Types of Generators
Generators fall into three categories: stand-by generators, portable generators and inverter generators.
1. Standby or permanent generators are wired into your home’s utility system. They usually have a larger power output and are a good choice if you have numerous essential items that you need to keep operating during a storm, especially if you have family members who require additional resources such as oxygen or refrigerated medications, have outbuildings housing animals or have large pumps for your furnace, water or other essentials.They’re also a good choice if you’re in an area where storm outages are frequent or problems tend to take a while to be fixed. Standby generators come with a higher price tag and require professional installation and usually permits.
by Phil Kean Designs
Generators fall into three categories: stand-by generators, portable generators and inverter generators.
1. Standby or permanent generators are wired into your home’s utility system. They usually have a larger power output and are a good choice if you have numerous essential items that you need to keep operating during a storm, especially if you have family members who require additional resources such as oxygen or refrigerated medications, have outbuildings housing animals or have large pumps for your furnace, water or other essentials.They’re also a good choice if you’re in an area where storm outages are frequent or problems tend to take a while to be fixed. Standby generators come with a higher price tag and require professional installation and usually permits.
Honda EM5000S Deluxe 5000 Watt Portable Generator - $2,429.95 [ Link ]
2. Portable generators are smaller and can be moved, as the name implies; they are often less powerful. A basic portable generator can be set up without professional help and will keep the absolute essentials running, especially during a short outage. You can set them up outside and run heavy-duty exterior extension cords from the generator to the appliances you want to power. You can also connect them to your utility system via a transfer switch (see below).
3. Inverter generators are quieter and lighter; they are good choices for specialized uses, such as to take camping or to power electronics, but they're not as effective as a single power source in an emergency situation. They also can’t be sold in some states.
What Size Generator Is Best for You?
Generators are rated by their power output in kilowatts per hour. A generator capable of producing 5,000 kilowatts per hour is a good size for a small to medium home for a short time period. If you want to plan for outages that may last for a while, as has happened with recent storms such as Sandy, look at your overall power use and consider going larger.
by powerequipment.honda.com
3. Inverter generators are quieter and lighter; they are good choices for specialized uses, such as to take camping or to power electronics, but they're not as effective as a single power source in an emergency situation. They also can’t be sold in some states.
What Size Generator Is Best for You?
Generators are rated by their power output in kilowatts per hour. A generator capable of producing 5,000 kilowatts per hour is a good size for a small to medium home for a short time period. If you want to plan for outages that may last for a while, as has happened with recent storms such as Sandy, look at your overall power use and consider going larger.
- Start by adding up all your power requirements. Power usage is listed on all appliances (you may need to pull larger appliances away from the wall to find the information). Look at everything in your house and yard to get a true picture of your power use. You may need power to keep your furnace or boiler going and keep a pump for a well or other water source operational, and you may want the ability to use at least some kitchen appliances (a microwave for morning coffee may be a personal necessity), a way to keep cell phones and your computer powered, or even easy access to a garage or other building. During a period of high heat or humidity, air conditioning or at least numerous fans can be a true lifesaver.
- Account for startup surges. After you’ve figured your total power needs, factor in the fact that many appliances, such as refrigerators, have a surge at startup. Multiply your total number by 1.5 to account for these surges.
- Don't test its limits. Finally, don’t run your generator at full power, as that will burn it out. A running load of anywhere from 50 to 75 percent is recommended, so take that into account and buy a generator with enough power to allow you to run what you want without hitting the generator's maximum capacity. You may need to make a choice between size and price versus the ability to operate everything you want at once.
14-Gallon Flo N' Go Portable Fueling System - $169.00 [ Link ]
Fuel choices and run time. Standby generators usually are fueled by liquid propane or natural gas and can be connected to your utility provider. Portable generators are more typically fueled by gasoline.
You can also find generators powered by diesel or biodiesel. Look at all the options, especially for portable generators, and decide what makes the most sense for you. Remember, you will need to have additional fuel available.
In addition to determining the type of fuel you need to use, take a look at how efficient your unit is when it comes to energy consumption. Some may use only half a gallon of gas for five hours of run time; others may require much higher amounts of fuel.
by FRONTGATE
You can also find generators powered by diesel or biodiesel. Look at all the options, especially for portable generators, and decide what makes the most sense for you. Remember, you will need to have additional fuel available.
In addition to determining the type of fuel you need to use, take a look at how efficient your unit is when it comes to energy consumption. Some may use only half a gallon of gas for five hours of run time; others may require much higher amounts of fuel.
Wiring into your home. Standby permanent generators are always wired into your home’s utility system. Portable generators can be wired in as well (although this, by necessity, limits their portability).
