As farms become more and more automated and they depend on electricity to do their day to day chores, a backup supply of electricity is essential if there is a power outage. A back up power supply can be essential in sustaining life of livestock and plants by providing a power source for robotic milking systems for dairy producers to providing lights, heat and irrigation for greenhouse operations. Not only do generators sustain life on the farm they can also take life due to fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
Common causes of power outages in Nova Scotia are most often weather related such as heavy rain, freezing, rain, ice storms, heavy snow, flooding, and hurricane force winds.
Only fully-trained, qualified and authorized personnel should perform any work on generators and electrical systems. Generators can be wired directly into a building’s existing electrical system. Safeguards are in place to prevent surges. Some generators require manual start up when the power goes out. Only trained and competent workers should be in charge of manual start up.
Portable generators also are used for powering essential equipment during power outages, both in the home and on the farm. Improper installation and use can endanger cause serious injury or death.