Soon after you realize that you need an alternative source of power you will face a simple and yet complex question. How to choose a generator? There is no simple answer to this question, as there are numerous factors you have to take into account before deciding on a particular model.
The purpose for which you want to use a generator can point you in the direction in which you should be looking, as the unit’s portability, maximum starting watts, or noise level can all help you narrow down your choices.
Most importantly, the generator’s size must meet your power consumption needs, since exceeding the unit’s power output capabilities can be damaging for the appliances you are powering as well as the generator.
Read on if you want to find out how to choose a generator that fits the context in which you want to use it.
The most common types of generators
Although generators can be categorized by a variety of factors, they are commonly divided into three basic categories.
So, you can choose between industrial, home standby generators, and portable generators. In addition, portable models can either be conventional or inverter generators depending on their capability to produce clean electricity.
Industrial generators are designed to meet the power consumption needs of hospitals, factories, and commercial buildings, while home standby generators are usually built for large establishments that require more than 20000 running Watts.
Conventional portable generators can offer anywhere between 5000 and 12000 running Watts, and you can use them as a primary power backup for your household or to power tools at a worksite.
Inverter generators are best suited for RVing and camping because they are lightweight and you can move them easily or find storage space for them in your car, truck, or RV.
Choose the generator size that fits the context in which you are going to use it
Each generator type is designed for a different context, which is best reflected in their power output capabilities. The starting and running wattage industrial and home standby generators are sufficient to run numerous high power tools, machines, and appliances simultaneously.
However, an average household doesn’t have such high power consumption needs, which makes a conventional portable generator a much more affordable option for homeowners searching for a backup power source for their household.
A generator that produces 10000 running Watts or more enables you to use most appliances in your home during a power outage. Nonetheless, a unit that produces 5000 running Watts or fewer is a better choice if you need a generator that can supply you with electricity when you are at a worksite or a campsite.
Moreover, generators that can produce over 5000 surge Watts are usually heavy and you may not be able to move them on your own, although some models may have wheels.
So, opting for a small size generator is a good choice if you plan to use it while you’re on the road, on the other hand, a larger generator is better suited as a power emergency backup.
Calculate your power consumption needs
Estimating the average amount of power you are going to be using will help you determine if you need a 2000-Watt or 12000-Watt generator.
By listing all the appliances you want to use during a power outage and finding out how much starting and running Watts they need will enable you to calculate the size of a generator you need.
For instance, a dishwasher uses 1500 running Watts while a toaster may need as much as 800 Watts to operate.
Adding up the power consumption of all appliances you want to use during a power outage will provide you with the approximate size of a generator that can supply enough electricity during emergencies. Moreover, you can calculate the unit’s amperage by simply dividing its wattage with the voltage.
Factor in the cost of transfer switch installation
All generators produce a certain percentage of total harmonic distortion, but models that can adjust the engine speed rotation to the current load don’t distort the current waves as much as those units whose engines rotate at a constant speed regardless of the load.
The inverter technology minimizes the total harmonic distortion and it enables an inverter generator to produce clean electricity. Consequently, you can plug in a laptop or Smart TV directly into an inverter generator without any risk of damaging them.
However, generators that can supply an entire household with electricity usually have a high total harmonic percentage, and for that reason, they must be connected to a breaker panel through a transfer switch.
An automatic or manual transfer switch are integral parts of the backup power setup, as the electricity from a generator that is connected directly to the breaker panel can damage the electrical installations in your home and endanger your safety.
That’s why you must also consider the cost of installing a transfer switch if you are planning to use a generator as a power backup for your household.
Decide which type of fuel you want to use to power your generator
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline, while models that can be powered by either propane or diesel fuel are also available.
Although gasoline generators are usually fuel-efficient, storing gasoline in your home can be dangerous. What’s more, gas stations need electricity to supply gasoline, which is why getting this type of fuel during an emergency can be difficult.
Some units that run on gasoline don’t comply with greenhouse emission regulations, and you should opt for a model that is both EPA and CARB compliant in order to be sure that you can use it without the fear of breaking the law.
