Generator Blog

A generator is a machine which is designed to generate AC electricity. Generators are used by companies for getting power to job sites where power may not be available and for homeowners to provide backup electricity in case of an extended power outage. Generators come in a variety of different sizes and designs. Picking the right one is an important step towards ensuring that your electrical needs are meet if the power goes out.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are larger generators which are designed specifically for the purpose of powering most or the entire house during an extended power outage. Most standby generators use a small car engine to operate the generator. Standby generators can be found in a variety of different sizes. The size is rated by the number of KW the generator can produce. Most home standby generators range between 20KW and 60KW. Industrial standby generators are significantly larger. These produce anywhere between 100KW and 1MW or mega watt. A megawatt is equal to 1000KW.

Fuel Sources for Standby Generators

Home standby generators are powered by either propane or natural gas. In most states it’s illegal to operate a gas or diesel powered stand by generator in a residential zone. Industrial standby generators are almost always powered by diesel.

Portable Generators

Any generator which is on wheels or designed to be moved is classified as a portable generator. Most portable generators are relatively small in size. These range between 1KW and 5KW. They are primarily used for providing power to tools in areas where power is not available. Larger portable units range between 5KW and 15KW. These can be used in the field as well but they are commonly used by homeowners to power small portions of their home if the power is out for an extended period of time.

Fuel Sources for Portable Generators

Nearly all portable generators run on standard gasoline. Some run on propane supplied by a small propane tank but these are rare.

Maintaining a Generator

Generators are all engine driven. Most portable models utilize engines that are similar in style to a lawnmower engine. Many of the home standby variety use a car engine. This means that generators need similar maintenance to a car.

Change Oil: The oil should be changed on a generator periodically. For models without an oil filter the oil should be changed every 50 hours or once a year. For models which do have an oil filter every 250 hours or once a year is recommended.

Air Filter: The air filter should be visually inspected every time the oil is replaced. If it appears dirty then it should be replaced with a new air filter.

Exercise: Generators should be run for one hour once a month. This keeps the engine running properly. This will also prevent the battery from wearing out if it is a model with a battery.

Inspect: Inspect the generator with every oil change. Look at the hoses and any belts. If you see any cracks or other signs of dry rot they should be replaced.