Good day!
Currently, many people are buying various electric heating devices. It seems these are mostly individuals who heat with gas and fear that the gas supply might be cut off during winter. Or they believe that heating with electricity is cheaper than gas, which is nonsense and would remain so even if gas prices continue to rise. If people start using all these devices they are buying now, utility providers will face serious problems.
My oil tank is full. However, my oil-fired central heating system would also fail in the event of a power outage, because suddenly many gas customers would want to heat electrically. Therefore, I wonder: How should one realistically prepare to at least keep the heating system running? I have a small power generator, with enough capacity to supply electricity to the heating system. But the system is not designed to simply plug into a socket; it is permanently wired.
Would it be a good idea to have an electrician modify the system so that, if necessary, the plug can be unplugged from the outlet (which must be located behind the heating emergency switch) and connected to the generator, which could be placed outside the heating room window with the cable fed through the window?
I have several cans of Aspen fuel stored for this small generator. Aspen is chosen to ensure that even after years of non-use, nothing clogs and the device remains ready to operate. But I would need to significantly increase my fuel supply.
What kind of preparations have you made?
Matthias
Currently, many people are buying various electric heating devices. It seems these are mostly individuals who heat with gas and fear that the gas supply might be cut off during winter. Or they believe that heating with electricity is cheaper than gas, which is nonsense and would remain so even if gas prices continue to rise. If people start using all these devices they are buying now, utility providers will face serious problems.
My oil tank is full. However, my oil-fired central heating system would also fail in the event of a power outage, because suddenly many gas customers would want to heat electrically. Therefore, I wonder: How should one realistically prepare to at least keep the heating system running? I have a small power generator, with enough capacity to supply electricity to the heating system. But the system is not designed to simply plug into a socket; it is permanently wired.
Would it be a good idea to have an electrician modify the system so that, if necessary, the plug can be unplugged from the outlet (which must be located behind the heating emergency switch) and connected to the generator, which could be placed outside the heating room window with the cable fed through the window?
I have several cans of Aspen fuel stored for this small generator. Aspen is chosen to ensure that even after years of non-use, nothing clogs and the device remains ready to operate. But I would need to significantly increase my fuel supply.
What kind of preparations have you made?
Matthias
Pianist schrieb:
That's exactly what I think: Everyone has their heating devices connected to the grid and wants to be the first to heat up again once the power returns. But the power simply doesn't come back. The grid operators and energy suppliers will then make public appeals asking people to turn off their power-hungry appliances. However, the message won’t get through because radio, TV, and the internet also don’t work without electricity.
Someone with a masonry heater in their home is probably in the best position, provided their wood isn’t stolen at night.
Matthias Grid operators might not be able to disconnect individual households, but they can disconnect grid segments to manage power restoration scenarios. These mechanisms also help prevent a full blackout caused by a chain reaction.
I have stocked supplies according to the building authority’s recommendations for disaster preparedness. Not every detail, but mostly.
I also have a 2.2 kW (2.9 hp) generator and enough fuel. Additionally, there are two gas cylinders.
If the power goes out here, the first thing I would do is fill the bathtub with water. It might take some time otherwise.
There are also about 200 liters (53 gallons) of hot water stored in the water heater.
The gas heating system would no longer operate. If all else fails, I would rig a Schuko plug to it, provided gas is even available.
Then the roller shutters would be lowered, and everything would be secured as much as possible.
If longer power outages occur in more than one region, looting can be expected for sure. Especially since supermarkets, gas stations, and similar businesses would be unable to open.
And no, I am not Durran.
I also have a 2.2 kW (2.9 hp) generator and enough fuel. Additionally, there are two gas cylinders.
If the power goes out here, the first thing I would do is fill the bathtub with water. It might take some time otherwise.
There are also about 200 liters (53 gallons) of hot water stored in the water heater.
The gas heating system would no longer operate. If all else fails, I would rig a Schuko plug to it, provided gas is even available.
Then the roller shutters would be lowered, and everything would be secured as much as possible.
If longer power outages occur in more than one region, looting can be expected for sure. Especially since supermarkets, gas stations, and similar businesses would be unable to open.
And no, I am not Durran.
Pianist schrieb:
Burglary? Panic room? I don’t recall ever asking about that here.
MatthiasThen you should do some brain training—it’s good for you and helps improve your memory...
Pianist schrieb:
- Complete security alarm system with perimeter protection, smoke, water, and gas detectors
- Outdoor area fully monitored by video with motion detection
- Connection to a security control center
- Alerts to the control center in case of power failure or heating system failure
- Control center capable of remotely opening the driveway gate and front door
- Control center able to make announcements around the property via loudspeakers Pianist schrieb:
You should understand that when you build a high-security area, you don’t let strangers into the house. There’s definitely a reason for that. Pianist schrieb:
And the security service not only receives the alarm notifications but also has access to the video feeds.
Ultimately, my goal is as complete remote monitoring as possible. Pianist schrieb:
This is how I envision it: Someone climbs over the fence and approaches the house. They enter the detection zone of one of the cameras, triggering an alert to the security control center. The control center reviews the footage, identifies the person, and calls the police. When the police arrive, the control center remotely opens the front gate so the patrol car can drive straight through to the back and apprehend the intruders before any major damage occurs.