Portable Generator or Stationary Generator, which is right for you?

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Useful Generator Information 

 

Our society has evolved to the point where modern life is not possible without continuous, stable electrical power. Each year, thousands of Americans purchase small electric generator sets to protect themselves, their families and their businesses in the likely event of power failures. Here are some tips.

 

Portable vs Stationary – Let’s Compare Convenience and Cost

 

Although a portable generator can be moved around, its average weight is 250-300 lbs, so it isn’t what you’d call lightweight. If you purchase one, make sure it comes with a set of wheels (sometimes these are optional). Portables are universally fueled with gasoline, a fuel that requires safe storage and extra care in handling. Some portables have very small fuel tanks, so they need refueling every half hour or so. Given the choice, go for a portable generator with a 5 gal tank. And don’t forget that gasoline doesn’t store very well without using an additive.

 

Portable generator owners usually employ a series of extension cords to connect the generator to specific items in their house, such as a refrigerator, lights, computer, and TV. Although this system works, it is most practical for outages of a short duration.

 

And finally, many portable generators are “rope started”, like lawnmowers. If your wife, teenager or elderly relative will be using the generator (not recommended) you should go for an electric start option, if available. As you can see, there is essentially nothing automatic about a portable generator, but the price is right at an average cost of $500, depending on size.

 

On the other hand, a stationary (automatic) generator averages $3,000 - but look at the differences!

 

Stationary generators start at about 500 lbs and are designed with a weather protective housing that mounts outdoors on a level surface. Fuel is continuously supplied via your natural gas service or propane tank, whichever you choose. Your electrician will “hard wire” the electrical cables to your distribution panel (no extension cords to deal with here).

 

Starting is fully automatic. In fact, it can take just 15-30 seconds from the beginning of the power outage until the generator is completely up and running. This type of generator employs an automatic transfer switch which monitors the incoming power and switches the generator on and off as needed.

 

How do you know which size generator you need?

 

Determining the size of your generator is all important. Electric power is measured in watts and 1,000 watts is called a kilowatt. All electrical appliances in your home have an electrical tag or label on them, which states the wattage. Sometimes the tag shows only the voltage and amperage. If this is the case, multiply the voltage by the amperage to get the wattage. Example: say the electrical label on the back of your toaster reads 120 volts and 10 amps. To get the wattage, 120 V x 10 A = 1200 watts. Since 1000 watts = one kilowatt, the load can also be considered 1.2KW.

 

Add up the wattages of the loads that you consider essential, then multiply by 75% to account for the fact that everything will not be on at the same time. It’s a good idea to discuss your loads with an electrician - he can also determine or verify your loads easily and quickly using his ammeter.

 

Portable generators usually range from 3-10KW. Stationary generators are in the 7-40KW or larger range. The larger sizes are normally needed only if you have heavy electrical loads like a large well pump or a central air conditioner. The average sized generator for a normal home (without a central air conditioner) is in the 10-12KW range.

 

We hope this information is helpful.

 

(Special thanks to Bill Hoffman at the House of Generators)

 

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Last up-dated on 07/01/2008