Warning From Electric Co Employee

[dreamcatcher]

Here is a heads up of what may be coming.

https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/news-nation/warning-from-electric-power-company-employee

[delta]

Consider the source:
https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/about-hal-turner

[tt2468]

Consider the source:
https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/about-hal-turner

Thanks for the reminder. I knew the article sounded overly alarmist.

Things that stand out from my own knowledge:
- Transformers really don't fail very often
- Many substations have some level of redundancy, being backup transformers, spares on site, or spares at the yard
- Many PoCos keep a stock of pole/pad mounted transformers for their most common types, so limited new supply does not mean that power companies will run out.
- Just a few months ago, SCE installed *new service* on a property I manage. This included installing a new transformer and some new lines. They didn't seem to be too worried about stock shortages.

Regardless, I still have an automatic backup generator, and I honestly can't agree more that having a generator in the house is a necessity.

[lwt42]

Well, he's on the east coast, so something like a hurricane can take out a lot of transformers and poles and "stuff" while our disasters are more localized.

We do have to wait sometimes because the parts just aren't in a spares depot nearby.

If there is one thing I've learned however it's that a generator is a very good thing to have.

The best setup is a natural gas generator with an automatic transfer switch.  Requires permits and an electrician.

A manual transfer switch is less expensive, but you'll need to hire somebody as well.

We have a 2500 watt portable generator, and a number of extension cords.  One for the 'fridge, one for the furnace, one for the freezer, etc.  The generator is just enough for the job.

The only thing I'd do differently is go for a dual-fuel generator.  Propane is easier to store than Gasoline, and at least one company has a dual fuel 2500 watt generator at about what I paid for the gasoline only one.

I have a UPS on the internet stuff so I can surf and use VoIP in addition to everything else.

[Joe Schmoe]

Just want to point out that 4 out of the 12 people who died in hurricane Ida died from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Make sure you how to properly use your generators in emergencies.

[Nolena]

Just want to point out that 4 out of the 12 people who died in hurricane Ida died from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Make sure you how to properly use your generators in emergencies.

Very good point! Generators never belong inside a house, and must be in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside.

[lwt42]

Just want to point out that 4 out of the 12 people who died in hurricane Ida died from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Make sure you how to properly use your generators in emergencies.

Always read, understand, and follow the safety information that comes with any tool.  Generators are tools.

I think my generator says 20 feet from any building.

What I did was get a normal 15 amp plug like you'd have on an RV and installed it through the wall.  A wire run from that plug goes to an outlet in the hallway, and another in the utility area near the furnace.

This is not connected to SCE in any way.  I unplug from the normal wall outlets, and plug into these using adequate extension cords (three wire, not lamp cord).

It's not as convenient as a nice transfer switch, but it won't kill a utility worker, and in the winter I can keep the windows and doors closed while the generator is running outside, well away from the house.

Have you seen those videos on YouTube where some idiot makes a cheater cord (male on both ends)? Just Say No.