Wiring into the utility system is a good option if you want to power more appliances than the generator has outlets for, want to power something that can’t be put on an extension cord (such as the blower in your furnace) or just want to minimize the number of extension cords running from the house to the yard.
This is something an electrician can do for you; in many places, an electrician as well as permits are required by code to do this work.
by Castle Building & Remodeling
Wiring into the utility system is a good option if you want to power more appliances than the generator has outlets for, want to power something that can’t be put on an extension cord (such as the blower in your furnace) or just want to minimize the number of extension cords running from the house to the yard.
This is something an electrician can do for you; in many places, an electrician as well as permits are required by code to do this work.
Cummins Onan Generator Transfer Switch [ Link ]
Transfer switches. If your backup generator is wired into your home, you’ll need to install a transfer switch. This is just what it sounds like: a switch that shuts down the power system from your utility company and lets the backup take over. It is wired into your utility panel.
You can get a manual system, which you turn on and off yourself, or an automatic one that senses when the power goes down and when it comes back and does the switch for you. Go for the automatic; if you’re in a storm or natural disaster and have lost power, you'll have one fewer thing to worry about.
by promiseelectric.com
You can get a manual system, which you turn on and off yourself, or an automatic one that senses when the power goes down and when it comes back and does the switch for you. Go for the automatic; if you’re in a storm or natural disaster and have lost power, you'll have one fewer thing to worry about.
GP Series 6500-Watt Portable Generator - $799.00 [ Link ]
Other Shopping Considerations
A basic portable generator can be relatively inexpensive. But before you buy, take the time to check out the independent ratings of the generators in your price range, as the quality may vary.
Where to locate your backup generator. Put in the wrong place, backup generators can quickly become a disaster themselves. First rule: They need to be placed outdoors, not in an enclosed space.
Generators need to be on a stable, clean, dry surface with plenty of space around them (5 feet is the recommended minimum). They must be set away from any homes and especially any doors, windows or other openings. Exhaust should blow away from any buildings. Fans are not sufficient to remove exhaust.
Noise can also be an issue; what is tolerable for a short period can overwhelm after several hours. Place the generator as far as is reasonable from where you and your neighbors will be spending your time. Check your local building codes for any other placement requirements.
Operating issues. Safety, again, is the primary concern. Be sure the generator is grounded and stable. Next, check the fuel. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended fuel use, including draining the fuel when the generator is not in use, not overfilling the tank and adding fuel only when the machine is not running and has cooled down.
Check the operation of your system periodically, particularly before a big storm is forecast. Keep an eye on oil gauges and other running parts, and make sure general maintenance has been kept up.
Never plug your generator directly into your wiring system or outlets, as this can cause a dangerous "backfeed," resulting in serious injuries as well as fires. If you have already set up your system to include a transfer switch wired into your home utility panel, you can connect your portable generator to that switch.
Always use heavy-duty exterior extension cords. Smaller cords are not sufficient.
Respect the limits of your generator. Keep your usage as low as is reasonable, especially if it seems that you may be relying on backup power for some time.
Storage. Standby generators are permanently installed, but most people will want to store their portable generators out of sight when they're not in use. Many options are available, including enclosures, but always operate a generator in an open space, following the manufacturer's directions.
Many portable generators require that you drain the fuel once the system has cooled down, and this is a good safety precaution in any case. Store the generator where fumes or vapors can’t reach an open flame, including a pilot light. Store the fuel in an equally secure space. You may need to replace the fuel, such as gasoline, every few months to be sure it is fresh.
by Home Depot
A basic portable generator can be relatively inexpensive. But before you buy, take the time to check out the independent ratings of the generators in your price range, as the quality may vary.
- Noise. Generators are noisy, and you have to consider not only your family but also your neighbors.
- Starting. They can take some effort to start manually, so an electric starter can save you some physical exertion.
- Gauges. Options such as oil and temperature gauges and a high-end rectifier will alert you to possible problems before they destroy your machine.
- Weight. If you plan to move a portable generator into place only when needed, take overall weight into consideration and consider a wheeled frame.
Where to locate your backup generator. Put in the wrong place, backup generators can quickly become a disaster themselves. First rule: They need to be placed outdoors, not in an enclosed space.
Generators need to be on a stable, clean, dry surface with plenty of space around them (5 feet is the recommended minimum). They must be set away from any homes and especially any doors, windows or other openings. Exhaust should blow away from any buildings. Fans are not sufficient to remove exhaust.
Noise can also be an issue; what is tolerable for a short period can overwhelm after several hours. Place the generator as far as is reasonable from where you and your neighbors will be spending your time. Check your local building codes for any other placement requirements.
Operating issues. Safety, again, is the primary concern. Be sure the generator is grounded and stable. Next, check the fuel. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended fuel use, including draining the fuel when the generator is not in use, not overfilling the tank and adding fuel only when the machine is not running and has cooled down.
