UNDERSTAND YOUR GENERATOR OPTIONS

Power generators have two main components. A motor that burns fuel to supply power and a generator head that turns power into electricity. Together, the motor and the generator head comprise a standard generator.

Generators come in two basic designs: standby and portables.

PORTABLES:

Portable generators provide power in remote locations, such as construction sites and camping sites for short periods of time. In a pinch, they can also power essential equipment during a power outage. Portable generators tend to be smaller and less expensive than standby generators. They have built-in fuel tanks, which allow them to run anywhere, and standard power outlets that can plug into ordinary extension cords. Portable generators should never be run indoors as they can produce fumes that can cause serious health problems or death if used indoors.

STAND BY:

Standby generators offer anywhere from 7 kW to several hundred kW of power. They help offset the harmful effects of power outages. Installed permanently as an emergency power source for your home, cottage or business, standby generators are hardwired to your home or building electrical system and often get fuel from built in larger fuel tanks able to run for longer periods of time. Safety features can prevent injuries as well as damage to your generator.

Quality standby generators will shut down if they lose oil pressure, overheat, or are being worked too hard. Standby generators also have solid steel or aluminum enclosures, good mufflers to reduce noise, and be compliant with all relevant emissions regulations. Standby generators should be started up once a week and run for 15 minutes to “exercise” them – making sure they are ready when needed.

FUEL TYPES

Generators can run on several different fuel types: Diesel, Gasoline, Liquid Propane and Natural Gas

Diesel Fuel Generators:

Diesel is a popular choice of fuel for larger, commercial generators. Diesel generators tend to be dependable and somewhat less expensive to operate than generators that run on natural gas or propane, today’s diesels are very clean burning and do not smoke. Diesel fuel is also safer to store then gasoline and lasts longer.

Natural Gas and Propane Generators:

Standby generators can run on natural gas or propane. The standby generator connects to utility lines and draws fuel when necessary. Choose between natural gas generators and propane generators based on what’s available in your area. Unlike diesel generators there is more maintenance involved in these. Natural Gas and Propane generators can be sensitive to both fuel pressure and volume, so high-quality connections are important.

Gasoline Generators:

Portable generators commonly run on gasoline and are considered gasoline generators. Gasoline can not be stored for very long, so the maintenance and storing of your generator is essential.

KEEPING YOUR GENERATOR RUNNING COOL

Generators need an air cooling or have a liquid cooling system to prevent overheating. Like any motor, a generator motor creates quite a bit of heat, with faster generators producing more heat than slower generators. Generators made for the north American market operate at one of two speeds: 1800 RPM or 3600 RPM. 1800 RPM motors typically last longer and run quieter; 3600 RPM motors are smaller and lighter.

Air Cooled Generators:

Air-cooled generators cost less than liquid-cooled generators, but produce more noise and usually offer up to 20KW. Portable generators are almost always air-cooled, 3600 RPM models.

Liquid-cooled generators:

Standby generators 12 kW and larger typically run at 1800 RPM and use quiet, dependable, and effective liquid-cooled systems. Liquid-cooled generators typically cost more to purchase and maintain however will last far longer and are able to run full time.

DETERMINE WHAT SIZE OF GENERATOR YOU NEED

The electricity created by a generator is measured in voltage and watts. When choosing a generator, first determine your specific voltage needs and then you can pick a generator model that supplies enough wattage for everything you want it to run.

Generator Voltage:

Voltage is a measure of the “pressure” of an electric current. In the U.S., standard household current is single phase, 120 volts. Most houses have 120/240v service, meaning they have two 120v circuits that combine to provide 240v for power-hungry appliances such as electric ranges, central air conditioning, and water pumps. Many small businesses use this 120/240v service and can take advantage of 120/240v generators. Larger businesses often have different power needs and use three-phase power, which better runs heavy-duty motors than residential-standard single-phase service. In the U.S., three-phase power usually produces 120/208 volts or 277/480 volts and you can find 120/208v generators and 277/480v generators that handle these common voltages. Know what voltages your business uses now so that you can find a generator to match.

