What appliances do most people power during an outage?  In residential settings, refrigeration, gas or oil-fueled heating systems, and lighting are most common.  Electronic appliances such as computers, home entertainment components, and security systems don't consume much electricity and can easily be added to a home's backup sub-panel. If you use pumps to supply water, keep a basement dry or pet fish alive, include these items in your backup power plans.  Many gas appliances require only a small amount of electricity and should be included on the sub-panel. Comfort and convenience appliances such as fans, coffee makers, microwave ovens and garage door openers are other items you may want to use during an outage. PGU (Portable Generator Universe) has a number of scenarios that will give you ideas on how you can budget your backup power each day.

In an office setting, computers, printers, modems, fax machines and telephone systems are the most common equipment to run along with lighting. It makes sense to include whatever you need to keep your business functioning efficiently. Just remember that the more things you power, the larger your system will need to be.

What appliances can a PBG system run? Almost anything. But appliances that require exceptional amounts of power are best to avoid, if possible, as they are very expensive to run from batteries or a generator. Examples include central air conditioners, heat pumps, electric hot water heaters, electric clothes dryers, electric ranges, electric hair dryers,  and electric space heaters.

What are the two primary differences between the POWER PAL and the POWER PLANT?     Both units have the same 1500-watt power conversion system.  However, the Power Plant does not rely on a vehicle because it has the 12-volt batteries enclosed in the unit.  Also, the Power Plant has a built-in transfer system - ATS - which automatically activates the Power Plant when there is a power outage, and an automatic charging system, both made active by simply plugging the Power Plant AC cord into any standard 110 (household type) electric outlet.

How long can the batteries run the system? PGU dealers can customize a system with any battery run time you need. The recommended battery bank size for a generator/recharged system is eight hours, so that you can keep your generator turned off all night. (This type of "off-time" is a standard, field-adjustable feature on PGU systems.)

How is the system recharged? PGU  backup systems recharge themselves automatically whenever utility power is available. During an outage, the Power Pal and the Power Plant can be quickly recharged from an ordinary vehicle.  For the larger Power Bank, to be able to recharge the system during a very lengthy power outage, a propane, natural gas or diesel-powered generator can be included in the system. PGU inverters can automatically start and stop a generator as needed during long outages. Larger customized PGU systems can also be recharged using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and/or wind turbines.   

What kind of batteries do the systems include? For inverter and/or inverter-charger systems (such as the Power Plant), sealed deep-cycle batteries are often specified, because of their ease of installation and maintenance-free design. Non-sealed batteries are recommended for the Power Bank and other PGU large customized backup systems which require very large battery banks for extended run-time during power outages. These systems and batteries require special installation and regular maintenance.  PGU inverter/chargers do not come with batteries.

Why should I choose a PBG system over a generator-only system? PGU systems provide clean, quiet, instantaneous power backup that requires no fuel. A PGU  system can deliver protection from long power outages, instantaneous transfer and high reliability, all with just fuel consumption from vehicle battery recharging, NO fumes, and NO noise.

How fast will my system respond to a power outage? PGU systems with ATS’s (Automatic Transfer Switches), such as the Power Plant and the Power Bank  typically transfer to battery power in less than 16 milliseconds (less than 1/50th of a second). Worst-case transfer time is 34 milliseconds (less than 1/25th of a second). That's too fast to notice and fast enough to keep most modern computers running.   PGU backup systems run in synchronization with utility power and in many cases will transfer to battery power in less than one millisecond.  Remember that as with all information in these PGU documents, not all appliances perform similarly and there are times when certain appliances or equipment simply do not respond well to inverter type DC to AC power conversion.

How do I install my PBG system? For PGU’s smaller units  (the Power Pal and Power Plant), the owner will have no problem connecting batteries and using the systems with extension cords and battery jumper cables.  The larger systems are  connected to a home electric system by a qualified installer to meet local building code requirements.

Where will my system be installed? PGU Power Bank and other large systems are usually wall-mounted near a home's main electrical (circuit breaker) panel. However, systems can be installed anywhere it is convenient to place the battery bank and other equipment - including outdoors, if you choose an approved PGU battery enclosure.   Power Pal and Power Plant can be used anywhere indoors you choose that gives easy access for the items you want to run.

