Ron Ford from Kohler shows Bob the 12 killiwatt backup generator that has been installed at the Punta Gorda, Florida, home. Backup power is essential in a hurricane to prevent moisture buildup and damaging mold growth. Advances in design mean that home generators now come in smaller, quieter packages. With record destruction from recent hurricanes, Ford says that generator sales have increased 600 percent in Florida alone. The Kohler generator is powered by a reciprocating gas engine that can be powered by natural or LP gas. Ford explains how the design has been enhanced to provide clean power that is suited to advanced electronics like plasma televisions and computers. The generator costs about $7,500 installed.

Electrician Harry Cunningham and Kim Hansen of Square D / Schneider Electric join Bob to explain the electrical box that supports the household power and backup generator. Two power sources feed into the service box -- the utility and the generator. There is a safety check in place to prevent the generator from automatically taking over the power load or feeding out into the street to power the neighborhood. The switch in the box must be flipped to protect power from surging through the outlets when work is being performed or the environment is unsafe. The generator allows for flexible power and the opportunity to switch between circuits. The homeowners can decide to power up an air conditioner during a storm, switch circuits to do laundry, or power up the TV and family computer. In an emergency, the system allows homeowners to tailor their energy use to suit the needs of their home and family.

Ron Ford from Kohler Power Systems joins Bob to talk about the 22-kilowatt backup generator that has been installed. The generator is permanently connected to the home's main power distribution center and will keep important household appliances (including furnaces, refrigerator, security systems, and computers) running in the event of a power outage. Powered by natural gas and is insulated to minimize noise, the generator automatically supplies electricity in the event of a power outage without having to be switched on by the homeowner. It will even kick in if the homeowner is away from home.