Check the operation of your system periodically, particularly before a big storm is forecast. Keep an eye on oil gauges and other running parts, and make sure general maintenance has been kept up.
Never plug your generator directly into your wiring system or outlets, as this can cause a dangerous "backfeed," resulting in serious injuries as well as fires. If you have already set up your system to include a transfer switch wired into your home utility panel, you can connect your portable generator to that switch.
Always use heavy-duty exterior extension cords. Smaller cords are not sufficient.
Respect the limits of your generator. Keep your usage as low as is reasonable, especially if it seems that you may be relying on backup power for some time.
Storage. Standby generators are permanently installed, but most people will want to store their portable generators out of sight when they're not in use. Many options are available, including enclosures, but always operate a generator in an open space, following the manufacturer's directions.
Many portable generators require that you drain the fuel once the system has cooled down, and this is a good safety precaution in any case. Store the generator where fumes or vapors can’t reach an open flame, including a pilot light. Store the fuel in an equally secure space. You may need to replace the fuel, such as gasoline, every few months to be sure it is fresh.
Do you have a generator? What kind is it and how have you used it?
More guides to recovery from outages and disasters
by WA design
More guides to recovery from outages and disasters
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Find Local Pros by Category:
Architects & Designers · Carpet and Flooring · Closet & Home Storage Designers · Design-build Firms · Fireplaces · General Contractors · Home Media Design & Installation · Interior Designers & Decorators · Kitchen & Bath Designers · Landscape Architects & Designers · Landscape Contractors · Specialty Contractors · Tile, Stone & Countertops
Find Local Pros by Metro Area:
Atlanta · Austin · Baltimore · Boston · Chicago · Dallas · Dc Metro · Denver · Detroit · Hawaii · Houston · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Miami · Minneapolis · Nashville · New Orleans · New York · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · Salt Lake City · San Diego · San Francisco · Seattle · St Louis
Goalzero.com.
I've been told ours isn't all that loud but it sure isn't quiet either. We had a power outage earlier this week and turned it off while we were sleeping for our neighbors sake. I have asked the neighbors if it bothered them and they said no, but why take the chance of alienating them?
I decided to go with a Generac 1700kw... purchased from Home Depot. The purchase and install all went very smoothly. This was primarily due to the company that Home Depot contracted out the work to. Harris Power and Equipment was exceptional... every attention to detail was taken and they were very professional throughout the installation.
As far as the operation... the generator performs flawlessly. Instant on after a few seconds of it not sensing power from the main line... it kicks on and we have power throughout the entire house. It's running off natural gas (for those not to familiar) that is tied into the house itself. A larger gas meter was necessary and that costed another $900.00-- (if I ever move I wonder if I get to keep it!) but it allows the flow rate to be consistant enough to power the generator when necessary. Like I said ...pretty much everything we need is powered except our dishwasher and washer and dryer... we figured we could do without those items if we absolutely had to. What you want on your panel is a very personal decision so you get to choose whats important to you or you can opt to add a couple more circuits for a charge... to us it wasn't worth the extra... but looking back maybe it would have been. We can always add them later as well.
The generator will run once a week at your time of choice for about 10-12 min. This is an "exercise mode". It's like a car engine (very small one) so it needs to run from time to time while its not being used during an outtage.
Expense wise we don't notice a considerable difference in the generator running from an outtage here or there. When it spans a week or more then you see it on your next gas bill but it's still reasonable and remember you're saving the cost of electricity since you didn't have it!
We chose a steel encased unit but since they didn't have them in stock at the time we ended up with an aluminum casing on it. I would recommend it as you know things outdoors are exposed and take a beating from the elements.
Service on is absolutely necessary if you want this investment to last to keep working for you. Don't invest the money and then skimp out on the service of your unit. Remember it's an investment into your home and yes, it does add value. We bought an extended plan so Harris Power comes every year to do a service on it.... check and change fluids... battery power etc. As far as the over all cost of a generator it depends on a number of factors: kw size, exterrior encasement of the unit, the installation..are just to name a few. A general way to tell how much it may cost is take your overall purchase of the unit and multiply that by 2.
IF, and this is a big IF, there was a downside to owning a generator it's the matter of how guilty you may feel being the only one with power, lol (you can see this ever so clearly after dark!) and everyone around you is wishing they had power! We seem to have a lot of portables out there but you still may have that one neighbor who inapropriately asks things of you only becuase you have prepared for the worst and they have not. We are fortunate that we have good neighbors and we are more than happy to have them "plug in" to our generator for power but you can see how it could be something more of a problem for those who would take advantage of your generosity. You tend to see a different side of people when it comes to being without something that we all can so easliy take for granted...
I hope this review is helpful and thanks for reading.... Good Luck!