What Generator type do I need to get as backup for an oxygen concentrator
Some background, my husband has been using supplemental oxygen 24/7 for a number of years. Where we live our electricity supple has been very stable, no outage for last few years. He also has an Inogen portable machine. We are thinking we have been fortunate with the electricity and foolish to not have a backup. What kind of generator is needed to run a home concentrator? It may sit for long periods without use. Thank you for your input.
I always like to be prepared for anything and it might be a good idea to invest in a generator! I am confident if any of our community members have any experience to share they will but in the meantime here are a few articles that you may find helpful: https://copd.net/living/are-you-prepared-for-a-local-disaster, https://copd.net/living/power, https://copd.net/living/prepared-part-2. Also, if you haven't already, you may want to reach out to your local utility companies. They usually keep a priority list of households that have "high risk" occupants, meaning those that are dependent on electricity for things like their oxygen. Those houses are the ones that they try to get back on first or they will reach out to offer assitance if the power outage is going to be long-term. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member). 
Hi fivewest, and thanks for your post. You've explained your situation quite well and the question you have is spot on!
When it comes to generators, you will have many choices. However, in order to simplify all this, I do have something to contribute.
There are whole house generators, which, as the name implies, will take care of your entire home's electrical supply in the event of a power outage. These whole house generators can be installed with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). Should a power outage occur, the generator comes on (within about 5-15 seconds), and then the house is powered up (generally in less than a minute). The generator will power the house on it's own energy supply (generally, natural gas), but propane can also be used. These tend to be trouble free and will run themselves weekly for about 20 minutes. This weekly run keeps them ready for any unexpected outage. Generators such as these come in all sizes (13kw, 15kw 20kw, etc.) for any sized household. The size will depend on your house electrical needs.
There are also smaller sized mobile generators which can be set up similarly but usually require being set up, started and hooked into a switch which will power several key circuits of your home or, all the circuits in your home (your choice). This type generator is usually powered by gasoline, propane or natural gas. They require much more input from the homeowner and can be less expensive. They also come in various sizes and capacities.
I do hope you find this information is helpful for you.
As my colleague,, has said, it may be a good idea to speak with both your electrical utility company as well as a qualified licensed electrician and plumber who have experience with these installations.
Please do check back and let us know how this all works out for you.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Sam S. Thank you for your reply. I have contacted our utility because of information here on copd.net. Turns out in my city they only keep track of high risk households in case of shut off for non payment. It appears there are several things to consider when buying a generator.
, i'm sorry to hear they don't keep a list for other reasons but it is good information to have when determining if you should get a generator! Please let us know if you do decide to get one and how it goes for you! All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member).
We have a generator that needs to be pushed from the garage to where the portable transfer switch outlet is outside the house if there is an outage. It would be too heavy for me, but my husband, and son know how to do this and start it. It works great. It was from Farm Fleet, and around $800.00 a few years ago. You need to start it up every so often, and change the oil. It uses a propane tank, that can be switched out after so many hours. Other options are gas. Portable transfer switches may need to be installed by an electrician, and attach to your electrical panel. My husband installed ours because he is in electrical manufacturing. I bought an Evergo, and Innova so that I can charge them as a back-up. I only need night-time oxygen at this point at 2L. They also can be charged in the car. I have an oxygen cylinder I got from Lincare about 10 years ago. It's in the basement, but they say it still works. Not sure, nobody's come to test it. It's kept the major appliances, sump pump, heat and air running for hours when needed. The portable transfer switches are sold to places like Home Depot, or electricians who do the installations. They can be a resource to help you determine what you need. In an emergency there must be public buildings that have the large generators. I would think you can research one, and maybe utilize their electricity to keep a portable unit charged.