Generator Wattage:

Wattage measures the “volume” of electricity a generator creates. Wattage requirements increase with each additional appliance or piece of equipment you need a generator to power. The smallest generators produce around 800 watts while large industrial generators can produce 500,000 watts (500 kilowatts, or kW) or more. Small businesses typically require generators that can produce 15 kW to 100 kW.

Before choosing a generator, particularly standby generators, you’ll need to decide what equipment you want it to run. The “right” size electric generator provides just enough wattage to operate all your essential equipment. Common devices include refrigerators, freezers, security and access control systems, sump pumps, essential lights, electric gates or overhead doors, ejector pumps, well pumps, and septic systems. Keep in mind that every electronic device you add to the list will increase the wattage you need. While a single light bulb will only add 70 watts, a mid-sized central air conditioner can draw 4000 watts or more.

Limit your choices to those devices that are truly essential during a power outage and you’ll keep your total costs down. Too few watts and you can overwork the electric generator, potentially damaging it and anything plugged into it. Too many watts and you’ll waste money on the initial generator purchase and on fuel. Accurately determining the watts your equipment requires will help you get a generator that can meet your electrical demands without spending too much.

Discover how much wattage your devices require:

Always investigate the power needs of the devices your generator will need to support instead of estimating. Although you may be able to come up with a good guess as to what size generator your business or home might need, you should always total the wattage requirements of your devices before finalizing a buying decision. More is always better.

We can send an electrician to measure wattage: He will use an amp meter (a device that measures electrical current) to determine exactly how much power each piece of equipment needs. Total the wattage the electrician measures for each device to get your baseline power needs.

INSTALLING YOUR GENERATOR

Get to know exactly what the installation of your generator will involve before committing to a purchase.

Standby generators wired into your home or business’ electric system require proper installation to prevent generator failure or overheating, and damage to your existing wiring and equipment. Standby generators can be sensitive to both fuel pressure and volume, so high-quality connections are important.

Location:

If you plane to make a permanent hook up to your home or building the location of your existing electric service panel is important. The generator will sit outside but near your building, much like a central air conditioner, and for ease of installation, it’s best if it can be positioned near the electric panel. The generator will need to be installed on a level surface – most commonly, a concrete pad. If you are using a portable generator then it is not as important however should still be kept a few feet away from your home and never indoors or in a garage.

Transfer Switch:

To connect a generator to your existing electrical system, you’ll need a separate device called an transfer switch. The transfer switch is an essential a safety system that prevents your generator from feeding electricity back to the neighborhood power grid. When the power goes out, the generator can be started up, and after a few seconds to let it stabilize, the transfer switch can be turned onto connect the generator to your home. When power comes on again you can turn the switch off and disconnect the generator and return your setup to normal. Some larger generators come with an automatic transfer switch that will sense a power failure, turn on the generator and switch itself on and off automatically. Installing a transfer switch may require local permits and always requires a professional electrician.

Consider installing a dedicated electrical sub-panel: In addition to the generator and transfer switch, you may want to invest in a dedicated electrical sub-panel, as well. Only your essential equipment is connected to the sub-panel, which is connected to the generator. That way, when power fails, your critical devices will get the emergency power without the risk of overworking your generator or having to turn off or unplug other equipment.

GENERATOR MAINTENANCE

Well-maintained generators can last a long time. Diesel generators require the least amount of service and are the easiest to maintain. There are no spark plug to change, no carburetor to clean or ignition cables to ware out.

Generators no matter what type require regular oil changes about every 100 hours or once a year. The cost of an oil change is cheap in comparison to the extended life you give your generator by changing the oil often. Remember generators often end up running non stop at high speeds for hours or days. Your care does not even get that much use. Even if you do not use a generator for a short period of time, change the oil anyway. Oil does go bad and break down over time.

Check air filters and fuel filters and replace as required.

And most importantly, follow your manufacturer's recommendations.

KNOW YOUR PURCHASE

Research for necessary city permits, if any.

Carefully read the specifications for the generators you consider buying and carefully review available photos.

Include all additional electrical and fuel installation costs into your final price.

Get delivery details.

Have all your questions answered? Give us a call to 786.592.1149, we will be glad to help!