Home Generators

A generator can be used in a residential or commercial setting. A home generator or residential generator can be purchased at a hardware store, from an authorized dealer, a home improvement store or through an online retailer. A stationary or standby home generator is designed for permanent residential use. There are several makes and models to choose from. The size of a standby generator ranges from one kilowatt to one-hundred kilowatts. Portable gasoline powered generators are designed to be used temporarily. The portable generators can be used wherever you need electrical power. Most generator engines run on gasoline, propane, diesel or natural gas. A home generator has become an essential piece of equipment especially during unexpected electrical outages.

The purpose of a portable home generator is to provide a temporary source of power during any type of electrical outage or when AC power is not readily available. A portable home generator is designed to stand alone without a permanently wired application base. Most portable home electric generators are only made to provide electrical power to only a few necessary electrical appliances in the residence. This power is usually acquired through the use of multiple extension cords. If you purchase a more expensive model it may be capable of providing electrical power to an entire house. Portable home generators are generally used at construction sites, private residences, motor homes, recreational vehicles, camping trips, and farms. This type of generator is available in ranges from five hundred watts of power to seventeen kilowatts of power. Many people have chosen a portable home generator because they are usually cheaper in price than a standby generator and usually do not require professional installation. A portable home generator is a good choice for those who only need a temporary source of power generated during a power outage.

Stationary home generators are permanent power generators installed at a private residence or at a business. Gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas are the four separate fuel sources that a stationary home generator is capable of running on depending on which make and model you choose. This type of generator is designed to provide a long runtime especially when it is connected to another fuel source, such as gas power. The main difference between a stationary home generator and a portable home generator is that a stationary model is able to handle all of its applications by itself. Someone does not even have to be home for the system to become active and to start running. A standby home generator is equipped with an automatic start option. This automatic start option includes an auto transfer switch that is set to sense a power outage. When a power outage is sensed, the automatic transfer switch will switch the electric load from the utility line to the generator line. Then when the power is restored the system will automatically switch back. The usual transfer time of this automated system requires ten to thirty seconds in order to properly make the switch. If you run important computer applications you may need a backup system in order to recover any lost data during the transfer period. Stationary electric generators require professional installation. This type of home generator is known for increasing the value placed on a home. Safety, optimum power, and increased home value are all advantages to owning a stationary home generator.

A power transfer switch is created to take a power load from one source and to apply this load to multiple electrical sources. The standby or stationary home generator is required by government regulations to have an automatic transfer switch. This type of switch was made to connect a home’s electrical wiring system to a stationary generator or to the home’s utility power source. When power use is normal, there is not an electrical outage. The voltage goes from the utility power source to the electrical applications being used in the home at the time. When this power connection fails because of an outage, the automatic transfer switch transfers the power from the utility line to the home generator line. The switch isolates the power from the main line.

It is against the law to connect home generators to any type of electrical wiring without installing an automatic transfer switch. This is because if an automatic transfer switch is not used, interconnection or back feeding could occur between the generator and the utility line. During a situation such as this your home’s line transformer will become energized. When this occurs it serves as an electrocution hazard for utility employees and for your neighbors. A home generator may become severely damaged if this does occur. To prevent a situation of this caliber an automatic transfer switch is required, and it must be “double pole double throw”.

The term double throw means that you can place the automatic transfer switch in two positions. Automatic transfer switches come with three separate positions. These three positions are as follows: OFF, GEN and LINE.

The term double pole means that the switch is capable of transferring both line wires. An automatic transfer switch is manual, automatic or a combination of both. The main purpose of this switch is to disconnect a load of electrical power from one source to another source. The switch performs all of these above-mentioned operations on its own. When the switch has transferred the power from the generator back to the utility source it will automatically put the generator in cool down mode and then shut off on its own. Once a home generator is installed with an automatic transfer switch you do not have to worry about manually operating it. This takes some of the stress out of an electrical outage.

Portable home generators do not need to be installed, as they are capable of going anywhere you go. A stationary home generator is usually professionally installed by a licensed electrical contractor. The licensed installer will often mount the stationary home generator outside on a cement pad. The cement pad should be near the home’s fuel source. In order to prevent harmful exhaust fumes and gasses from entering your residence you must make sure that your home generator is in a well-ventilated area away from your home’s doors and windows. The stationary home generator connects through an automatic transfer switch, which prevents interconnection between the generator line and the utility line. It is highly recommended that all of your electrical wiring be performed by a licensed contractor. In some areas a person must obtain approval from their electric utility company before installing power generators. This rule depends on your mandated state and local regulations. Also, if the generators purchased require the use of a large fuel tank, you may need to obtain a permit. All of these rules are standard installation guidelines in the use of standby home generators. These guidelines allow for safe usage ensuring your family’s safety and even the safety of your neighborhood.

