Home electric generators are devices that can provide electricity to your home in the case of a power outage. They will let essential appliances such as your refrigerator and freezer to continue operating, as well as other thing that you might want to operate like likes or even a computer.
An electric generator is basically a device that will convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. It does this through a spinning shaft and coil, creating electromagnetic force. The motor that spins the shaft will run on some type of fuel. Gasoline is the most common fuel used in home generators, but there are also models that run on propane, diesel and natural gas.
Choosing the Right Generator For Your Needs
Home electric generators come in various sizes, from small portable units to larger stationary models. The size of the generator is closely related to the amount of power it is able to output. If you only need to run a couple of appliances, or devices that don’t require a large power draw, a smaller portable unit may be fine.
If you expect to be running several large appliances, or the power outages in your area last more than a couple of hours at a time, a larger stationary model would be more suitable.
A typical 4000 Watts gasoline generator, for example, would have to be refilled a number of times over the course of a day if you were running them at their rated output. A related issue here, and one that many people don’t consider until it’s too late, is that during longer blackouts, many gas pumps will not be working so if you run out of gasoline to operate your generator, you might find it difficult to get more during the outage.
For long term use, a stationary generator is much more suitable. Particularly if you have it connected permanently to a fuel source, such as a natural gas line. Stationary units are generally connected directly into the wiring of your house so they are able to take over at a moment’s notice upon loss of power. Portable units, on the other hand, need to be moved into place, hooked up to the devices they will be powering, and possibly refilled with gas. This is the last thing you’ll want to be doing during severe weather.
Stationary home electric generators can also be hooked up with an automatic switchover system, so they automatically take over when the main power goes out. This switchover is not instant, however – it usually takes 20 to 30 seconds – so it won’t stop computers and other solid state devices from shutting down. If you are concerned about data loss during a power outage, a UPS is still necessary to keep the computer running until the generator takes over.
A UPS can also be useful if the power is out for any significant length of time, even when you’re running a stationary generator. Some engines will require an oil change if they are running for a significant length of time, and the UPS can keep your computer or other devices operating if you have to shut off the generator for maintenance purposes.
You will spend considerably more for a permanently connected, stationary generator compare to even the largest portable models. But if you’re in an area that is prone to power outages, it can give you peace of mind. Plus, it tends to increase the value of your home since anyone buying it would probably be aware of the power issues.
Fuel Choices
When choosing a fuel-type for your generator, the biggest consideration is what kinds of fuel are readily available to you. Gasoline and propane tend to be the most widely available, but you’ll want to choose a fuel that you can get more of without having to travel any great distances.
And keep in mind that your fuel source can be interrupted in some cases, so having a dual-fuel generator can be an advantage. If the power outage is due to an earthquake or some other natural disaster, it’s quite possible that a permanent natural gas line could be damaged, limiting the supply to your generator. Being able to switch over to propane or another fuel if necessary could be a big advantage.
This article original come from http://www.gaspoweredgeneratorsonline.com/
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