-877-692-9762).

Fireglass is small rustic glass stone-like pieces that have been specially treated so that, when exposed to extreme or prolonged heat, they do not break down, emit toxins, or fade.  Each piece of fire glass is polished to a safe, smooth-edged shine. Fireglass is available in a wide variety of colors for that perfect addition no matter the project.

Custom fire features or fire pits are dramatic art for your landscape.  Adding a modern edge, these outdoor statements provide beauty and versatility without the mess and expense of wood or worry about excessive smoke.  Fireglass features can be turned on with the flip of a switch and the burn flame can be set at varying levels.

Fire glass can be used to replace the logs in your indoor propane fireplace as well. The multitude of hues will compliment and add depth to any room.  The subtle shine and great textural look of fireglass provides a superior design element to the traditional lava rock of most indoor natural gas fireplaces.

Natural gas or propane gas fireplaces, fire pits, and fire features can be added to homes or businesses that do not currently have  gas pipe lines installed.  But remember that tapping into existing natural gas lines or installing propane gas storage tanks should only be done by a licensed gas pipeline company with the experience necessary to guarantee a safe and worry-free gas pipe installation.

Whatever the project for your home or business, working with a reputable licensed gas piping contractor ensures that all necessary precautions are taken.  Working with a gas piping company that is familiar with the Phoenix, Arizona area can help you to understand and plan for the possible weather conditions your new feature will be subject to, and help you get the most longevity from the piece.

The design possibilities with fireglass are endless both indoors and outdoors.  Using fire glass in your fireplace or fire features will provide a stunning visual effect that will last for years to come.

For the safety of your business and staff or your home and family, it is important to spot and repair any gas pipe corrosion before it becomes a leak.  Trained gas pipe plumbers can not only spot problems now, but also determine areas that are likely to become problems in the future.  A proactive approach to safety ensures a worry-free home or business for you.

Corrosion will never stop, reverse, or minimize by itself.  Since a chemical reaction is taking place, a planned resolution is needed to combat the corrosion.  In technical terms, preventing or minimizing corrosion is accomplished by cathodic protection in which the anodes (actively corroding sites) are converted to cathodes (passive, non-corroding areas) by the application of an alternate source energy or materials such as magnesium, sleeving or coating.  In other words, salt or other chemicals/minerals that may react with the pipelines must be countered by adding a protective measure to stop the corrosive process.  Only then can repairs be effectively undertaken.

Combating corrosion is an important process.  Choosing the lowest priced bid may not ensure that your gas line contractor has the experience and technical knowledge to make a complete repair.  Often the lower bids will not factor in important costs such as permit fees or inspections, which will simply be added to the total price later on.

And while it may be possible to skimp on natural gas or propane gas plumbing inspections and repairs for now, the damage caused by corrosion will turn up on later inspections such as when the sale of a home or property is in progress.  And, of course, once the corrosion results in a leak, everyone is at risk.  The cost of repairs and liability at that point will be much higher than proper maintenance in the first place.

Most homeowners and business owners prefer natural gas or propane gas pool heaters for use with their swimming pools.  Gas pool heaters warm water quickly and maintain a consistent water temperature more reliably than other types of heaters. They will continue to warm water on cloudy days or at night, unlike a solar heater. 

Gas pool heaters not only heat water quickly, but can be set to hold a specific temperature.  This keeps the water temperature from fluctuating too widely, as it would with an electric heater, and reduces energy waste.  And both natural gas and propane gas are clean, abundant, and affordable fuel sources.

In the Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas it is a simple task to run a gas line to the pool heater – either natural gas or propane.  If natural gas is available at your home or business, then extending the gas pipe plumbing to a heating unit can easily be accomplished by a professional gas line plumbing company.  If natural gas is not available, a qualified gas company can install a propane storage tank and complete the gas pipe plumbing installation from the tank to the pool heater.

If the gas swimming pool heater is installed on an indoor pool, proper ventilation will be required.  An experienced gas line plumber should be consulted to complete the installation for safe operation indoors.

It is important that the gas line plumbing to your pool heater meet all state and local building codes, and permits will likely be required.  Always choose a licensed gas line contractor that is in good standing with the local contractors’ association and you will be assured of safe, inspected gas pipeline installation.

New construction projects are fun and exciting.  Dreaming of how the finished project will look and function is the best part of any plan.  But anytime there is gas line piping involved, you will need to involve a professional gas line plumber to help you determine what gas sources and gas lines are nearby.  This is not just a practical suggestion.  In nearly all areas of the United States, failure to accurately locate underground utilities can result in a fine or criminal charges.  Repair and emergency charges would also be levied if damage is done or a dangerous situation is created.

An experienced gas piping company will do more than simply locate the natural gas and propane gas sources and gas pipelines.  They will also inspect the gas pipe installation for needed repairs and recommend the safest, most efficient ways to reroute any gas pipe plumbing to meet the needs of the new project.  With these decisions accounted for early in the project, the final plan will be more effective and more complete.

When conducting your search for a gas line service company, be sure to hire only gas line contractors that are licensed with the state and local authorities and are in good standing with the better business bureau and governing contractors association.  In the Phoenix, Arizona area and throughout AZ, that is the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or AROC.gov.