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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Portable Gas Powered Generators
(see also: Best Value Portable Generators)
(see also: Best Value Portable Generators)
One method of classifying generators is by power output. According to Consumer
Reports, small generators produce 3,000-4000 watts; mid-size units, 4,500-7,000
watts; and large units around 10,000 watts.
Portable generators run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane (LP). A few
models use multiple fuel sources, but gasoline powered units are the most popular
with consumers. A market study report by Frost & Sullivan indicated only 2 percent of
light duty portable generators run on fuels other than gasoline.
Portable Generator Alternators
A generator is basically an engine and an alternator. There are two types of
alternators - standard and inverter.
Standard alternators consist of heavy copper coils, which generate a raw form of
electricity. The electricity produced by standard alternators isn't as clean as utility
power and is not recommended for power sensitive electronics like computers.
Inverter generators utilize a different type of alternator to generate very clean AC
power and are best suited for use with computers but they're also more expensive.
The inverter technology reduces the generator's weight and allows the engine to run
at varying speeds, significantly reducing the noise level and fuel consumption.
How Many Watts Will Your Generator Need to Produce?
To properly size your generator you need to estimate the wattages of the tools,
appliances and motors you will be operating at the same time. You can do this by
reading the power use sticker on each appliance, consulting a household appliance
wattage chart, or purchasing an inexpensive watt meter. (If the sticker on an
appliance doesn't list the wattage, multiply volts x amps = watts)
There are two types of wattage to consider - running watts and surge watts. Running
watts is the steady stream of power consumed while the tool or appliance is running.
Surge watts is the blast of power needed to get the appliance up and running.
Some appliances like refrigerator/freezers and garage door openers need 2 to 4 times
more power to start than they do to run. Other appliances like TVs and microwaves
have very little, if any surge. Since you won't be turning everything on at once, you
don't necessarily have to use the surge wattage requirements of each appliance to
arrive at the watts needed for a properly sized generator.
What it comes down to is deciding which appliances and electrical devices you
consider to be "survival appliances" and then estimating how many you think you'll be
running at the same time. But don't let figuring this out get you crazy because you
have a built in "fudge factor." Depending on the model, portable generators can
deliver surge power anywhere from 20% to 50% above their stated running power.
If you have a compact or camping generator, plug the appliances in one at a time
starting with the highest wattage appliance. For added safety, use a surge protector
plugged into a heavy gauge (orange) three pronged extension cord.
If you're going to be using a mid to large size portable generator, you should install a
transfer switch (explained here) to protect your appliances and utility work crews.
Newer portable generators are equipped with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)
outlets. This type of outlet adds a greater level of safety by reducing the risk of electric
shock in wet locations.
It's also a good idea to build a lean-to enclosure over the generator to shield it from
the elements. Some homeowners also surround their generator with sand bags to
reduce noise. While you're at it, chain everything to a tree just in case your generator
grows legs and tries to walk away some night.
If you see the phrase "Non-Carb Compliant" displayed on any generator ads, it means
the generator does not comply with California's emission standards and cannot be
shipped to the Golden State.
Reports, small generators produce 3,000-4000 watts; mid-size units, 4,500-7,000
watts; and large units around 10,000 watts.
Portable generators run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane (LP). A few
models use multiple fuel sources, but gasoline powered units are the most popular
with consumers. A market study report by Frost & Sullivan indicated only 2 percent of
light duty portable generators run on fuels other than gasoline.
Portable Generator Alternators
A generator is basically an engine and an alternator. There are two types of
alternators - standard and inverter.
Standard alternators consist of heavy copper coils, which generate a raw form of
electricity. The electricity produced by standard alternators isn't as clean as utility
power and is not recommended for power sensitive electronics like computers.
Inverter generators utilize a different type of alternator to generate very clean AC
power and are best suited for use with computers but they're also more expensive.
The inverter technology reduces the generator's weight and allows the engine to run
at varying speeds, significantly reducing the noise level and fuel consumption.
How Many Watts Will Your Generator Need to Produce?
To properly size your generator you need to estimate the wattages of the tools,
appliances and motors you will be operating at the same time. You can do this by
reading the power use sticker on each appliance, consulting a household appliance
wattage chart, or purchasing an inexpensive watt meter. (If the sticker on an
appliance doesn't list the wattage, multiply volts x amps = watts)
There are two types of wattage to consider - running watts and surge watts. Running
watts is the steady stream of power consumed while the tool or appliance is running.
Surge watts is the blast of power needed to get the appliance up and running.
Some appliances like refrigerator/freezers and garage door openers need 2 to 4 times
more power to start than they do to run. Other appliances like TVs and microwaves
have very little, if any surge. Since you won't be turning everything on at once, you
don't necessarily have to use the surge wattage requirements of each appliance to
arrive at the watts needed for a properly sized generator.
What it comes down to is deciding which appliances and electrical devices you
consider to be "survival appliances" and then estimating how many you think you'll be
running at the same time. But don't let figuring this out get you crazy because you
have a built in "fudge factor." Depending on the model, portable generators can
deliver surge power anywhere from 20% to 50% above their stated running power.
If you have a compact or camping generator, plug the appliances in one at a time
starting with the highest wattage appliance. For added safety, use a surge protector
plugged into a heavy gauge (orange) three pronged extension cord.
If you're going to be using a mid to large size portable generator, you should install a
transfer switch (explained here) to protect your appliances and utility work crews.
Newer portable generators are equipped with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)
outlets. This type of outlet adds a greater level of safety by reducing the risk of electric
shock in wet locations.
It's also a good idea to build a lean-to enclosure over the generator to shield it from
the elements. Some homeowners also surround their generator with sand bags to
reduce noise. While you're at it, chain everything to a tree just in case your generator
grows legs and tries to walk away some night.
If you see the phrase "Non-Carb Compliant" displayed on any generator ads, it means
the generator does not comply with California's emission standards and cannot be
shipped to the Golden State.
No matter what the season,
not a week goes by without
hearing about a weather
related power outage in one
part of the country or another.
Odds are you've experienced
one yourself within the last
year.
With a wide range of light
duty portable generators
priced from around $300, it's
getting a little more affordable
to spare your family the
discomfort and inconvenience
caused by a power outage.
not a week goes by without
hearing about a weather
related power outage in one
part of the country or another.
Odds are you've experienced
one yourself within the last
year.
With a wide range of light
duty portable generators
priced from around $300, it's
getting a little more affordable
to spare your family the
discomfort and inconvenience
caused by a power outage.
