Portable generators:Buying tips for first time user
Portable generators are the best solution for frequent power shutdowns. You can power many appliances in your home like AC, fans, coffee maker, refrigerator etc with the help of these generators.
There are plenty of generators suiting your budget from the cheap Xantrex series to expensive models like Honda. But is budget the only consideration for purchasing generators? Or are there any more factors to be considered? Let us find out about this now.
Portable generators with the extension cords can power up all your home needs appropriately. With a transfer switch and an extension cord connected to it you can eliminate the need of multiple cords and also prevent what is known as backfeed. When buying generators for your home needs typically you will have to take in consideration the following factors. They are
• Wattage capacity:
• Fuel :
• sound level:
Let us look in to these factors one by one.
Wattage capacity: Get hold of a wattage chart which lists the running wattage and starting/surge wattage of every home appliance. Now calculate the total wattage by adding up the wattage needs of all the appliances you are planning to connect simultaneously. This will give you an idea of running wattage required for your home needs. Now check out the surge wattage of each appliance. The surge or starting wattage of any appliance is always 2-3 times greater than its running wattage.
So when you choose a generator the maximum watts of the generator should support the surge wattage and its running wattage should be more than the total wattage of appliances you calculated. The surge wattage and the total running wattage help determine the size and the wattage capacity of the generator.
Fuel: gasoline, natural gas, propane, diesel can be used as fuel types. If you are looking for a portable variety then gasoline is best. But it cannot be stored and has a short shelf life. If you intend to store them then you must use a fuel stabilizer along with the fuel. Gas generators also require periodic maintenance like oil changes, filter clean ups etc. For less pollution you can use natural gas generators.
For longer shelf life propane fits the bill. Diesel is less inflammable of all these and safer to use. They are also more efficient and quieter. But they are definitely expensive. Multi fuel devices which allow you to switch between one type of fuel to another is also available. But they are expensive.
Sound level: the intensity of sound is measured in db. Anything between 140-100db is loud and noisy. Between 90-70db is equivalent to street noise. So ideally a generator should have noise levels less than 60db. 60-40db produces a moderate level of noise which does not damage ears.
Apart from these, other features to look out for are portability, electric start, inverter technology, low oil shut down, OHV engine, fuel tank capacity etc. These features are also outlined below.
• Look for flexible handles, wheels etc if you wish to transport the unit from one place to another. These are very much required if your unit weighs more than 100lbs or so.
• If you have more than 5 gallon tank fuel capacity in your generator then make sure you have low oil shut down feature. This will make sure that during low oil conditions the engine shuts down automatically.
• A fuel capacity of more than 4-5 gallons will enable the generator to run for more than 7-8 hours at a stretch. Also you need not shut down the machine multiple times to add fuel.
• OHV or overhead valve engines are much quieter and durable in the long run. These also produce less pollution.
• Go for electric start if manual start or recoil start is cumbersome. The recoil start method requires you to manually pull a starter rope for starting the motor. The electric start on the other hand has a button switch to operate the motor.
• Alternator technology is required to power sensitive appliances. Alternator technology ensures that there is less harmonic distortion of the electrical current. Thus it produces cleaner output of current and is perfectly suited for electrical applications.
These buying tips will help you buy a generator most suitable for your home needs. Just make sure you connect the generator at least 10 feet away from your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also make sure that the generator is grounded to prevent electrocution.
You may also want to read …
http://www.askthebuilder.com/B178_Portable_Electric_Generators_Considerations.shtml