Electrical power generators are nifty pieces of modern equipment. They give users to produce electricity from gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane or any other fuel that can be used by internal combustion engines which are usually heart of any generator system. This makes them very versatile and useful in this day and age when electronics is what drives not just our everyday lives but our entire economies.
However, before buying a power generator, you need to consider a few important things. This article hopes to simplify the nitty-gritty on these equipment and help those who are not technically-inclined to find the perfect electrical generator for their unique needs.
Power and Size
When it comes to generators, size do still matter. In general the bigger power you need, the bigger (and heavier) the generator you need. While technological advancements in this field have enabled us to produce smaller and smaller generators without necessarily reducing power output capabilities, if you want to power an entire house, you will still need something bigger and those 50 lbs. generators will not cut it. Your needs will determine how big a generator you need. You will need to figure out how much wattage power you need to power up your appliances and electronics and find a generator that sufficiently matches that need. Generators come in many different output ratings from 1000 watts to 10s of thousands to hundreds of thousands of watts.
Fuel Type
You will need to determine which fuel type will fit your needs. Gasoline and diesel generators are great for portable as well as for industrial purposes but if you are looking for something to serve as a backup power system then you will do well to go for the natural gas or propane option because these gases perform well in long storage durations and can be supplied directly to your homes via distribution pipes. This means unlimited supply for your generator and continuous electrical power for you during blackouts.
Fixed Install or Portable Use
Residential backup generators are usually installed permanently at your location and should be too heavy for portable use (especially if their mega-powered). If you are looking for something to use for recreational purposes then you will probably like one of those ultra-portable units that come in 1000 to 2000 watt generator models. There are also models in the 3000 to 5000 watt range that can be considered portable units.
Noise
If you value the peace and quiet, then you will definitely prefer to use one of those silent generator power systems which is great for residential and recreational applications. Modern generators have become better in this area because of new developments in noise reduction and engine technologies.