The need for reserve power led our group to look at the backup generator option first. We held our initial meeting on June 26, 2007 with 13 households attending. We discussed some of the questions on all of our minds and what we might expect.
Gabe, our host, started the meeting out with his experience, he had just installed a 25kw generator, with installers and city paperwork. He stressed that although it is not a cheap option it is certainly worthwhile for peace of mind and protecting our largest investment, our homes. He received estimates from 7 different electricians to do the work and settled on the one that not only provided a good price but also was reputable and dependable.
John, who had just recently gone through a similar process, installed a 16kw generator, which is about the right size for the typical Rosedale home, said that the process, although a lot of paperwork, with the city and installers went smoothly. He went through the many questions that the rest of us wanted answered.
We requested that all those interested bring with them the following information:
>Name , Address, Phone
>Amps coming into the home. (100 or 200)
>A list of fuses/breakers or devices would you like to keep running in a blackout. (ie. refrigerator, a/c, whole house, etc.)
>If you have natural gas coming to your home or if you require a liquid propane unit (BBQ tank).
>Location of the electrical panel in the home and location of where you would like the unit. (a sketch or actual plans would be helpful). The closer they are to each other the better/cheaper.
The information was collated and developed into a Request for Bid document that was mailed out to 10 separate electrical vendors. The vendors were given several weeks to respond with estimates. Once the deadline was met the residents that were still interested in pursuing the project met in August 2007 to review the estimates and discuss issues regarding costs, permits, propane, natural gas, etc.
Residents were given the option to contact the vendor of their choice. The WPRRA was pleased to be able to assist in the process and act as the organizing group behind this important effort. We should be all set for the coming Winter and next Summer!
City of White Plains Department of Building
Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection
Westchester County Clerk: Electrical Licensing
Guardian Automatic Standby Generators: How It Works
Guardian Automatic Standby Generators: FAQs
Cummins Onan Home Standby Generators: How a Home Standby System Works
Briggs & Stratton Home Generator Systems
Kohler Residential Power
(1) How much? - Of course that depends. A typical 16kw generator will cost about $4000.00 and installation could run another $2000.00 to $4000.00 depending on where the generator is located and how much of your house you would like hooked-up to it.
(2) Do I need permits? - Yes. You need several permits from the City of White Plains. Generators require a mechanical permit to install the generator at the site and requires an inspection. Generators also require an electrical and a plumbing permit in order to perform the hook-ups to your home and also requires inspections. It is also required to submit a copy of your property's survey with the intended location of the generator (cannot be in the front of the house and must be within setbacks) to the Planning Department when applying. There is also a max sound allowance of 65 db. Most non-diesel generators are well within this limit. Appropriate coverage with shrubs or fencing is also required.
(3) Can I use anyone to do this work? No, you must have a Westchester County licensed master electrician do the electrical work.
(4) Can I change my mind as to what I hook up to the generator? Technically, yes, but realistically no. The electrician will make the direct hook-ups from the generator through its electrical panel to your existing panel and the breakers you have selected. So, if you want to change anything you will need to have the electrician come back and do it for you. That will cost you and you will need a new permit.