How do I decide which system is right for me? For protection from long outages, you may choose an PGU Power Bank which allows a long but – nonetheless – limited amount of backup power run time.   If applicable and feasible you may want to include a generator to be used only occasionally to activate the automatic AC battery charging system installed in the PGU Power Plant and the PGU Power Bank.  Shorter outages can be handled by a battery-only system.  PGU top-of-the-line systems, using large battery banks and larger AC output capabilities than our smaller portable systems integrate easily with a generator for automatic starting and system recharging. Several lower-cost PGU systems (See our Power Pal and Power Plant units) are intended primarily as battery-only systems and for applications where smaller batteries can be charged.  For protection from long outages, you may choose an PGU Power Bank which allows a long but – over and over again by a vehicle for continued operation during long power outages.  Your PGU dealer can help you select the system that best meets your needs and answer any additional questions.

What type of batteries should I use in my Inverter/Charger installation? PGU recommends using only high-quality deep cycle batteries in Wet, Gel or AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) technologies to be used with our small portable Power Pal and Power Plant  products. Deep-cycle batteries are designed specifically for a deep discharge and a rapid recharge.  Gel cell batteries and AGM batteries are sealed and typically require very little maintenance. Do not use batteries labeled   “Starting Battery”  for PGU inverter applications.  Make certain you use a genuine deep cycle battery.   For our large Power Bank and customized systems, flooded, wet- lead acid batteries are used which provide significant energy storage and enjoy a much longer life span.  These batteries are always contained in a properly installed battery containment box which is well ventilated.

Battery technology and maintenance overview: A battery is a device that stores energy while it is being charged and releases energy while it is being discharged.  There are a lot of different battery technologies, but lead acid batteries, which consist of plates of lead dioxide and spongy lead, immersed in a sulfuric acid solution contained in a durable housing, are most appropriate for use with inverters and mobile power solutions.  Lead acid battery technology has come a long way since 1859, the year it was invented.  You no longer have to check the state of charge with a hygrometer, or top the batteries up with distilled water.  Batteries are now safer, more reliable and in some cases, virtually maintenance free.  Lead acid batteries are recommended for use with inverters because:

• They are low cost, widely available and easy to manufacture
• They are durable and dependable when properly used and stored
• The self discharge rate is lower than that of other battery technologies
• There’s no memory effect
• They can produce a lot of current very fast, which is important AC power conversion applications.

Deep Cycle Verses Starter Batteries: Lead acid batteries are suitable for applications requiring a big, sudden discharge of current (what you need to start the engine on a boat, or in a car or RV) or a slow, steady discharge of current (to run your scooter, or watch a TV).  These two classes of application generally require different battery technology, but they share some characteristics. Lead acid batteries of similar amp hour capacity will require about the same length of time to recharge, and all lead acid batteries are damaged by heat, and by storage in a discharged state.  Additional information on how to properly care for your lead acid batteries used with the PGU Power Bank and other large systems are available in the Owner’s Manuals.The technology for starter batteries is simple.  Many thin plates of lead in the electrolyte give lots of surface area, thus lots of potential current.  This is the kick you need to get your car to start on a frosty morning.  The thin plates in a  “starter” battery has a short lifespan if used as described next. Thick plates make batteries better suited to deep cycling – the type of battery that works best with an inverter.  Thick plates aren’t the best for short high current use.  If you have a quality deep cycle battery, you can discharge and recharge it more than 1500 times.  A starting battery can be discharged perhaps 30 times before it will no longer accept a charge.

How big a battery is needed?The larger the battery, the more energy it stores, and consequently -  the longer run time you can expect with your PGU products.  For our smaller portable systems,  you can refer to your Owner’s Manual or call your PGU dealer.    Quite simply, you need the largest deep cycle battery within reason…. WITH A HANDLE  for easy moving to recharge with your vehicle.   For the large systems, such as the PGU  Power Bank,  the PGU Dealer or electrical contractor installing the system can advise you as to the number of batteries you will need,  based on your expectations.  So don’t undersize your battery bank, or you will be buying batteries much more often than necessary.  

How many batteries do I need? The  answer to this question will be defined by your particular needs and the load you intend to run during a power outage.