When choosing a home generator purchasers must be aware of the fuel sources available in their area. Home generators should operate by using a popular fuel source available in your local surrounding area. Most stationary home generators are constructed to be a bi-fuel participant. This means that the power generators are capable of using natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. To change over from the use of one fuel source to another an easy field adjustment is needed. If your house is fueled by either gas or propane, a bi-fuel home generator is your best choice. With a permanently installed natural gas powered home generator you do not have to ever refill the generator. Plus this type of home generator model has an unlimited amount of available running time.

If an electrical outage occurs for several days the generator system must be shut down and the motor oil must be changed every other day. This practice ensures the continued safety and maintenance of your home generator. If you decide to purchase a natural gas home generator it is wise to check what the required gas pressure is to operate the generator. Some home generators may require more gas pressure then is given for standard residential use. The power generator will not work if it does not meet the minimum fuel requirements set by the manufacturer. If you find out that your generator does not meet your home’s standard gas pressure, or if it exceeds that amount, call your local utility company immediately. Your gas utility company can either set up a separate gas meter for your home generator or change the amount of gas pressure allowed on your pre-existing meter.

It is important to keep in the back of your mind that if a natural disaster does occur your gas service may also be shut off. This would render your home generator powerless. This is why bi-fuel power generators are such a popular choice when choosing a home generator. Generator, if bi-fuel, can be switched to run off of propane. Propane fuel has a long shelf life and is available during energy crises. Power generators that operate with diesel engines are considered to be more efficient but also more costly. This type of power generator is used to power different types of industry.

When you purchase a home generator make sure your residence’s electrical load does not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications. Power generators should be purchased that are quite capable of handling all of your necessary electrical applications or should be used to supply power to only a small portion. If you decide to provide a power generator for only a portion of your electrical applications there are a few tips to follow. First make a list of all of the electrical applications you wish to supply power to and write down the amount of wattage these particular applications use. Total the amount of wattage you wish to use and compare it to the wattage provided by your home generator. If you want to supply ten one hundred watt light bulbs with power you must have at least a thousand watt generator. During a power outage the generator must be able to run the largest motor needed. If you decided to purchase a home generator that will supply your whole residence with power you must make sure that your home usage does not exceed that of the generator’s specified usage. This will ensure that your generator has a long life of safe usage.

There are several general safety rules that must be followed when using a home generator. All of your electrical wiring must be in regulation with the set local, state and federal guidelines. The electrical equipment and wiring is required to be approved by a licensed inspection agent. This individual will make sure that the wiring is up to code and that the generator will be used under safe operating conditions. The stationary home generator must be rated with a sixty-hertz alternate current rating that matches the service voltage. The automatic transfer switch on your home generator must be approved by the OPPD. If it does not then that switch would be illegal to use. The generator wiring and equipment must be properly arranged to prevent the interconnection between the generator line and the main utility line. It is recommended that the new owners of power generators should read and follow all of the safety instructions provided. Last but not least, it is required by law that a stationary home generator is installed by a licensed electrical contractor. These safety guidelines are designed to ensure your safety, your family’s safety and the safety of your neighbors.

There are numerous benefits to owning home generators. If your family experiences a natural disaster in which the power service is interrupted your daily lives will not have to stop. A stationary home generator can begin powering your home within thirty seconds. This means that you can use the computer, televisions, lights, refrigerator and other essential electrical appliances. Plus with a stationary home generator you do not even have to flip a switch because the generator is capable of handling all operations automatically. Once power is restored your stationary home generator will automatically shut itself off. Now, if your family is always on the go, a portable generator might be your best option. A portable generator is capable of going anywhere you go. It can power necessary electrical appliances for a shorter period of time. This type of generator is perfect for farm work, camping, or for use anywhere you need electrical power. These models are affordable and efficient. Whatever your needs are there is a generator made to suit them. Because of generators, electrical outages have become less of a hassle and more tolerable. Follow the proper instructions when having your generator installed and never again will you or your family be without power.