Deciding between gasoline and propane generator can be difficult since either option has its downsides. Dual-fuel generators offer a perfect compromise as they allow you to decide which type of fuel you want to use.
Consider the generator’s maximum runtime
The size of the generator’s fuel tank and its engine’s fuel efficiency determine its maximum runtime. Also, how long a generator can remain operational depends on how much electricity you are using.
Most manufacturers offer information regarding the model’s maximum runtime based on a 25% percent load, but that value doesn’t match the real-life conditions since in most cases you will be using 50% or 75% of the generator’s maximum power output.
On average, a generator can run for six to eight hours on a full fuel tank, while handling a 50% load, but the exact runtime depends on the model.
Some portable generators don’t need more than two gallons of gasoline to run for more than 12 hours although these models can rarely produce more than 10000 running Watts.
It is worth noting that propane generators have a longer runtime than gasoline generators, but their starting and running wattage is usually lower.
Check the versatility of power outlets
A 120V 20A power outlets are a standard feature on all generators, but their number can vary between two and six. Moreover, some models come with an RV-ready tag which means that they are equipped with a TT30-R outlet that enables you to power the vehicle.
In case the model you are considering is not RV-ready, you can purchase a NEMA L5-30 adapter to make the unit RV-ready. Choosing a model that has 12V DC power output will enable you to charge car batteries or different accessories, but the DC output is not regulated and it can damage some appliances.
Inverter generators can also feature a USB port and you can use them to charge tablets, Smartphones, or any other device that can be charged through a USB cable. Power outlet covers protect against rain, dust, and weather conditions that can potentially damage them.
Look for additional features
Knowing how much fuel you have in the tank at all times or how close you are to overloading the unit may prevent you from causing substantial damage to the generator.
Features like these make operating a generator much easier, as you won’t have to worry about accidentally exceeding the model’s maximum power output. Let’s take a look at some of the features you should look for while choosing a new generator.
Digital data center
Having all the essential parameters displayed on the generator’s control panel will enable you to monitor the current power consumption, remaining runtime, or fuel level.
Keeping track of these parameters will prevent you from putting too much load on a generator or allow you to know when you have to refuel the generator.
Low oil shutdown sensor
The oil keeps the engine’s moving parts lubricated and ensures that they run smoothly. Once the oil level drops too low these parts are not going to receive sufficient lubrication which can potentially damage them.
A low oil shutdown sensor switches the generator off as soon as it detects a low oil level which keeps the engine safe. This feature is particularly important if you are planning to use a generator for long periods of time.
Engine mufflers
Generators are notoriously loud, as some models can produce up to a hundred decibels of noise. Engine mufflers reduce the unit’s noise level significantly which enables you to use a generator in a residential area or at a campsite.
You should also keep in mind that inverter generators make less noise than conventional generators.
Electric start button
Almost all generators have a recoil start system, but pulling the grip can be physically demanding. An electric start button eliminates the need to pull the grip, as you can start the generator by simply pushing the start button.
However, an empty battery that powers the electric start system can be one of the reasons why your generator won’t start.
Frequently asked questions about how to choose a generator
Are generators expensive?
You can spend anywhere between a few hundred and a couple of thousands of dollars on a portable generator. Moreover, you need to factor in the cost of fuel and maintenance in order to determine the true cost of a generator.
Why is it important to break in a generator?
Breaking in a generator will flush all metal particles from the engine and lubricate its moving parts, which in turn will prolong its life cycle.
Which type of engine oil does a generator use?
In most cases, you can use the same engine oil for your generator and your car. However, the manufacturer usually recommends the best oil for a particular model and you can find out which oil is recommended for your generator from the user manual.
Can I use a generator indoors?
The short and simple answer is no, even if your unit is powered by propane. All generators produce poisonous gases that are harmful to your health.
Conclusion
You must do a considerable amount of preparation before you choose your new generator.
Determining the context in which you are going to use the unit, estimating your power consumption needs, and installing a transfer switch in your home are some of the steps you will have to take in order to narrow down your choices.
Afterward, you can start considering models from reputable manufacturers like Generac GP8000E or Westinghouse iGen2500 depending on your budget and your power consumption needs.
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