how to use generators properly

RELIABLE BACKUP GENERATOR SERVICES

Electrician Network  is a proud installer of Most top brand  whole-home generators.

Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case.  Modern generators are compact, quiet, smart, and able to power some or all of your electrical appliances at once! A standby generator from
Electrician Network  can prevent almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including:

Spoiled food

Extreme temperatures

Loss of running water (if you’re on a well)

Mold growth

Our technicians can install generators that plumb directly into your home or business’ natural gas line so you’ll never have to fill a gas tank again!  If you’re tired of losing power and want to install a standby generator for your home or business call  Electrician Network  today!

All of our skilled technicians at Electrician Network  who work in your home or business are professionally trained, background checked and drug tested.  Our technicians also drive fully stocked trucks to ensure they are able to get the job done the first time out to your home or business.

Whether you’re looking to provide backup power to your home or office or just need to power up your tailgate, RV or worksite, you’ll find the most trusted generator brands right here.

Finding the best generators for your needs starts with thinking about power output capabilities, fuel sources and the wattages required for appliances or tools. House generators give you peace of mind by keeping your home’s power running through a blackout. Portable generators are often used on job sites to power air compressors, nail guns, saws, hammer drills and other equipment. They’re also great as an emergency backup system for larger appliances.

If noise is a concern, quiet generators may be your best bet. Inverter generators provide clean and quiet power and are ideal for job sites, tailgating and camping. They typically operate quieter than other generators and can provide power for lights, heaters, fans, radios and more.

Portable Power Stations can be used indoors since they do not require gas to operate and are fume free. Battery powered inverters deliver convenient, on-the-go power that is perfect for small electronic devices like cell phones, tablets and laptops. If you're looking for a 220-volt generator for camping, or if you’re considering home generators, electric generators or solar generators, we have you covered.

Like its name suggests, dual fuel generators are considered cheaper to run since they rely and operate on two forms of fuel - gasoline and propane. Although gasoline is relatively easy to use and obtain, propane is popular because it’s generally affordable, cleaner and quieter.

There are three basic types of generators: whole house generators, portable generators and inverter generators.

 

Inverter generators are ideal for camping, boating and other recreational activities. They operate quieter than other generators and provide power for lights, heaters, fans, radios, smart phones and more.

Whole house generators (home standby generators) are the best generators for home use. They are designed to provide ample power for your appliances and HVAC systems.

Portable generators are often used on job sites to power air compressors, nail guns, saws, hammer drills and other equipment. Most are loud, but there are quiet portable generators too.

Whole house generators, or home standby generators, keep your home's systems and appliances powered up whenever you get separated from the power grid.

 

Get automatic emergency backup power within seconds of an outage.

Whole house generators provide blackout protection seven days a week, 24-hours a day and are permanently installed.

You can operate the machine using an existing fuel supply such as natural gas or liquid propane.

Whole house generators are flexible enough to power your entire home or just supply power to a few designated circuits.

When choosing the best generator for home backup, consider models with special features that run the unit more quietly or conduct weekly, self-diagnostic tests.

Popular on job sites, portable generators provide limited power for small, short-term uses. For greater efficiency and longer run time, choose an auto-idle to idle the engine down when it's not in use.

Here are the approximate wattages of common tools:

 

Chain Saw: 1000-1800

Circular Saw: 1200-1600

Drill (depends on size): 250-1200

String Trimmer: 600-1100

Hedge Clippers: 300-1000

Leaf Blower: 1000-1400

Planer: 300-900

Sanders: 250-1500

Router: 100-1500

Shop Vacuum: 700-1400

Paint Sprayer: 500-1000

Miter Saw: 500-1000

INVERTER GENERATORS

Known for their lower noise levels, quiet inverter generators are lightweight and easy to transport. They use an engine connected to an alternator to produce AC power and convert it to DC power. DC power can be stored, which makes an inverter one of the best types of generators for traveling in an RV, tailgating, camping or boating.  

Here are the approximate wattages for items commonly powered by an inverter generator:

 

Lights: 250

Fan: 100

Space Heater: 1500

Hot Plate: 1200

Crock Pot: 1200

Television: 250

HOW TO CHOOSE GENERATOR FUEL TYPE

When choosing between types of generators, consider the types of fuel each generator will need. Fuel availability and storage are important factors when maintaining your generator. The generator’s fuel source should be affordable for you and on-hand whenever you need it. Below are the common types of generator fuel:

Gasoline

Readily available and easy to purchase, making it a good choice for portable generators.

Available in 2- to 5-gallon portable cans.

Lasts for 3- to 6-months when properly stored in an air-tight container.  

Lasts for up to 3 years when properly stored and combined with a fuel stabilizer.

Should only be used outdoors.

Diesel

Offers the most energy per gallon of all generator fuel types.  

Reliable and readily available, making it a good choice for home standby generators or commercial generators.

Diesel generators perform best when used for big jobs over long periods of time.

Should only be used outdoors.

Lasts for 6-months to 1-year when properly stored and without added stabilizers.

Natural gas

Most cost-effective and readily available fuels for home standby generators.

Less energy-efficient per gallon than diesel, gasoline and propane.

Delivered through natural gas pipelines, so refueling is not necessary. No storage required, making it the most convenient choice for residential and commercial generators.

Should never be used indoors.

Supply usually not affected by power outages.

Propane

Available as liquid propane or vapor propane.

Liquid propane does not deteriorate, so it can be stored long-term.

Clean burning.

Should never be used indoors.

Commonly used in inverter generators for RVs, campers and food trucks.

Bi-Fuel

Unique type of generator that can burn gasoline/diesel and has a natural gas hookup.

Not for use indoors.

Not a standard type of generator, so not all manufacturers offer bi-fuel models.

Solar generators

Clean, renewable energy for portable generators.

Can often install more solar panels to increase power output.

Can safely run indoors, as there are no emissions.

Dependent on the sun for energy, so not always reliable in an emergency situation.

Lower power output than other types of generators.

Battery generators

Used in battery-powered inverter generators.

Often combined with solar generators.

Quiet and safe to run indoors.

Often take a long time to charge and have a lower power output than other types of generators.

Other Considerations

In addition to type, wattage, fuel type and purpose, consider these factors when choosing the best generators for home backup or for portable needs:

• Size: Make sure you have enough space to store both the generator and its fuel.
• Noise: Some generators, particularly diesel-fueled generators, run loudly and can be disruptive. Decide on your noise tolerance when choosing generators. Choose quiet generators if you need to be nearby it while it’s running.
• Price: Typically, the higher the power output, the more expensive a generator is. To save money on your purchase, find a generator that will supply just your basic necessities.
• Performance: Check how long the model will run on a full tank/full battery to determine its performance capabilities.
• Extra features: Some generators have add-on features such as automatic starts, wheels for mobility on portable models, an economy mode, multiple outlets and more. You can also get generator accessories such as weatherproof storage covers and adapters, as well as handle and wheel installation kits.

SAFETY TIPS FOR GENERATORS

While generators are useful during power outages, natural disasters or when being used to provide power in remote locations, they also need to be handled properly to avoid any injuries or damage. Things to keep top of mind are:

• Purchase the right size generator for your needs.
• Keep the generator away from water.
• Always use the proper extension cords.
• Never operate the generator in an enclosed space as it produces carbon monoxide which can be harmful.
• Certain fuels can be a safety risk while in storage, and generator emissions can be toxic. Make sure the type of generator you choose is EPA-compliant for your area.

To find the best generator for you, start by identifying the main purpose of your generator. From there, you can determine the necessary wattage and the fuel source that best works for you.